The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) first developed a guidance document on artisanal and small scale gold mining (ASGM) in 2011, entitled Guidance Document: Developing a National Strategic Plan to Reduce Mercury Use in Artisanal and Small Scale Gold Mining (UNEP 2011). The document was prepared to assist governments with the development of national strategic plans to improve practices and working conditions in ASGM communities and to reduce mercury, and where feasible eliminate, use, emissions and releases from the sector. The development of National Strategic Plans was pilot-tested