T C P – Treaties Conventions

Protocols
 First Things First
Treaty is any written agreement signed by a few countries or international
organizations. Signatories to treaties accept to follow certain rules and
obligations and also agree to take liabilities for any failure on their part.
Treaty is signed straight away by the members and may have clauses of
ratification. Treaties may be bilateral or multilateral.

Convention is a special type of treaty or agreement multiple nations. Many

countries of the world come together to discuss a global issue and reach a
consensus regarding procedures and actions they all agree to follow.
Conventions are generally not binding without state ratification.

Protocol is used for agreements less formal than those entitled "treaty" or
"convention". Both treaties and conventions can have protocols which can
be considered as supplementary agreements or amendments to them.
Generally Protocols are optional and require specific ratifications.
 Mcloy-Zorin Accords
In 1961 McCloy–Zorin Accords were
signed between USA & USSR which
established a foundation or "roadmap"
for all future negotiations and
international treaties with regard to
nuclear disarmament.

The accords provided for Principles for

General and Complete Disarmament.

Both nations emphatically declared that

war should "no longer be an instrument for
settling international problems”
 PTBT
In 1963, the Partial Test Ban Treaty (PTBT) or the Limited Test Ban Treaty
(LTBT) was signed in Moscow by the United States, the Soviet Union, and the
United Kingdom.

The Treaty requires Parties to prohibit, prevent, and abstain from carrying out
nuclear weapons tests or any other nuclear explosions in the atmosphere, in outer
space, under water, or in any other environment leaving nuclear debris.

The PTBT does not provide for any international verification.

Note: India is a signatory to PTBT, in fact in 1954, it was India who proposed
such an idea.
With the signing of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) in September
1996, the PTBT became redundant.
 NPT
The Nuclear non proliferation treaty (NPT) is a multilateral
treaty aimed at limiting the spread of nuclear weapons.

NPT represents the only binding commitment in a multilateral

treaty to the goal of disarmament by the nuclear-weapon
States.

NPT was finalized & opened for signature in 1968, the

Treaty entered into force in 1970.

On 11 May 1995, the Treaty was extended indefinitely.

 What is NPT?
The NPT has
threefold objectives

1. Nuclear non- 2. Nuclear 3. Peaceful use of

proliferation Disarmament nuclear energy

To further the goal of non-proliferation and as a confidence-building measure between

States parties, the Treaty establishes a safeguards system under the responsibility of
the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Safeguards are used to verify
compliance with the Treaty through inspections conducted by the IAEA.
 NPT in Simple Terms
1. NPT defines nuclear weapon states (NWS) as those that had
manufactured and detonated a nuclear explosive device prior to 1
January 1967. At that time NWS included China, France, Russia,
UK & US.

2. All the other states are considered non-nuclear weapon states

(NNWS). NNWS shall not acquire nuclear weapons.

3. NWS with nuclear weapons shall pursue nuclear disarmament.

4. Both NWS & NNWS who have ratified NPT can access nuclear
technology for peaceful purposes, under safeguards.

Note: The NPT basically divides the world between N-haves & N-
havenots..!!
Is there anyone who has not acceded to
NPT?
• Of course… India is not a signatory…!!

• India has always considered the NPT as discriminatory. We

have always opposed NPT as it basically legitimised the monopoly
of the five nuclear weapons powers.

• India has not signed NPT ever. Apart from India, Pakistan,
Israel, North Korea, and South Sudan have not signed or
signed & come out of it.

• Note: In 2020, Iran had also threatned to come out of NPT.

NPT – A success or Failure
 NPT – A success or Failure
Under the NPT five regional treaties are in place which have declared
these regions as Nuclear Free Zones.

1. Latin-America and the Caribbean

2. Southeast Asia
3. South Pacific
4. Africa
5. Central Asia

Antarctica is also considered nuclear-free, and so is outer space.

There is also Moon & Seabed agreement making them nuclear free.
 Tlatelolco Treaty
Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin
America and the Caribbean (Treaty of Tlatelolco) was
opened for signature on 14 February 1967 in Mexico City.

The Zone of Application defined by the Treaty of Tlatelolco

encompasses a surface of more than 20 million square
kilometers. It includes areas of the high seas, defined by the
United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea , and
the national territories of the 33 countries of Latin
America and the Caribbean.

In order to ensure compliance with the obligations of the

Treaty of Tlatelolco, the Contracting Parties established in
1969 the Agency for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons
in Latin America and the Caribbean (OPANAL).
 Rarotango Treaty
Treaty of Rarotonga, the South Pacific Nuclear Free
Zone Treaty, opened for signature on 6 August 1985
and entered into force on 11 December 1986.

The geographic scope of the Rarotonga Treaty is vast,

extending from the West coast of Australia to the
boundary of the Latin American NWFZ in the east, and
from the equator to 60 degrees south.

There are 13 States Parties to the Treaty: Australia,

Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue,
Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga,
Tuvalu, Vanuatu.

Rarotango is most populated island in Cook islands.

 Bangkok Treaty
Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear
Weapon-Free Zone, also known as the
SEANWFZ Treaty or Bangkok Treaty, was
signed on 15 December 1995 by ten
Southeast Asian States.

The Treaty, which entered into force on 27

March 1997, was registered with the United
Nations on 27 June 1997.

The Treaty is a key legal instrument in

supporting the purposes of ASEAN, which, as
articulated in the ASEAN Charter, include
preserving Southeast Asia as a Nuclear
Weapon-Free Zone
 Pelindaba Treaty
African Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty,
also known as the “Pelindaba Treaty”,
established the nuclear-weapon-free zone
on the African continent.

It opened for signature on 12 April 1996 in

Cairo, Egypt and entered into force on 15
July 2009.

Pelindaba Treaty has 43 States Parties.

Note: Pelindaba in Zulu means "the

conclusion“. Pelindaba has South Africa's
main nuclear research centre.
 Pelindaba Treaty
The African Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty prohibits the research,
development, manufacture, stockpiling, acquisition, testing, possession,
control or stationing of nuclear weapons, as well as the dumping of
radioactive wastes. The Treaty also prohibits any attack against nuclear
installations in the zone by Treaty parties and requires them to maintain
the highest standards of physical protection of nuclear material, facilities
and equipment, which are to be used exclusively for peaceful purposes.

The Treaty requires all parties to apply full-scope International Atomic

Energy Agency safeguards to all their peaceful nuclear activities.

Note: Nothing in the Treaty prevents the use of nuclear sciences and
technology for peaceful purposes.
 Semipalatinsk Treaty
Central Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone
(CANWFZ) treaty is a legally binding commitment
by Central Asian States (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan,
Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan) not to
manufacture, acquire, test, or possess nuclear
weapons.

The treaty was signed on 8 September 2006 at

the former Semipalatinsk nuclear test site in
Kazakhstan, hence the Treaty’s unofficial name
as 'Semipalatinsk Treaty'.

The treaty has been ratified by all five Central

Asian states and entered into force on 21 March
2009.
 FYI

1. Tlatelolco – Mexico – 1967 - Latin America & Caribbean NWFZ

2. Rarotango – Cook Islands – 1985 – South Pacific NWFZ
3. Bangkok – Thailand – 1995 – South East asia NWFZ
4. Pelindaba – South Africa – 1996 – African NWFZ
5. Semipalatinsk – Kazakhstan – 2006 – Central Asian NWFZ
 CTBT
Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban
Treaty (CTBT) bans all nuclear
explosion tests on Earth.

Treaty was negotiated at the

Conference on Disarmament in Geneva
in 1994 and adopted by UNGA. It was
opened for signature in 1996.

Since then CTBT has been signed by

184 nations.

India has not signed the treaty.

 CTBT
Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) includes Protocol in three parts

1. International Monitoring System (IMS)

2. On-Site Inspections (OSI)
3. Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs)

The Treaty also establishes a CTBT Organization (CTBTO), located in Vienna,

to ensure the implementation of its provisions, including those provisions for
international verification measures.

The Treaty provides for measures to redress a violation of the Treaty and to ensure
compliance, including sanctions, and for settlement of disputes.
 CTBT
Is CTBT in force?

No..!!!

CTBT will enter into force 180 days after the date of deposit of the
instruments of ratification by all States listed in Annex 2 (It has 44
states).

Of the 44 States included in Annex 2 required for entry into force of the
CTBT, all have signed with the exceptions of North Korea, India, and
Pakistan. 5 of the 44 Annex 2 States have signed but not ratified the
CTBT - China, Egypt, Iran, Israel, & USA.
 CTBT
India is not a member of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty
(CTBT) & Nuclear non proliferation treaty (NPT) because it believes its
present format to be discriminatory.

In 1994, India put forward a number of proposals aimed at ensuring that the
CTBT would be truly comprehensive and would be part of the step-by-step
process of eliminating all nuclear weapons. These proposals were ignored.
In fact in 1995, NPT was extended for indefinite period.

India has made it clear that its support for the CTBT depended on a series of
reciprocal activities from the P5 nations. India believes that original nuclear
weapon states (NWS) must adopt equal obligations towards universal nuclear
disarmament.
 TPNW 2021
The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), negotiated
by more than 130 states, is a good faith effort to meet their
responsibility as signatories of the nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty
(NPT) to pursue effective measures on disarmament.

This treaty was adopted in 2017 and was opened for signatures. It
entered into force from January 2021.

As of July 1, 2022, 86 states have signed the treaty and 66 have ratified
it.

India did not participate in the negotiations for the TPNW. India is not a
party to the treaty.
 TPNW 2021
TPNW reinforces the commitments against the use, threat of use,
development, production, manufacture, acquisition, possession, stockpiling,
transfer, stationing, or installation of nuclear weapons. It is first of its
kind treaty which also aims to eliminate nuclear weapons.

It has clauses for Nuclear-weapon States Seeking to Join the Treaty

to “join & destroy” or “destroy & join”.

The treaty also has provisions for providing victim assistance and
remediation to the environment to those who have been affected by
nuclear usage and testing.
 FMCT
Fissile Material Cutoff Treaty (FMCT) is a proposed international
treaty to prohibit the further production of fissile material for
nuclear weapons or other explosive devices.

The treaty has not been negotiated and its terms remain to be
defined.

A fissile material cut-off treaty (FMCT) would prohibit the

production of the two main components of nuclear weapons:
highly-enriched uranium (HEU) and plutonium.

Discussions for FMCT are ongoing in the UN Conference on

Disarmament (CD).
 Nuclear Terrorism Convention
International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear
Terrorism or nuclear terrorism convention is a 2005 United Nations
agreement designed to criminalize acts of nuclear terrorism and to
promote police and judicial cooperation to prevent, investigate and punish
those acts.

As of February 2021, the convention has 115 signatories. India signed

the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear
Terrorism, 2005 on 24th July 2006 at the UN Headquarters in New
York.

The Convention is the first anti-terrorism UN convention adopted since

the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
 Nuclear Terrorism Convention
Any obligations?

The Convention requires States to make punishable as serious

offence under their domestic law, terrorist acts involving the use
of nuclear materials.

States are also required to cooperate in the prevention, investigation

and prosecution of these offences through information sharing,
extradition and mutual legal assistance.

This Convention is an important step forward in multilateral efforts to

strengthen the international legal framework against terrorism.
 CPPNM
Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material was adopted in
1979 in Vienna, Austria.

1. The Convention provides for certain levels of physical protection

during international transport of nuclear material.
2. It also establishes a general framework for cooperation among states in
the protection, recovery, and return of stolen nuclear material.
3. Convention also lists certain serious offenses involving nuclear
material which state parties are to make punishable in their laws.
It also has a system of extradition or submission for prosecution.

India is signatory to the convention since 2002 but is not bound by dispute
settlement procedures of the convention.
@rahulsai222

@rahulsai222_siq
 Antarctic Treaty
The Antarctic treaty remains the only example of a single
treaty that governs a whole continent.

The Antarctic Treaty was signed in Washington on 1 December

1959 by the twelve countries whose scientists had been active
in and around Antarctica during the International Geophysical
Year (IGY) of 1957-58.

The twelve original signatories are Argentina, Australia, Belgium,

Chile, France, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, South Africa, the
Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, the UK and the US.
 Antarctic Treaty
The treaty entered into force in 1961
and has since been acceded to by many
other nations.

The total number of Parties to the

Treaty today are 54.

India became a member of this

treaty in 1983.

Secretariat: Buenos Aires, Argentina

 Antarctic Treaty
Core principles:

Art 1: Antarctica shall be used for peaceful purposes only

Art 2: Freedom of scientific investigation in Antarctica and

cooperation toward that end, shall continue

Art 3: Scientific observations and results from Antarctica shall be

exchanged and made freely available.

Art 7: To promote the objectives and ensure the observance of the

provisions of the Treaty, "All areas of Antarctica, including all
stations, installations and equipment within those areas … shall be
open at all times to inspection.”
 Antarctic Treaty
Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals – 1972

Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals (CCAS) is part

of the Antarctic Treaty System.

CCAS has the objective "to promote and achieve the protection,
scientific study, and rational use of Antarctic seals, and to
maintain a satisfactory balance within the ecological system of
Antarctica.”

CCAS forbids the killing or capture of Antarctic seals except in

specific cases like Research, technical evidence etc.
Antarctic Treaty
 Antarctic Treaty
Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources – 1980

Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources is

part of the Antarctic Treaty System.

Convention led to creation of Commission for the Conservation of

Antarctic Marine Living Resources which is headquartered at Tasmania,
Australia.

The main objective of the Convention is to preserve marine life and

environmental integrity in and near Antarctica. It was established in
large part to concerns that an increase in krill catches in the Southern
Ocean could have a serious impact on populations of other marine life
which are dependent upon krill for food.
 Antarctic Treaty
Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty – 1991

Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty is also

called Madrid Protocol & is part of the Antarctic Treaty System. It
was concluded in Madrid in 1991.

It designates Antarctica as a “natural reserve, devoted to peace

and science.”

It calls for “environmental assessment” for all activities in

Antarctica. It also creates a Committee for Environmental
Protection for the continent.
 Arctic Council
Arctic Council is a high-level intergovernmental forum
that addresses issues faced by the Arctic governments
and the indigenous people of the Arctic. 1. Canada
2. Denmark
At present, eight countries exercise sovereignty over 3. Finland
the lands within the Arctic Circle, and these constitute 4. Iceland
the member states of the Arctic council. 5. Norway
6. Russia
India joined arctic council as observer in 2013. Apart 7. Sweden
from many observers, Indigenous permanent participants
also attend meetings of Arctic council. 8. United States

Can you name some indigeneous groups from Arctic?

 Outer Space Treaty
Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the
Exploration and Use of Outer Space commonly referred as Outer
space treaty was finalised in 1967.

It was adopted by UNGA on 27 January 1967.

As of today, 111 countries are parties to the treaty. India is a

party to the Outer Space Treaty.
 Outer Space Treaty

Do we need
a new Outer
Space
treaty?
 Rescue Agreement
Agreement on the Rescue of Astronauts, the Return of
Astronauts and the Return of Objects Launched into Outer
Space was adopted by UNGA in 1968. (In short Rescue
agreement).

The Agreement, elaborating on elements of articles 5 and 8

of the Outer Space Treaty, provides that States shall take
all possible steps to rescue and assist astronauts in
distress and promptly return them to the launching State,
and that States shall, upon request, provide assistance to
launching States in recovering space objects that return
to Earth outside the territory of the Launching State.
 Liability Convention
Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space
Objects was adopted by UNGA in 1972. (In short, Liability
Convention)

The Liability Convention provides that a launching State shall be

“absolutely liable” to pay compensation for damage caused by its
space objects on the surface of the Earth or to aircraft, and
liable for damage due to its faults in space.

The Convention also provides for procedures for the settlement

of claims for damages.
 Registration Convention
Convention on Registration of Objects Launched into Outer
Space was adopted by UNGA in 1976.

Building upon the previous space treaties, a mechanism that

provided States with a means to assist in the identification of
space objects was brough under the Registration Convention.

It expanded the scope of the United Nations Register to note

Objects Launched into Outer Space.

The UN Secretary-General shall maintain the Register of

Objects Launched into Outer Space and ensure full and open
access to the information provided by States and international
intergovernmental organizations.
 Moon Agreement
Agreement Governing the Activities of States on the Moon and Other
Celestial Bodies was adopted by UNGA in 1979 but came into force in
1984. (In short Moon agreement)

The Moon Agreement reaffirms and elaborates on many of the provisions

of the Outer Space Treaty which applied to the Moon and other celestial
bodies.

The agreement states that moon & other celestial bodies should be used
exclusively for peaceful purposes, that their environments should not
be disrupted, that the United Nations should be informed of the
location and purpose of any station established on those bodies.

Moon and its natural resources are the common heritage of mankind.
@rahulsai222

@rahulsai222_siq
 Ramsar Convention - 1971
Convention on Wetlands, called the Ramsar Convention, is an
intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for national
action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use
of wetlands and their resources.

The Convention was adopted in the Iranian city of Ramsar in 1971 and came
into force in 1975 after UNESCO (the United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization), the Convention’s depositary received
the instruments of accession from the countries.

Where is Ramsar : Iran

RAMSAR Secretariat : IUCN, Gland, Switzerland

World Wetlands Day: 2 February

Ramsar Convention - 1971
 Ramsar
Convention
- 1971
Ramsar
Sites in
India
 Montreux Record
Montreux Record is a register of wetland sites on the List of
Wetlands of International Importance where changes in ecological
character have occurred, are occurring, or are likely to occur
as a result of technological developments, pollution or other
human interference.

It is maintained as part of the Ramsar List since 1990. The

Montreux Record is employed to identify priority sites for positive
international and national attention towards conservation.

Where is Montreux : Switzerland

Indian sites - Keoladeo National Park-Rajasthan, Loktak Lake –

Manipur are included in Montreux Record.
World Heritage Convention - 1972
World Heritage Convention - 1972
 World Heritage List
UNESCO’s World Heritage Site is a place that is recognized by the United
Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization as a place having
distinctive cultural or physical importance which is considered of
outstanding value to humanity.

Since the World heritage convention 1972, UNESCO strives to encourage

the conservation, identification, and maintenance of natural and cultural
heritage around the world. India became the signatory of this convention
on 14 November 1977.

Under the Convention, UNESCO has setup World heritage committee and
world heritage fund to Protect World’s Cultural and Natural Heritage since
1976.
World Heritage List
 The Process

As of 2022, a total of 1,154 World Heritage Sites (897 cultural, 218

natural, and 39 mixed properties) exist across 167 countries.
 The Process

5.
Selection
4.World
Criteria
Heritage
3.
Committee
Advisory
2.
Body
Nomination
1.
File
Tentative
List
Tentative List
India’s Tentative List
 Stockholm Conference - 1972
United Nations Conference on the Human Environment was
held in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1972. (In short, Stockholm
Conference)

It was the first declaration of international protection of

the environment. Stockholm declaration from conference
led to 26 principles which formed the basis of
International Policy for the Protection of the environment.

UNEP was established by the UNGA after the Stockholm

Conference in June 1972.
 CITES - 1973
CITES - Convention on International Trade in Endangered
Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, also known as the
Washington Convention is a multilateral treaty to protect
endangered plants and animals from the threats of
international trade.

It was drafted as a result of a resolution adopted in 1963

at IUCN meet. It was finalized in 1973 & opened for
signatures. It came into force in 1975 after requisite
ratification.

India became a party to the convention in 1976.

 CITES - 1973

CITES does not seek to directly protect endangered species, rather it

seeks to reduce the economic incentive to poach endangered species by
curbing international trade.
 CITES - 1973
Over 38,000 species, subspecies and populations are protected under CITES.

1. Appendix I species are those that are threatened with extinction and to
which the highest level of CITES protection is afforded.
2. Appendix II species are those that are not necessarily threatened with
extinction, but trade must be controlled in order to avoid utilization
incompatible with their survival.
3. Appendix III species are those that are protected in at least one country,
and that country has asked other CITES Parties for assistance in controlling
the trade.

Please note: CITES does have any primacy over national laws. Generally domestic
legislations are in line with CITES. (WPA 1972)
 (CMS) Bonn Convention - 1979
Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (Bonn
Convention) aims to “conserve terrestrial, marine and avian migratory
species throughout their range.”

CMS provides a global platform for the conservation and sustainable use of
migratory animals and their habitats. CMS brings together the States
through which migratory animals pass, the Range States, and lays the legal
foundation for internationally coordinated conservation measures throughout
a migratory range.

CMS was signed in 1979 in Bonn. Today, it has 133 Member States.

Where is Bonn: Germany

 (CMS) Bonn Convention - 1979
CMS has two appendices:

Appendix I lists migratory

species that are classified as
endangered and where urgent
international cooperation is
necessary to address the issue.

Appendix II lists other

species that require or would
benefit significantly from
international agreements under
the Convention.
@rahulsai222

@rahulsai222_siq
 Vienna Convention 1985
The Vienna convention was adopted on 22nd March, 1985.

It is the first Multilateral Environmental Agreement for

protection of stratospheric ozone layer.

It is under Vienna convention of 1985 global cooperation for

protection of ozone layer began which later led to Montreal
protocol on substances that deplete ozone layer in 1987 & Kigali
agreement on HCFCs in 2016.

Where is Vienna: Austria

 What is Ozone layer?
Ozone is a highly reactive molecule formed
of three oxygen atoms found primarily in
two regions of the atmosphere.

About 90 per cent of Earth’s ozone

resides in the stratosphere above the
troposphere.

The region of the stratosphere with the

highest amount of ozone is called the ozone
layer. The stratospheric ozone layer absorbs
the sun’s ultraviolet rays and protects all
biological systems on Earth from these
harmful rays.
 Why did Ozone deplete?
• Almost five decades ago,
three chemists (1974),
Mario Molino, Sherwood
Rowland, and Paul Crutzen
had warned that
chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
pose a threat to the ozone
layer that protects
humans, animals and plants
from harmful sun radiation.
Why did Ozone deplete?
FYI – O3 is measured in Dobson
Unit
What happens if Ozone depletes?
 How is Ozone improving?
The Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer is a
Multilateral Environmental Agreement agreed in Vienna Conference of
1985. It created a framework for the international efforts to protect
the ozone layer. The convention did not lead to legally binding reduction
goals but later on binding commitments were laid out in the
accompanying Montreal Protocol.

The Montreal Protocol is an international treaty designed to protect the

ozone layer by phasing out the production of numerous substances
believed to be responsible for ozone depletion. The treaty was opened
for signature on September 16, 1987, and entered into force on January 1,
1989.
Where is Montreal: Canada
 How is Ozone improving?

The Montreal Protocol targets 96 ozone depleting chemicals in thousands of applications across more than
240 industrial sectors.
In 2016 the Montreal Protocol also became responsible for setting binding progressive phase down
obligations for the 18 main hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).
 Kigali agreement
After Montreal protocol, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), were introduced as
non-ozone depleting alternatives to support the timely phase out of CFCs
and HCFCs.

Today, HFCs are widespread in air conditioners, refrigerators, aerosols, foams

and other products. While these chemicals do not deplete the stratospheric
ozone layer, some of them have high GWPs ranging from 12 to 14,000.
Overall HFC emissions are growing at a rate of 8% per year and annual emissions
are projected to rise to 7-19% of global CO2 emissions by 2050.

In 2016, the Parties to the Montreal Protocol reached agreement in Kigali,

Rwanda to phase-down HFCs. Countries agreed to add HFCs to the list of
controlled substances, and approved a timeline for their gradual reduction
by 80-85 per cent by the late 2040s.
Kigali agreement
 Montevideo Programme
Since 1982, UNEP has conducted its environmental law activities on
the basis of sequential ten-year Montevideo Programmes for the
Development and Periodic Review of Environmental Law.

In March 2019, the UN Environment Assembly adopted the Fifth

Montevideo. It is a ten-year intergovernmental programme on
promoting and implementing environmental rule of law, running
from January 2020 to December 2029.

UNEP is the Secretariat of the programme.

Where is Montevideo: Uruguay

 Montevideo Programme
Objectives of Montevideo Programme

1. Support the development of adequate and effective environmental

legislation and legal frameworks to address environmental issues.

2. Strengthen the implementation of environmental law at national

level.

3. Support capacity-building for increased effectiveness of

environmental law for stakeholders.

4. Promote the role of environmental law in the context of effective

environmental governance.
 Basel Convention - 1989

Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary

Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their
Disposal, usually known as the Basel Convention, is
an international treaty that was designed to
reduce the movements of hazardous waste
between nations, and specifically to prevent
transfer of hazardous waste from developed to
less developed countries (LDCs) signed in 1989.
It came into force in 1992.

Where is Basel: Switzerland

 Basel Convention - 1989

It was one of the first

successes of Montevideo
Programme on Environmental
Law.

It was in response to a public

outcry following the discovery, in
the 1980s, in Africa and other
parts of the developing world of
deposits of toxic wastes
imported from abroad…!!
 Basel Convention - 1989
In 1986, a cargo ship Khian Sea, registered
in Liberia, was loaded with more than 14,000
tons of ash from waste incinerators in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Every one rejected the ash. It was first sent

to new jersey. Then over, next 16 months,
Khian Sea searched all over the Atlantic for a
place to dump its cargo. Dominican Republic,
Honduras, Panama, Bermuda, Guinea Bissau
and the Dutch Antilles refused.

In 1988, the crew finally dumped large waste

in Haiti as "topsoil fertilizer“ which led to
huge outcry.
 Basel Convention - 1989
The objectives of the Basel convention are to reduce trans-boundary movements of
hazardous wastes, to minimize the creation of such wastes and to prohibit their
shipment from Developed countries to the LDCs.

India ratified the convention and enacted Hazardous Wastes Management Rules
1989, encompassing some of the Basel provisions related to the notification of
import and export of hazardous wastes, illegal traffic and liability.

Radioactive waste that is covered under other international control systems and
wastes from the normal operation of ships are not covered.

Basel Action Network (BAN) is a charitable civil society non-governmental

organization that works as a consumer watchdog for implementation of the Basel
Convention.
 Basel Protocol - 1999
The Basel Protocol on Liability and Compensation was adopted at the Fifth
Conference of Parties (COP-5) on 10 December 1999.

The Protocol talks began in 1993 in response to the concerns of developing

countries about their lack of funds and technologies for coping with illegal
dumping or accidental spills.

The objective of the Protocol is to provide for a comprehensive regime for

liability as well as adequate and prompt compensation for damage resulting
from the transboundary movement of hazardous .

The Protocol addresses who is financially responsible in the event of an

incident.
 Rio Summit - 1992
United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED),
also known as the 'Earth Summit’ or Rio summit, was held in Rio de
Janeiro, Brazil, from 3-14 June 1992.

This global conference was held on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of
the first Human Environment Conference in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1972.

It brought together political leaders, diplomats, scientists,

representatives of the media and non-governmental organizations
(NGOs) from 179 countries for a massive effort to focus on the
impact of human socio-economic activities on the environment.
 Rio Summit - 1992
'Earth Summit' had many great achievements:

 Agenda 21
 Declaration of Sustainable development (Rio Declaration)
 Forest principles
 Convention of Biodiversity (CBD)
 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
(UNFCCC)
 United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (1994)
 Agenda 21
Agenda 21 is a non binding comprehensive plan of action to be
taken globally, nationally and locally by organizations of the United
Nations System, Governments, and Major Groups in every area in
which human impacts on the environment have occurred.

Agenda 21, the Rio Declaration on Environment and

Development, and the Statement of principles for the
Sustainable Management of Forests were adopted at UNCED
1992.

The Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) was created

in December 1992 to ensure effective follow-up of UNCED.
Agenda 21
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 Rio Summit - 1992
United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED),
also known as the 'Earth Summit’ or Rio summit, was held in Rio de
Janeiro, Brazil, from 3-14 June 1992.

This global conference was held on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of
the first Human Environment Conference in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1972.

It brought together political leaders, diplomats, scientists,

representatives of the media and non-governmental organizations
(NGOs) from 179 countries for a massive effort to focus on the
impact of human socio-economic activities on the environment.
 Rio Summit - 1992
'Earth Summit' had many great achievements:

 Agenda 21
 Declaration of Sustainable development (Rio Declaration)
 Forest principles
 Convention of Biodiversity (CBD)
 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
(UNFCCC)
 United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (1994)
 CBD 1992
The Convention on Biological Diversity
was inspired by the world community's
growing commitment to sustainable
development.
It represents a dramatic step forward in
1. The conservation of biological
diversity
2. The sustainable use of its
components
3. The fair and equitable sharing
of benefits arising from the
use of genetic resources
 CBD 1992
The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) was opened for signature
on 5 June 1992 at the United Nations Conference on Environment and
Development (the Rio "Earth Summit").

It remained open for signature until 4 June 1993, by which time it had
received 168 signatures.

This convention is a legally binding framework ratified by more than 190

countries.

CBD Secretariat: Montreal, Canada

CBD Operation: Under UNEP
 CBD 1992
Objectives:

1. Conservation of biodiversity
2. Sustainable use of biological resources
3. Equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic
resources

It addresses many biodiversity issues like habitat preservation,

intellectual property rights, biosafety, traditional knowledge,
advance information and indigenous people‘s rights.
 CBD 1992
Working of CBD:

1. Annual Conference of the Parties (CoP)

2. Subsidiary Body for Scientific, Technical and Technological
Advice (SBSTTA)
3. Subsidiary Body on Implementation (SBI)
4. CBD Secretariat
 CBD 1992
Working of CBD:

National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAP) are the

principal instruments for implementing the Convention at the national
level. The Convention requires that countries prepare a national
biodiversity strategy and to ensure that this strategy is included in
planning for activities in all sectors where diversity may be impacted.

United Nations has proclaimed May 22 The International Day for

Biological Diversity (IDB) to increase understanding and awareness of
biodiversity issues.
Theme for 2022: Building a shared future for all life
 Cartagena Protocol
The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to the CBD is an agreement which
aims to ensure the safe handling, transport and use of living modified
organisms (LMOs) resulting from modern biotechnology that may have
adverse effects on biological diversity, taking also into account risks to
human health.

It was adopted on 29 January 2000 and entered into force on 11

September 2003.

Cartagena Protocol makes clear that products from new technologies

must be based on the precautionary principle and allow developing
nations to balance public health against economic benefits.

Can I export Bt Cotton from India? Or Can I import say Bt Corn from
USA?
 Gran Canaria Declaration
In April 2002, the Parties of the UNCBD adopted the recommendations of
the Gran Canaria Declaration Calling for a Global Plant Conservation
Strategy, and adopted 5-goal & 16-point plan aiming to slow the rate
of plant extinctions around the world.

Goal I: Plant diversity is well understood, documented and recognized

Goal II: Plant diversity is urgently and effectively conserved
Goal III: Plant diversity is used in a sustainable and equitable manner
Goal IV: Education and awareness about plant diversity, its role in
sustainable livelihoods and importance to all life on earth is promoted
Goal V: The capacities and public engagement necessary to implement
the Strategy have been developed
 Nagoya Protocol
Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair
and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization
to the Convention on Biological Diversity is an international
agreement which aims at sharing the benefits arising from the
utilization of genetic resources in a fair and equitable way.

It entered into force in 2014. Nagoya Protocol creates greater

legal certainty and transparency for both providers and users
of genetic resources.
 Nagoya Protocol
Nagoya Protocol sets out
core obligations
Access obligations
Benefit-sharing obligations
Compliance obligations
Nagoya Protocol mainly relies on effective
implementation at the domestic level.
A range of tools and mechanisms provided by
the Nagoya Protocol are establishing national
focal points (NFPs) and competent national
authorities (CNAs) to serve as contact points
for information, grant access or cooperate
on issues of compliance. Protocol also
created Access and Benefit-sharing
Clearing-House.
 Aichi BD Targets

Strategic Plan for

Biodiversity 2011-
2020 was agreed
and published after
10 CoP in 2010
which included the
"Aichi Biodiversity
Targets",
comprising 20
targets under 5
strategic goals.
 What after 2020?

A new plan called post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework

(GBF), is being developed to guide action through 2030.

Its first draft was released in 2021, and its final content is
being discussed and negotiated as part of the ongoing COPs.
 UNFCCC 1992
In 1992 after the Rio summit, countries joined for
an international agreement under the United
Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
to stabilize greenhouse gas emissions at levels that
would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference
with the global climate.

The UNFCCC entered into force on 21st March

1994, and has been ratified by 197 countries.
India signed the agreement in June 1992 and
ratified it a year later.
 UNFCCC 1992
Even though climate change is a global concern some of the
countries are majorly responsible for historical GHG emissions into
the atmosphere. Hence, UNFCCC is based on the principle of
common but differentiated responsibilities. (CBDR)

As per the convention the reduction/limitation requirements apply

only to developed countries. UNFCCC is not a legally binding
agreement.

UNFCCC secretariat: Bonn, Germany.

 UNFCCC 1992
UNFCCC

1. Conference of Parties (CoP) – Annual since 1995

2. Secretariat - supports a complex architecture of bodies that
serve to advance the implementation of the Convention, the
Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement.

Till now, 26 conference of parties meeting have concluded. Latest

being CoP 26 at Glasgow in Nov 2021.

UNFCCC is the parent treaty of the 2015 Paris Agreement as well

as 1997 Kyoto Protocol which are legally binding.
UNFCCC 1992
 Kyoto Protocol
Kyoto Protocol is an international treaty under UNFCCC that
commits State Parties to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

After intense deliberations, Kyoto Protocol was adopted in

Kyoto, Japan, on 11 December 1997 and entered into force on
16 February 2005 after necessary ratifications.

It has 192 parties under the Protocol. The targets for protocol
began from 2008.
 Kyoto Protocol
Kyoto I (2008-2012)

37 countries fully participated in the first commitment period. Parties

have committed themselves to national or joint reduction targets. 9
countries opted for flexibility mechanisms since their national
emissions were greater than their targets.

These nations aimed to reduce the emissions of seven greenhouse

gases
• carbon dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O),
hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), sulfur
hexafluoride (SF6), nitrogen trifluoride (NF3).
Kyoto Protocol
 Kyoto Protocol
Kyoto II (2012-2020)

37 countries had binding targets but only 7 ratified.

Nitrogen trifluoride was added for the second compliance.

During the second commitment period, Parties committed to

reduce GHG emissions by at least 18 percent below 1990
levels in the eight-year period from 2013 to 2020.
 Paris Climate Agreement
The Paris Agreement or Accord de Paris in French is an
agreement within the UNFCCC dealing with greenhouse
gases emissions mitigation, adaptation and finance.

Paris agreement was opened for signature in 2016. The

emission reduction efforts will be made in order to hold
the increase in the global average temperature to below
2 ̊C by reducing emissions to 40 gigatonnes or to 1.5 ̊

Paris agreement is based on Intended Nationally

Determined Contributions pledged by all parties.
Paris Climate Agreement
 UNCCD 1994
An intergovernmental negotiating
committee for the elaboration of
an international convention to combat
desertification in countries experiencing serious
drought and/ or desertification was recommended
in Rio summit & subsequently UNGA established a
committee in 1992.

The committee after 2 years formulated the

convention on desertification which is a legally
binding agreement linking development and
environment to sustainable land management.
 Desertification
Desertification is the degradation process by which a
fertile land changes itself into a desert by losing its flora
and fauna.

Causes: Deforestation, Drought, urbanization, human

activities, monoculture or improper agriculture etc.
 UNCCD 1994
The UNCCD is the only legally binding framework set up to address
desertification and the effects of drought. There are 197 Parties to the
Convention, including 196 country Parties and the European Union.

The Convention – based on the principles of participation, partnership and

decentralization – is a multilateral commitment to mitigate the impact of
land degradation, and protect our land so we can provide food, water,
shelter and economic opportunity to all people.

The Convention unites governments, scientists, policymakers, the private

sector and communities around a shared vision to restore and manage the
world’s land.

UNCCD secretariat : Bonn, Germany.

 UNCCD 1994
The UNCCD addresses particularly the arid, semi-arid & dry sub-humid
areas, called drylands, where some of the most vulnerable ecosystems
and peoples are found.

The convention endorses and employs a bottom-up approach to

international environmental cooperation. The Convention aims at tackling
desertification through national, regional and sub-regional action
programmes.

UNCCD COP has been meeting biennially since 2001, and has held 15
sessions. UNCCD COP15 was held from 9-20 May 2022 in Abidjan,
Cote d’Ivoire.

The next COP (ie:COP16), will take place in Saudi Arabia in 2024.
 UNCCD 1994
Global Mechanism (GM) was established in 1994 under
Article 21 of the UNCCD to facilitate the mobilization of
financial resources to implement the Convention and
address desertification, land degradation and drought.

GM also provides advisory services. It works together with

developing countries, the private sector and donors to
mobilize substantial resources within and outside a country,
in order to implement the Convention at the national level.

GM is working with the countries from the Sahel region to

mobilize more than $16 billion for the Great Green Wall.
 UNCCD 1994
The UNCCD 2018-2030 Strategic Framework is the most
comprehensive global commitment to achieve Land
Degradation Neutrality (LDN).

It aims to restore the productivity of vast expanses of

degraded land, improve the livelihoods of more than 1.3
billion people, and reduce the impacts of drought on
vulnerable populations.
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@rahulsai222_siq
 Rotterdam Convention - 1998
Rotterdam Convention or Convention on the Prior
Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous
Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade was
signed in 1998 & became effective from 2004.

It is a multilateral agreement to promote shared

responsibilities in relation to import & export of
hazardous chemicals.

The convention promotes open exchange of information

and calls on exporters of hazardous chemicals to use
proper labelling, include directions on safe handling,
and inform purchasers of any known restrictions or
bans.
 Rotterdam Convention - 1998
Each Party has an obligation
to designate one or more
national authorities to
perform the administrative
functions under the
Convention.

Signatory nations can decide

whether to allow or ban the
importation of chemicals
listed in the treaty, and
exporting countries are
obliged to make sure that
producers within their
jurisdiction comply.
Rotterdam Convention - 1998
Rotterdam Convention - 1998
 Rotterdam Convention - 1998
Iprodione is a fungicide used on vines, fruits, trees and
vegetables, has been classified as carcinogenic and toxic for
reproduction.

Terbufos is a soil insecticide used commonly on sorghum, maize,

beet and potatoes. It has also been found to pose risk to
aquatic organisms due to its toxicity.

Both the pesticides, which are used in agriculture, are known for
their harmful impacts on human health and the environment.

Note: India is among the largest exporters of Terbufos. India

exports most of it's Terbufos to Mexico, Taiwan, South Africa
and Guatemala.
Stockholm Convention is a global treaty to
protect human health and the
environment from POPs.
It was opened for signing in 2001 in
Stockholm (Sweden) and came into effect
in 2004.
The Stockholm convention aims to:
• Target additional POPs for action
• Find and Support safer alternatives.
• Cleanup old stockpiles
• International collaboration for a POPs-free
future.
Note: India ratified the Stockholm
Convention in 2006.
Stockholm convention calls to ban
nine of the dirty dozen
chemicals (key POPs) and limit the
use of others.
• Eight pesticides (aldrin, chlordane,
DDT, dieldrin, endrin, heptachlor,
mirex and toxaphene)
• Two industrial chemicals (poly
chlorinated biphenyls and
hexachlorobenzene)
• Two unintended by-products (poly
chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and
dibenzofurans, commonly referred
to as dioxins and furans).
What are Persistent organic Pollutants?
POPs (Persistent Organic Pollutants)

Persistence in the environment

Less soluble in water
They show long-range environmental transport (LRET)
Bio-accumulation in the fatty acids in living organisms
Adverse effect on human health/ environment

Exposure to POPs can lead to cancer, damage to central & peripheral

nervous systems, diseases of the immune system, reproductive
disorders and interference with normal infant and child development.
 New POPs
• In 2020, the Union 1. Chlordecone
Cabinet has approved the 2. Hexabromobiphenyl
ratification of seven 3. Hexabromodiphenyl ether and
chemicals listed under Hepta Bromodiphenyl Ether
Stockholm Convention.
(Commercial octa-BDE)
4. Tetrabromodiphenyl ether and
• The regulation inter alia Pentabromodiphenyl ether
prohibits the (Commercial penta-BDE)
manufacture, trade, use,
import and export of 5. Pentachlorobenzene
seven chemicals, namely: 6. Hexabromocyclododecane
7. Hexachlorobutadiene.
 Please Note
In 2012, the Secretariats of the

1. Basel Convention
2. Rotterdam convention
3. Stockholm convention

merged into a single Secretariat at Geneva Switzerland with a

matrix structure serving the three conventions.

The three conventions now hold back to back Conferences of

the Parties as part of their joint synergies decisions.
 Convention on Long-Range
Transboundary Air Pollution
CLRTAP is a multilateral understanding which is intended to
protect the human environment against air pollution and to
gradually reduce and prevent air pollution, including long-range
transboundary air pollution.

CLRTAP is implemented by the European Monitoring and Evaluation

Programme (EMEP) under UN Economic Commission for Europe
which also acts as its secretariat.

The convention opened for signature on November 13, 1979,

and entered into force on March 16, 1983. Today, there are
51 Parties (mostly developed countries).
 Convention on Long-Range
Transboundary Air Pollution
 Convention on Long-Range
Transboundary Air Pollution
CLRTAP was followed by multiple protocols for specific reduction of
pollutants

Helsinki Protocol on the Reduction of Sulphur emissions (1985)

Sofia protocol on Nitrogen Oxide emissions (1988)
Volatile Organic Compounds Protocol (1991)
Aarhus Protocol on heavy metals & Persistent Organic Pollutants
(1998)
Gothenburg Protocol to Abate Acidification, Eutrophication and
Ground-level Ozone (1999)
 Gothenburg Protocol - 1999
Gothenburg Protocol is an agreement to There are ceilings negotiated on the basis
Abate Acidification, Eutrophication and of scientific assessments of pollution
Ground-level Ozone which was adopted effects and abatement options. Protocol
by the countries of UNECE in implementation in Europe shall reduce
Gothenburg (Sweden) on 30 November sulphur emissions there by at least
1999. 63%, NOx emissions by 41%, VOC
emissions by 40% and ammonia
he Protocol sets national emission ceilings emissions by 17% compared to levels in
for 2010 up to 2020 for four pollutants: 1990.
1. Sulphur (SO2)
2. Nitrogen oxides (NOx) Negotiations are going on for post 2020
targets.
3. Volatile organic compounds
(VOCs) Gothenburg protocol is also called
Multi-effect Protocol. India is not a
4. Ammonia (NH3) party.
 Minamata Convention
Minamata convention is an international
environmental agreement intended to
protect health and the environment
from the adverse effects of
mercury based pollution.

The agreement was adopted in 2013 and came into force in

2017. It was signed in Kumamoto, Japan. India is a signatory to
Minamata convention. Its secretariat is in Geneva Switzerland.

The convention is named after the Japanese city Minamata.

This naming is of symbolic importance as the city went
through a devastating incident of mercury poisoning.
Minamata Convention
 Minamata Convention
Minamata Convention provides controls over a myriad of
products containing mercury, the manufacture, import and
export of which will be altogether prohibited by 2020,
except where some exemptions.

Products batteries, compact fluorescent lamps, relays,

soaps and cosmetics, thermometers, and blood pressure
devices, dental fillings etc.

Essential Products shall be regulated under the

convention, and their use must be phased down through a
number of measures like national action plans.
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@rahulsai222_siq
 Bamako Convention
Bamako Convention is a treaty of African nations prohibiting the
import into Africa of any hazardous (including radioactive) waste.
The convention came into force in 1998.

Bamako convention is a response to Article 11 of the Basel

convention. One can say that the need of Bamako convention arose
from the failure of the Basel Convention to prohibit trade of
hazardous waste to less developed countries (LDCs).

Ex: The world realized that many developed nations were

still exporting toxic wastes to Africa (Koko case in
Nigeria, Probo Koala case in Ivory Coast).
 Bamako Convention
Bamako convention uses a format and language similar to that of
the Basel convention, except that it is much stronger in
prohibiting all imports of hazardous waste and it does not make
exceptions even to radioactive materials as made by the Basel
convention.

Convention covers more wastes than covered by the Basel

Convention. It prohibits ocean and inland water dumping of
hazardous wastes.

Initially it was negotiated by 12 nations of the African Union at

Bamako, Mali in 1991 & ultimately came to force in 1998. Today,
there are 29 Signatories and 25 Parties to Bamako convention.
 Carpathian Convention
Carpathian Convention is a subregional treaty to foster the
sustainable development and the protection of the
Carpathian region.

Seven Parties (Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania,

Serbia, Slovak Republic, Ukraine) signed the agreement in
2003 in Kyiv, Ukraine, and entered into force in 2006.
 Carpathian Convention
Carpathian convention sets a common vision of the Parties
to pursue comprehensive policy and cooperation in order to
guarantee protection and sustainable development of the
Carpathians.

The Convention provides a framework for cooperation and

multi-sectoral policy coordination, a platform for joint
strategies for sustainable development, and a forum for
dialogue between all stakeholders involved – from the local
community and various NGO’s up to the regional and
national Governments, Institutions of the European Union
and the United Nations.
Carpathians
 Carpathians
Carpathian Mountains or Carpathians are a range of mountains
forming an arc across Central Europe.

The range stretches from the far eastern Czech Republic (3%)
and Austria (1%) in the northwest through Slovakia (21%),
Poland (10%), Ukraine (10%), Romania (50%) to Serbia (5%) in
the south.

Tatra mountains are highest range within the Carpathians with

peak height of 2600m
 Alpine Convention
Alpine Convention is an international territorial treaty for
the sustainable development of the Alps.

The objective of the treaty is to protect the natural

environment of the Alps while promoting its development.

This Framework Convention involves the EU and eight states

(Austria, Germany, France, Italy, Liechtenstein, Monaco,
Slovenia, and Switzerland).

The convention opened to signature in 1991 and entered into

force in 1995.
Alpine Convention
 Alps
Alps are the highest and most extensive mountain range system that
lies entirely in Europe.
Alps stretch approximately 1,200 km across seven Alpine countries
1. France
2. Switzerland
3. Italy
4. Liechtenstein
5. Austria
6. Germany
7. Slovenia
Mont Blanc is the highest mountain range in alps with peak height around
4,809 m.
 Abidjan Convention
Abidjan Convention or Convention for Cooperation in the
Protection, Management and Development of the Marine and
Coastal Environment of the Atlantic Coast of the West and
Central Africa Region came into force in 1984.

The convention covers the marine environment, coastal zones and

related inland waters falling within the jurisdiction of the States
of the West and Central and Southern African Region, from
Mauritania to the Western coast of South Africa.
Abidjan Convention
 Abidjan Convention
Coastal waters within the convention area contain highly
productive ecosystems that support rich fisheries.

Rapid development, improper use of resources and extensive

pollution has impacted negatively on the coastal ecosystems,
coastal erosion and floods are key problems here and the
convention aims to promote sustainable use of marine resources in
this region.

As of today, the Convention has 19 Contracting Parties.

 Abidjan Convention
The convention has eventually led to

 Protocol on integrated coastal zone management

 Protocol on sustainable mangrove management
 Protocol on environmental norms and standards for offshore oil
and gas exploration and exploitation activities
 Protocol for Protection and Development of the Marine and
Coastal Environment from Land-Based Sources and the
Activities (LBSA)
 Protocol for Combating Pollution in Cases of Emergency
 Barcelona Convention
Mediterranean is one of the world’s 25 hot spots for biodiversity.
Its highly diverse marine ecosystem hosts around 4 to 18% of the
world’s marine biodiversity.

Mediterranean region is undergoing intensive demographic,

social, cultural, economic and environmental changes. The main
drivers affecting the economic development in the Mediterranean
are agriculture and forests, coastal urbanization, tourism, fisheries
and aquaculture, industry, and maritime transport.

To protect the region, Convention for the Protection of the

Mediterranean Sea Against Pollution or Barcelona convention was
finalized in 1976.
Barcelona Convention
 Barcelona Convention
Even before the convention, the Mediterranean Action Plan
(MAP) of the UNEP was sanctioned in 1975 which can be
considered as percussor to Barcelona convention.

There 22 Contracting Parties from Mediterranean to the

Barcelona Convention.

The convention in 1996 created Mediterranean Commission

on Sustainable Development (MCSD) and a compliance
committee to progress the goals of the convention.
 Barcelona Convention
The convention has eventually led to

 Protocol for the Prevention of Pollution of the Mediterranean Sea

by Dumping from Ships and Aircraft
 Protocol for the Protection of the Mediterranean Sea Against
Pollution from Land-Based Sources
 Protocol Concerning Mediterranean Specially Protected Areas
 Protocol Concerning Cooperation in Combating Pollution of the
Mediterranean Sea
 Protocol on Integrated Coastal Zone Management in the
Mediterranean
 Nairobi Convention
Nairobi Convention is a partnership
between governments, civil society
and the private sector, working
towards a prosperous Western
Indian Ocean Region with healthy
rivers, coasts and oceans
finalized in 1985.

Convention’s Contracting Parties

are: Comoros, France, Kenya,
Madagascar, Mauritius,
Mozambique, Seychelles, Somalia,
Tanzania and the Republic of South
Africa.
Nairobi Convention
Nairobi Convention
 Cartagena Convention
Cartagena convention or Convention for the Protection and
Development of the Marine Environment of the Wider
Caribbean Region is a legal framework for protection of
Wider Caribbean. It recognizes the importance and value
of the region’s fragile and vulnerable coastal and marine
ecosystems, including endemic plants and animals.

The convention was signed in 1983 at Cartagena de Indias,

Colombia and entered into force in 1986.
 Cartagena Convention
There are 26 Contracting Parties to the Cartagena Convention from
Latin America & Carribean including other like UK, USA, France
& Netherlands.

The convention is supplemented by three important Protocols

1. Oil spill protocol
2. SPAW protocol (Special protected areas)
3. LBS Protocol (Land based sources)
 Tehran Convention
In 2003, the Caspian littoral states, comprising Republic of
Azerbaijan, Islamic Republic of Iran, Republic of Kazakhstan,
Russian Federation, and Turkmenistan, signed the (Tehran)
Framework Convention for the Protection of the Marine
Environment of the Caspian Sea.

The convention came into force in 2006.

Caspian region is rich in biological resources and serves as the

world's largest spawning grounds of sturgeon. There are also more
than 100 species of bird wetland habitats that serve as nesting and
migration grounds. The Caspian Sea is also home to the only marine
mammal that lives in the Sea - the endemic Caspian Seal.
Tehran Convention
 Tehran Convention
The Caspian region is threatened by Oil production, fishing and
shipping.

The Tehran convention has two major areas of concern are

i) prevention, reduction and control of pollution

ii) protection, preservation and restoration of the marine
environment.

It also includes provisions on environmental impact assessment, as

well as general obligations related to environmental monitoring,
research and development.
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@rahulsai222_siq
 Global Environment Facility
GEF was established with the Rio
Earth Summit of 1992 with HQ at
Washington, D.C.

The GEF is jointly managed by the

United Nations Development
Programme (UNDP), the World
Bank(WB), and the United Nations
Environment Programme (UNEP).

It is a financial mechanism to help

tackle our planet’s most pressing
environmental problems. It provides
funds to the developing countries
and transition economies for
projects related to climate change,
biodiversity, the ozone layer, etc.
GEF
 IPCC
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is the United
Nations body for assessing the science related to climate
change.

IPCC provides regular assessments of the scientific basis of

climate change, its impacts and future risks, and options for
adaptation and mitigation.

IPCC was created in 1988 by the World Meteorological

Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Environment
Programme (UNEP) with the objective to provide governments at
all levels with scientific information that they can use to develop
climate policies.
 IPCC
IPCC reports are a key input into international climate change
negotiations.

The IPCC is an organization of governments that are

members of the United Nations or WMO. The IPCC
currently has 195 members.

Thousands of people from all over the world contribute to

the work of the IPCC. For the assessment reports,
experts volunteer their time.

The IPCC does not conduct its own research.

IPCC
 UNSCEAR
United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of
Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) was established by UNGA in
1955.

Its mandate in the UN system is to assess and report

levels and effects of exposure to ionizing radiation.

Governments and organizations throughout the world rely on

the Committee's estimates as the scientific basis for
evaluating radiation risk and for establishing protective
measures.
UNSCEAR
 IUCN
International Union for Conservation of
Nature (IUCN) is the world’s largest
global environmental organisation.

IUCN was founded in 1948. Today it

has more than 1,400 member
organizations including 160+ government
and 1100+ non-government
organizations.

Headquarter: Gland, Switzerland.

IUCN
IUCN
 IUCN
Key Pointers to remember:

 IUCN maintains Red List of Threatened Species

 IUCN assists in hundreds of conservation projects all over
the world
 IUCN is funded by voluntary contribution
 IUCN organizes World Conservation Congress every 4 years
 IUCN helps in development of world conservation strategy
 WWF
WWF stands for World Wide Fund
for Nature.

It is an international non-profit
organization dedicated to the
preservation and conservation of
nature and its different species
setup in 1961.

Headquarters: Gland, Switzerland

WWF
 WWF
Key Pointers to remember:

Publishes – Living planet

report
Organizes & promotes –
Earth Hour
Supports – Debt for Nature
Swap
Wetlands International
 Wetlands International

International
Waterfowl
and Wetlands
Asian Research
Wetland Bureau
Bureau

Wetlands for
the Americas

Headquarters: Wageningen, Netherlands

Wetlands International
Ramsar Partners
 Birdlife International
Bird life international is a global partnership of conservation
organizations that strives to conserve birds, their habitats and global
biodiversity setup in 1993.

Precursor: International Committee for Bird Preservation 1928

Headquarters: Cambridge, UK
It has a membership of more than 2.5 million people across 116 country
partner organizations.

Publications: World Birdwatch, State of the world birds

BI also maintains an official Red List for birds along with IUCN.
 WNO
World Nature Organization (WNO) is an intergovernmental
organisation which promotes global environmental protection. Its
main focus is on energy efficiency, climate protection,
sustainable development and a sustainable energy supply.

WNO tries to build bridges between business interests as well as

development and environmental protection.

The organization was established by the intergovernmental WNO-

Treaty, in 2014.

Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland

India is not a member.
WNO
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