International Environmental Conventions and Treaties
UNFCCC.pdfUnited Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
UNFCCC came into force on 21st March 1994 and was ratified by India in 1993. The primary objective of his convention is to minimize human interference with the climate system in order to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations. To achieve these objectives countries have been classified into Annex I Parties (Industrialized countries) and Non- Annex Parties (Developing countries) wherein the former is expected to report more regularly on the policy and measures that they have adopted in comparison to the latter countries.
UNCCD.pdfUN Convention to Combat Desertification
This convention has been effective since 26th December 1996 with its primary focus on improving land productivity, ensuring effective usage of water, and to further implementing sustainable measures to improve the living conditions of drought and desertification-stricken areas.
cartagena-protocol.pdfCartagena Protocol on Biodiversity to the Convention on Biological Diversity
This treaty was adopted in the year 2000 but came into force in 2003 for the protection of biodiversity from the harm that could be caused by living modified organisms (LMO) arising from modern technology. The protocol also provides a procedure for an Advanced Informed Agreement which is to be followed in order to give information to countries about LMOs to help them make informed decisions regarding import of it into their country.
conservation of migratory species of wild animals.PDFConvention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals
Also known as the Bonn Convention has been effective since 1st November 1983. This convention focuses on the conservation of terrestrial, marine, and avian migratory species. India has ratified this convention since 1983 and has further signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Conservation of Migratory Species on the conservation of Siberian Cranes, Dugongs, Raptors, and Marine Turtles.
BaselConventionText.pdfBasel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes, 1989
This environmental agreement was adopted in 1989 with its aim to protect humans and the environment against the ill effects of the movement of hazardous wastes across boundaries or countries. These parties to this convention are obligated to minimize such wastes and ensure that they are disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.
rotterdam convention.pdfRotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade
It is an international treaty that came into force on 24th February 2004. It focuses on facilitating countries in making informed decisions with respect to the trade of hazardous chemicals which is present in the Annexure. These are industrial chemicals that are either hazardous pesticide formulations or are either banned or severely restricted thus, require the party country to which it is being imported to be aware of it. Parties implement the PIC procedure through extensive information exchange, priority attention to national decisions on imports, and obligations related to export controls.
convention-biological-diversity.pdfThe Convention on Biological Diversity
This Convention was signed by countries during Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro on 5th January 1992 and came into force on 29th December 1993. As per Article 1 of the convention, this convention focuses on the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources.