Learning Outcomes:
- Understand the key international conventions for environmental protection and their implications.
- Explore specific agreements related to nature conservation, hazardous material control, land degradation, marine environment, and atmospheric protection.
- Recognize the objectives and global efforts in biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.
- Identify the measures taken to combat desertification, promote sustainable forestry, and conserve migratory species.
1. United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED): Known as the Earth Summit, held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. Key issues included the production of toxic components, alternatives to fossil fuels, public transportation systems, and water scarcity. It resulted in:
2. Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD): A legally binding convention recognizing biodiversity conservation as a “common concern of humankind.”
3. Ramsar Convention on Wetlands: Aims for the “wise use” and conservation of wetlands.
4. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES): Controls trade in endangered species through a permit system, with species classified into three appendices based on their extinction threat level.
5. The Wildlife Trade Monitoring Network (TRAFFIC): A joint program of WWF and IUCN to monitor and ensure that trade in wild plants and animals is not a threat to nature conservation.
6. Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS): Aims to conserve migratory species through global agreements. Lists species needing international cooperation for conservation.
7. Coalition Against Wildlife Trafficking (CAWT): A public-private coalition focusing on ending illegal wildlife trade, improving law enforcement, and reducing consumer demand for wildlife products.
8. International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO): Promotes the conservation and sustainable management of tropical forests.
9. United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF): Established to facilitate implementation of forest-related agreements and sustainable forest management.
10. International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN): Supports scientific research and manages global conservation projects, prioritizing biodiversity, climate change, sustainable energy, human well-being, and a green economy.
11. Global Tiger Forum (GTF): An international body focusing on the conservation of the world’s tiger population.
Important Note: The CBD’s Nagoya Protocol plays a crucial role in promoting fair and equitable benefit-sharing arising from the utilization of genetic resources, reinforcing biodiversity conservation.
12. Stockholm Convention: Controls the production and use of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) harmful to health and ecosystems.
13. Basel Convention: Controls transboundary movements of hazardous wastes, promoting environmentally sound management.
14. Rotterdam Convention: Establishes legally binding obligations for importing and exporting hazardous chemicals.
15. United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD): Focuses on sustainable land management in dryland areas to combat desertification.
16. International Whaling Commission (IWC): Manages whaling practices to conserve whale populations, implementing measures such as sanctuaries, size limits, and closed seasons.
17. Vienna Convention and Montreal Protocol: Protect the ozone layer by controlling the use of ozone-depleting substances.
18. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC): Aims to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations.
| Convention | Focus Area | Key Outcomes | Membership |
|---|---|---|---|
| UNCED (Earth Summit) | Environment and Development | Rio Declaration, Agenda 21, legally binding treaties | Universal |
| CBD | Biological Diversity | Conservation, sustainable use, equitable benefit-sharing | 196 Parties |
| Ramsar Convention | Wetlands | Wise use, Ramsar List, transboundary cooperation | 163 Parties |
| CITES | Trade in Endangered Species | Permit system, Appendices classification, trade regulation | 176 Parties |
| Stockholm Convention | Persistent Organic Pollutants | Control of POPs, reduction measures, international cooperation | 184 Parties |
| Basel Convention | Hazardous Waste Management | Reducing waste generation, transboundary movement restrictions | 187 Parties |
Important Concept: The Basel Convention regulates hazardous waste movements, defining “waste” and listing hazardous materials in its annexes to promote environmental safety.
1. Rio+20: The 2012 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development revisited and strengthened commitments made during the Earth Summit in 1992. Focused on building a green economy and improving international coordination.
2. Aichi Biodiversity Targets: Developed under the CBD to address biodiversity loss, the targets aimed for conservation, sustainable use, reducing pressures on biodiversity, and equitable benefit-sharing by 2020.
3. Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-sharing: Provides a legal framework for access to genetic resources and equitable benefit-sharing, ensuring community rights and safeguarding traditional knowledge.
Important Note: Strategic Goal D of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets emphasizes ecosystem restoration, with a focus on health, livelihoods, and well-being.
4. Minamata Convention: Addresses the control and management of mercury emissions to protect human health and the environment.
5. Global Tiger Initiative (GTI): A partnership to support capacity-building for wildlife protection, reduce demand for tiger products, and safeguard tiger habitats through sustainable financing mechanisms.
FAO’s recognition of agricultural regions with significant biodiversity and cultural heritage.
| Substance | Convention | Key Controls |
|---|---|---|
| Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) | Stockholm Convention | Ban/restrict production and use; control transboundary movement |
| Hazardous Wastes | Basel Convention | Reduction, environmentally sound management, and restrictions |
| Mercury | Minamata Convention | Emission reduction, phase-out of mercury-containing products |
Important Note: The Minamata Convention requires parties to control the use and emission of mercury, focusing on protecting ecosystems and public health.
MCQ: Which of the following conventions primarily addresses the transboundary movement of hazardous wastes?
A) Ramsar Convention
B) Basel Convention
C) Stockholm Convention
D) Cartagena Protocol
Correct Answer: B) Basel Convention