Biodivesity Conservation and Climate Change Mitigation: International efforts : Earth Summit and other various conventions/protocols.

1. Biodiversity/Environment Protection and Climate change mitigation: International Efforts
Compiled by Dr. Anoob Razak
[Check http://www.clearias.com for more!]

2. What’ inside?
Different international conventions and protocols.

3. South - South cooperation
North - South cooperation
Triangular cooperation
North-South debate -many of those debates stem around the concept / principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR)
North/Global North - Developed Countries
South/Global South - Developing Countries

4. Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR)
2 fundamental elements 1) the common responsibility of each & every State for the protection of the environment, or parts of it, at the national, regional and global levels 2) the need to take into account the different circumstances, particularly each State’s contribution to the evolution of a particular problem and its ability to prevent, reduce and control the threat

5. Rio Declaration on Environment & Development - from UNCED, Rio,1992
principle 7 states that- “States shall cooperate in a spirit of global partnership to conserve, protect and restore the health and integrity of the Earth's ecosystem. In view of the different contributions to global environmental degradation, States have common but differentiated responsibilities. The developed countries acknowledge the responsibility that they bear in the international pursuit to sustainable development in view of the pressures their societies place on the global environment and of the technologies and financial resources they command”

6. UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (-entered into on 21st March 1994)
Principle 1- “The Parties should protect the climate system for the benefit of present and future generations of humankind, on the basis of equity and in accordance with their common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities. Accordingly, the developed country Parties should take the lead in combating climate change and the adverse effects thereof”

7. Civil Service Mains 2008
Q) South - South Cooperation
(150 words, 15 marks)

8. Convention & Protocol
Convention
a general assembly
a general agreement on some principles
◦Eg. Carbon emission should be reduced
Protocol
a detailed plan of scientific procedure
a code prescribing strict adherence/ set of rules to be followed
◦Eg. Each nation should limit its carbon emission to a maximum of 95% of previous year

9. Very often Protocol comes out as a result of a discussion within a Convention
Vienna Convention
Montreal Protocol
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
Cartagena Protocol
Nagoya - Kuala Lampur Supplementary Protocol
Nagoya Protocol
UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
Kyoto Protocol

10. The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to the Convention on Biological Diversity
◦The Nagoya – Kuala Lumpur Supplementary Protocol on Liability and Redress to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety
The 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

11. a few Conventions/Protocols are applicable to the signatory, without any additional legislation being passed in their own country
most Conventions/Protocols are applicable to the signatory only when they ratify it. i.e. only when the signatory make a legislation/act that is passed in their own country
◦Eg India signed the Conventional on Biological Diversity (CBD), but it was applicable to India only after it passed the National Biological Diversity Authority (NBA) Act in 2002

12. Furthermore, many Conventions/Protocols came into force only after a fixed number of days have elapsed, after a fixed number of signatories have ratified it
◦Eg ~Cartagena Protocol was adopted on 29 January 2000, in Cartagena, Columbia but entered into force on 11 September 2003, ninety days after the deposit of the fiftieth instrument of ratification.
~The Nagoya Protocol was adopted on 29 October 2010, in Nagoya, Japan. The Nagoya Protocol will enter into force ninety days after the date of deposit of the fiftieth instrument of ratification

13. Conference of Parties (COP) & Meeting of Parties (MOP)
Conference of Parties (COP)
◦governing body of a convention i.e. coming together of all the parties of a convention
Meeting of Parties
◦coming together of all the parties of a protocol
◦officially called- Conference of Parties serving as the Meeting of Parties (COPMOP in case of CBD, CMP in case of UNFCCC)

14. Eg
COP 11 - Eleventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, was held in 2012 at Hyderabad,
COP-MOP 6 - Sixth meeting of the Conference of the Parties serving as the Meeting of the Parties to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety,
was held along with COP 11 in 2012 at Hyderabad

17. International Day of Biological Diversity- May 22nd
Theme 2014 - Island Biodiversity
2013 - Water and Biodiversity
The theme Island Biodiversity was chosen to coincide with the designation by the United Nations General Assembly of 2014 as the International Year of Small Island Developing States

18. •Initially from 1993 till 2000, 29 December (the date of entry into force of the Convention of Biological Diversity), was designated The International Day for Biological Diversity.
•In December 2000, the UN General Assembly adopted 22 May as IDB, to commemorate the adoption of the text of the Convention on Biological Diversity on 22 May 1992. This was partly done because it was difficult for many countries to plan and carry out suitable celebrations for the date of 29 December, given the number of holidays that coincide around that time of year.

20. World Environment Day- June 5 (June 5 was the opening day of United Nations Conference on Human Environment, Stockholm in 1972)
2014 Theme – Small Islands & Climate Change Official Slogan – “Raise your voice, not the sea level” Host City/Country – Barbados
2015 Theme- One World, One Environment Host Country - India

22. Earth Day - April 22
2014 Theme – Green Cities

23. Biodiversity-related Conventions
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS)
The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (International Seed Treaty)
Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar Convention)
World Heritage Convention (WHC)
Source : www.cbd.int/brc/

24. Rio Conventions
(directly derived from 1992 Earth Summit, Rio de Janeiro)
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) – Biodiversity
UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) – Climate Change
UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) – Desertification
Source : www.cbd.int/rio/

25. a brief history of international efforts leading to RIO Summit, 1992
1972 (June 5-16) –
United Nations Conference on Human Environment, @ Stockholm, Sweden
◦Stockholm Declaration
◦United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) set up following Stockholm Conference (UNEP Headquarters – Nairobi, Kenya)
◦Only 2 heads of the states participated- Indira Gandhi & Swedish Prime Minister
◦“Are not poverty and need the greatest polluters?” - Indira Gandhi

26. 1980 – IUCN in asso with UNEP , WWF , FAO , UNESCO jointly brought out the document “WORLD CONSERVATION STRATEGY” -first used the term “Sustainable Development”

27. 1982 – UN General Assembly accepts “WORLD CHARTER FOR NATURE” - code of conduct for protection & preservation of global natural habitats & resources - established 5 principles of conservation by which all human conduct affecting nature should be guided & judged

28. 1983 – UN General Assembly constituted the World Commission on Environment and Development, headed by Norwegian Prime Minister- Gro Harlem Brundtland, Hence the Commission came to be known as Brundtland Commission.
The commission was asked to formulate “A global agenda for change”

29. 1987 – Brundtland Commission submitted its report
“OUR COMMON FUTURE”
defined and explained the
concept of
“Sustainable Development”

30. “Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It contains within it two key concepts:
• the concept of 'needs', in particular the essential needs of the world's poor, to which overriding priority should be given; and
• the idea of limitations imposed by the state of technology and social organization on the environment's ability to meet present and future needs. ”

31. 1987 – 1992 UNEP appointed committee worked on an international legal document which would address conservation questions as well as social and economic aspects of Biological Diversity, (the last meeting was held on May 22nd, 1992 – now celebrated as International Day of Biological Diversity) finally culminating in Convention on Biological Diversity

32. 1992 June – United Nations Conference on Environment & Development (UNCED), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil also known as The EARTH SUMMIT or The RIO SUMMIT

33. The Summit adopted an agenda for environment & development in the 21st century - “AGENDA 21” (not legally binding)

34. The Rio Declaration on Environment and Development or Rio Declaration, was another outcome of Rio Summit
Both Agenda 21 and Rio Declaration were documents focusing on future Sustainable Development

35. More important are the three Conventions that ere the result of Rio Summit – Rio Conventions
Three conventions deal with ~Biological diversity, ~Climate change, & ~Desertification

36. Rio Conventions
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) – Biodiversity
UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) – Climate Change
UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) – Desertification
Source : www.cbd.int/rio/

37. Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
Convention was opened for signature at the Rio Summit 1992 and came into force on 29 December 1993
Legally binding
3 main goals
1.Conservation of biological diversity
2.Sustainable use of components of biological diversity
3.Fair & equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources

39. Secretariat of CBD – Montreal, Canada
Conference of Parties (COP)
◦Governing body of CBD
◦Includes all parties who have ratified the convention
(US has signed, but not ratified CBD so it is not a party to CBD, but attends the meetings of CBD)
◦COP - Meets every 2 years

40. COP 1 -1994 – Bahamas . . . .
COP 10 - 2010 – Nagoya, Japan
COP 11 - 2012 – Hyderabad, India, October 2012
COP 12 - 2014 – Pyeongchang, South Korea, October 2014

41. CARTAGENA PROTOCOL on BIOSAFETY
In 2000, the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity adopted a supplementary agreement to the Convention known as the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety
Came into force in 2003
COP-MOP along with COP every two years i.e. COP-MOP 6 in 2012, along with COP 11 @ Hyderabad
(COP-MOP : Conference of Parties serving as the Meeting of Parties to the protocol)

42. The Protocol aims to ensure the safe handling, transport & 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
Number of Parties- 167 latest ratification – Iraq, in March 2014
India signed, and ratified

43.  The Protocol seeks to protect biological diversity from the potential risks posed by Living Modified Organisms (LMOs) resulting from modern biotechnology.
Protocol establishes
Advance Informed Agreement (AIA) procedure for ensuring that countries are provided with the information necessary to make informed decisions before agreeing to the import of such organisms into their territory.
Biosafety Clearing-House to facilitate the exchange of information on living modified organisms and to assist countries in the implementation of the Protocol

44. Living Modified Organism- any living organism whose genetic material has been altered by the use of modern biotechnology
Broadly equivalent to GMOs, except:
◦LMOs are capable of growing, and generally refer to agricultural crops.
◦GMOs can be dead or alive.

45. Miami Group : - opposes the Cartagena Protocol provisions - US, Canada, Australia, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay (exporters of GM crops + developed countries with large biotechnology industries, includes 3 developing countries).
Wanted free trade of GM products without burdensome bureaucratic approval procedures and protectionism masquerading as environmental protection

46. NAGOYA - KUALA LAMPUR SUPLLEMENTARY PROTOCOL on LIABILITY AND REDRESS
Intended to supplement the CPB by providing international rules & procedures in liability & redress for damage to biodiversity resulting from LMOs
The Supplementary Protocol focuses, mainly, on administrative procedures and requirements with respect to response measures that need to be taken in the event of damage by LMOs that adversely affect the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, taking also into account risks to human health.
will enter into force 90 days after being ratified by at least 40 Parties to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety
India signed, but not ratified

47. NAGOYA PROTOCOL on ACCESS BENEFIT SHARING
Adopted at COP 10 held at NAGOYA in AICHI Province in Japan in 2010
“Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization (ABS) to the Convention on Biological Diversity”

48. an international agreement which aims at sharing the benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources in a fair and equitable way, including by appropriate access to genetic resources and by appropriate transfer of relevant technologies, taking into account all rights over those resources and to technologies, and by appropriate funding, thereby contributing to the conservation of biological diversity and the sustainable use of its components
will enter into force 90 days after the date of deposit of the fiftieth instrument of ratification
India Signed, and ratified

49. AICHI BIODIVERSITY TARGETS
COP 10 held in Nagoya in Aichi Province of Japan adopted a revised and updated* Strategic Plan for Biodiversity, including the Aichi Biodiversity Targets, for the 2011-2020 period. (*-there was already a Strategic Plan 2002-2010)
AICHI Biodiversity Targets- 20 targets under 5 Strategic Goals (some well defined, some ill defined)

50. COP 11 - Hyderabad
India got presidency of CBD for 2 years from 2012-14 (which is to be handed over South Korea during COP 12)
focus – Ocean & Marine Biodiversity
to pay more attention to
◦Sargasso Sea
◦Tonga Archipelago
◦Key Coral sites off the coast of Brazil
to do more research on
◦Underwater noise from ships on biodiversity
◦Marine litter
◦Climate change impact on coral reefs

52. Hyderabad Pledge- to support Biodiversity
◦India will donate 50 Million US$ for India and developing countries pledged by Dr. Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India
◦Maldives- The whole country of Maldives will be a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve by 2017

53. COP 12 – 2014 October, South Korea
Theme - Biodiversity for Sustainable Development
◦To raise international awareness about the essential role of biodiversity and its contribution to sustainable development.
◦To put strong emphasis on biodiversity at the discussions of Post-2015 Development Agenda and setting of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

54. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
Convention was opened for signature at the Rio Summit 1992 and came into force in 1994
Legally binding
Secretariat in Bonn, Germany
Governing body – Conference Of Parties COP meets annually the meeting is also called UN Climate Change Conference

55. The ultimate objective of the Convention is to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations “at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic (human induced) interference with the climate system.” It states that “such a level should be achieved within a time-frame sufficient to allow ecosystems to adapt naturally to climate change, to ensure that food production is not threatened, and to enable economic development to proceed in a sustainable manner.”

56. COP 1 in 1995 @ Berlin, Germany
COP 3 in 1997 @ Kyoto, Japan
COP 7 in 2001 @ Marrakech, Morocco
COP 13 in 2007 @ Bali, Indonesia
COP 15 in 2009 @ Copenhagen, Denmark
COP 16 in 2010 @ Cancun, Mexico
COP 17 in 2011 @ Durban, South Africa
COP 18 in 2012 @ Doha, Qatar
COP 19 in 2013 @ Warsaw, Poland
COP 20 in 2014 December @ Lima, Peru

57. KYOTO PROTOCOL
an international agreement which commits its Parties by setting internationally binding emission reduction targets.
adopted @ COP 3 in 1997 @ Kyoto, Japan and came into force in 2005 (The detailed rules for the implementation of the Protocol were adopted at COP 7 in Marrakesh, Morocco, in 2001, and are referred to as the “Marrakech Accords”)

58. 1st commitment period of Kyoto Protocol- 2008 -2012 (Doha Amendment – 2nd period 2013-2020)
During 1st commitment period- 37 industrialized countries & the European community committed to reduce GHG emissions to an average of 5% against 1990 levels
During 2nd commitment period- Parties committed to reduce GHG emissions by at least 18% below 1990 levels in the eight-year period from 2013 to 2020

59. Annex I countries ~Parties included the industrialized countries that were members of OECD in 1992, plus countries with Economies in Transition (EIT), including the Russian Federation, Baltic States, several Central & Eastern European States
Annex II countries ~Parties included OECD members of Annex I, but not the EIT parties
◦Required to provide financial resource to developing countries to undertake emission reduction activities
◦Should also promote development & transfer of environmentally friendly technologies to EIT Parties & developing countries

60. Annex A –
Greenhouse gases that come under KP
◦Carbon dioxide (CO2)
◦Methane (CH4)
◦Nitrous oxide (N2O)
◦Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)
◦Perfluorocarbons (PFCs)
◦Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6)
Annex B – Reduction commitments of Parties in Annex 1, under 1st or 2nd commitment periods

61. KYOTO Mechanisms
1.International Emissions Trading
2.Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)
3.Joint Implemetation (JI)
emissions allowed by a country/party are divided into “Assigned Amount Units” (AAUs)

62. International Emissions Trading -
Emissions trading allows countries that have emission units (AAUs) to spare - emissions permitted them but not "used" - to sell this excess capacity to countries that are over their targets. Thus, a new commodity was created in the form of emission reductions or removals. Since carbon dioxide is the principal greenhouse gas, people speak simply of trading in carbon. Carbon is now tracked and traded like any other commodity. This is known as the “Carbon market.”

63. Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) - The mechanism allows a country with an emission- reduction commitment under the Kyoto Protocol (Annex B Party) to implement an emission-reduction project in developing countries. Such projects can earn Certified Emission Reduction (CER) credits, each equivalent to one tonne of CO2, which can be counted towards meeting Kyoto targets.

64. Joint Implemetation (JI) -
The mechanism allows a country with an emission reduction or limitation commitment under the Kyoto Protocol (Annex B Party) to earn Emission Reduction Units (ERUs) from an emission-reduction or emission removal project in another Annex B Party, each equivalent to one tonne of CO2, which can be counted towards meeting its Kyoto target.

65. Emissions Trading
◦One party buying excess AAUs from another
Clean Development Mechanism
◦Annex B countries earning CERs for investing in cleaner technologies in developing countries
Joint Implentation
◦One Annex B country earning ERU for investing in emission reduction projects in another Annex B country

66. India has ratified the protocol
US has signed, but not ratified the protocol; therefore no binding commitments
Canada withdrew from the commitments in 2012
Russia & Japan have not signed the 2nd commitment period

67. COP 13 in 2007 @ Bali, Indonesia
“Bali Road Map/Bali Action Plan”
developing a future course of action
COP 15 in 2009 @ Copenhagen, Denmark
“Copenhagen Accord”
Non-binding informal agreement-
therefore no binding commitments to reduction, only voluntary pledges
drafted by US on one hand and China, India, Brazil on the other

68. COP 16 in 2010 @ Cancun, Mexico
“Cancun Agreements”
to keep the global average temperature rise below two degrees of pre-industrial baseline – “2C goal”
to set up the Green Climate Fund to provide support to developing countries to assist them in mitigating climate change and adapting to its impacts
COP 17 in 2011 @ Durban, South Africa
“Durban Outcomes” / Durban Platform for Enhanced Action
continuation of Kyoto Protocol after 2012, through a second commitment period

69. COP 18 in 2012 @ Doha, Qatar
“Doha Climate Gateway”
Amendment to Kyoto Protocol – launched a 2nd commitment period (18% emission reduction – but change of parties)
endorsed the selection of the Republic of Korea as the host of the Green Climate Fund (GCF)
COP 19 in 2013 @ Warsaw, Poland
“Warsaw Outcomes”
to bring out a universal climate change agreement in December 2015, which will enter into force in 2020

70. Civil Service Preliminary 2005
 Q) Consider the following statements: 1. Kyoto Protocol came into force in the year 2005. 2. Kyoto Protocol deals primarily with the depletion of the ozone layer. 3. Methane as a greenhouse gas is more harmful than carbon dioxide Which if the statements given above are correct?
a) 1 & 2 only b) 1 & 3 only
c) 1 only d) 1, 2 & 3

71. Civil Service Preliminary 2011
 Q) Regarding “Carbon Credits”, which one of the following statements is not correct?
a)The carbon credit system as ratified in conjunction with the Kyoto Protocol
b)Carbon Credits are awarded to countries or groups that have reduced greenhouse gases below their emission level
c)The goal of the carbon credit system is to limit the increase of carbon dioxide emission
d)Carbon Credits are traded at a price fixed from time to time by the United Nations Environment Programme

72. Civil Service Mains 2010
Q) In the context of UNFCCC, distinguish between ‘Annex -1’ & ‘Annex-II’ countries?
(50 words, 5 marks)

73. Civil Service Mains 2012
Q) Explain briefly the “Clean Development Mechanism” as provided under UNFCCC.
(50 words, 5 marks)

74. United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
opened for signature in 1994 & came into force in 1996
1st and only legally binding international agreement to address the problem of desertification
196 Parties (195 countries + EU) Canada pulled out of the convention in 2013
COP – meets every 2 years COP 11 in 2013 @ Namibia
Global Environmental Facility (though established in 1991) is now a financial mechanism for UNCCD

75. 1992 –
◦UN Conference on Environment & Development (Rio Summit 1992)
2002 –
◦World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) @ Johannesburg, South Africa (Earth Summit 2002) (Rio +10)
2012 –
◦UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD) @ Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Earth Summit 2012) (Rio +20)

76. UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD) (Rio +20)
3rd International Conference on Sustainable Development after 1992 and 2002
Themes
◦Green Economy
◦Institutional Framework for Sustainable Development
Objectives
◦Securing renewed political commitments for sustainable development
◦Assessing the progress & implementation gaps in meeting previous commitments
◦Addressing new & emerging challenges

77. primary result of the conference was the non- binding document- “The Future We Want” it is basically a post 2015 development agenda
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to take over where Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) leave

78. Inter Governmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC)
Scientific inter-governmental body established by World Meteorological Org (WMO) and UNEP in 1988
it reviews and assesses the most recent scientific, technical and socio-economic information produced worldwide relevant to the understanding of climate change , does not carry out its own research, nor does it monitor climate change
HeadQuarters – Geneva, Swtizerland
Chair – Rajendra K Pachauri

79. IPCC 4th Assessment Report came out in 2008
5th AR – in 2013/2014 final report in 2014 October

80. Millennium Ecosystem Assessment
2001 – 2005
Scientific Assessment Report for CBD (like IPCC for UNFCCC)
Ecosystem Services
Provisioning Services
Regulating Services
Cultural Services
Supporting Services

81. Provisioning Services
Products obtained from Ecosystem
Regulating Services
Benefits obtained from regulation of Ecosystem processes
Cultural Services
Non material benefits people obtain from ecosystem through spiritual enrichment, cognitive development, reflection, recreation & aesthetic experience
Supporting Services
Not used directly by people, but are necessary for production of all other ecosystem services

82. Constituents of Human Well Being
◦Basic material for good life
◦Health
◦Good social relations
◦Security
◦Freedom of choice & actions

84. Civil Service Preliminary 2012
 Q) The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment describes the following major categories of ecosystem services- provisioning, regulating, preserving & Cultural. Which one of the following is supporting service?
a)Production of food & water
b)Control of climate & disease
c)Nutrient cycling & crop pollination
d)Maintenance of diversity

85. VIENNA CONVENTION FOR THE PROTECTION OF OZONE LAYER
Vienna, 1985
came into force in 1988
Multilateral environmental agreement
Framework to protect the ozone layer
COP- every 3 years (2014)
No legally binding reduction goals of CFCs (laid out in Montreal Protocol)

86. Chemical substances, of natural & anthropogenic origin, thought to have the potential to modify the chemical & physical properties of Ozone Layer
◦Carbon substances
CO, CO2, CH4, Non-methane Hydrocarbon species
◦Nitrogen substances
N2O, Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)
◦Chlorine substances
Fully halogenated alkanes, Partially halogenated alkanes
◦Bromine substances
Fully halogenated alkanes
◦Hydrogen substances
H2, H2O

87. MONTREAL PROTOCOL ON SUBSTANCES THAT DEPLETE THE OZONE LAYER, 1987
A protocol to the Vienna Convention
Came into force in 1987
197 parties
CFC, HCFCs to be phased out
98% of ODS already phased out

88. REDUCING EMISSION from DEFORESTATION and FOREST DEGRADATION (REDD)
Set of steps designed (to use market & financial incentives) in order to reduce emission of GHGs from deforestation & forest degradation (AFOLU) (which now actually account to nearly 20% global emissions, 2nd only to energy sector)
developed on the sidelines of UNFCCC
focus is on developing countries

89. REDD +
Next stage of REDD
“reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries; and the role of conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks in developing countries”
i.e. It incorporates incentives for positive elements of conservation, sustainable management of forests & enhancement of forest carbon stocks

91. RAMSAR CONVENTION (CONVENTION ON WETLANDS)
Ramsar (Iran),1971
came into force in 1975
 intergovernmental treaty that embodies the commitments of its member countries to maintain the ecological character of their Wetlands of International Importance and to plan for the "wise use", or sustainable use, of all of the wetlands in their territories.

92. only global environmental treaty that deals with a particular ecosystem
COP- meets every 3 years
not affiliated with the UN system of Multilateral Environmental Agreements

93. Definition of Wetland (according to Ramsar convention)
“Artificial or natural, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salty, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed 6 metres” i.e. lakes, rivers, deltas, estuaries, oases, mangroves, swamps, marshes, coral reefs, near shore marine areas, etc and also human-made sites like fish ponds, reservoirs, rice paddies, salt pans etc

94. Role of Wetlands
provide fundamental ecological services and are regulators of water regimes and sources of biodiversity at all levels - species, genetic and ecosystem.
constitute a resource of great economic, scientific, cultural, and recreational value for the community.
play a vital role in climate change adaptation and mitigation.

95. 3 pillars of Ramsar Convention
1.Wise Use of Wetlands
2.Listing of Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Sites)
3.International Cooperation
Wise Use- “the maintenance of their ecological character, achieved through the implementation of ecosystem approaches, within the context of sustainable development”

96.  Montreux Record
◦a mechanism to allow parties to officially call attention to Ramsar Sites “where changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring or are likely to occur” as a result of technological development, pollution, or other human interference and thus encourage actions to safeguard these sites
◦Priority sites
◦Ramsar Advisory Mission- recommendations
◦India – 2 such sites
Koladeo National Park (Rajasthan)
Loktak Lake (Manipur)

97. Ramsar sites in India (26)
1.Ashtamudi Wetland
2.Sasthamkotta Lake Kerala
3.Vembanad-Kol Wetland
4.Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary- TN
5.Kolleru Lake- Andhra Pradesh
6.Bhitarkanika Mangroves
7.Chilka Lake
8.East Calcutta Wetlands- West Bengal
9.Deepor Beel- Assam
10.Loktak Lake (MR)- Manipur
11.Rudrasagar Lake- Tripura
12.Bhoj Wetland- Madhya Pradesh
Odisha

98. 13.Sambhar Lake
14.Keoladeo National Park (MR)
15.Harike Lake
16.Ropar Punjab
17.Kanjli
18.Chandertal Wetland
19.Pong Dam Lake Himachal Pradesh
20.Renuka Wetland
21.Hokera Wetland
22.Surinsar-Mansar Lakes
23.Tsomoriri-
24.Wular Lake
25.Upper Ganga River (Brijghat to Narora Stretch)- Uttar Pradesh
26.Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary- Gujarat
Rajasthan
Jammu & Kashmir

99. 5 International Organization Partners
1.IUCN
2.Birdlife International
3.Wetlands International
4.World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)
5.International Water Management Institute

100. Civil Service Mains 2009
Q) Discuss the Wetlands & their role in ecological conservation in India
(150 words, 15 marks)

101. Civil Service Mains 2010
Q) List any eight ‘Ramsar’ wetland sites located in India. What is ‘Montreux Record’ and which Indian sites are included in this Record?
(150 words, 12 marks)

103. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora & Fauna (CITES) (Washington Convention)
an intergovernmental agreement, administered through UNEP
Aim
◦To ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival
around 178 parties
COP- once in 3 years March 2013- Bangkok

104. Around 5000 species of animals & 29000 species of plants are protected by CITES against overexploitation through international trade
3 Appendices
Appendix I –
species that are threatened with extinction
Appendix II –
species that are not necessarily threatened with extinction, but may become so unless trade is subjected to regulations
Appendix III –
species that are not threatened with extinction, but added to the list since requested by a party

105. Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) (Bonn Convention)
Intergovernmental treaty, under the aegis of UNEP
Aims to conserve terrestrial, marine and avian migratory species throughout their range
2 Appendices
◦Appendix I –
threatened species
◦Appendix II –
Migratory species requiring international cooperation for conservation

106. The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food & Agriculture (International Seed Treaty)
Intergovernmental agreement
“plant genetic resources for food & agriculture”
Objectives are the conservation of plant genetic resources for food & agriculture and fair & equitable sharing of benefits derived from their use, in harmony with CBD, for sustainable agriculture & food security
Farmer’s Rights

107. Civil Service Mains 2012
Q) Analyze Critically the interlinkages between CBD & FAO Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food & Agriculture
(150 words, 15 marks)

108. Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants
Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)
◦Persist
◦Semi- volatile
◦Bio-accumulate, lipophilic
◦toxicity
Initially 12 POPs- dirty dozen, including DDT
allows public health use of DDT for control of mosquitoes

109. Annex A- elimination
Annex B- restriction
Annex C- unintentional production
Issue of Endosulphan
2011 COP –
Endosulphan as put in Annex A, but with certain exemptions
2013 COP –
chemical & non-chemical alternatives to Endosulphan approved

110. Civil Service Mains 2012
Q) In the context of the growing demands for the ban on Endosulfan in the country, critically examine the issues involved. What, in your view, should be done in the matter?
(250 words, 25 marks)

111. Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal
Signed in 1989 @ Basel, Switzerland
“Toxic Colonialism”
◦dumping of toxic waste in third world/developing countries
To reduce the export/import of hazardous chemicals, but no binding provisions
US is not a party to the convention

112. Basel Ban amendment
◦Prohibits the export of hazardous waste from a list of developed countries to developing countries
◦Has not come into force yet
◦India has signed, but not ratified the Ban amendment

113. Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade
An intergovernmental treaty to promote Shared responsibilities in relation to import of hazardous chemicals
calls for Prior Informed Consent
◦Proper labeling, safe handling, exchange of information
Signatory parties can decide whether to allow or ban the import of chemicals listed in the treaty

114. Issue of Chrysotile Asbestos (White Asbestos)
most commercially used form of Asbestos
India & few other countries including Canada opposed its inclusion till 2008
at COP 2011 –
India changed its stand but Canada still opposed
at COP 2013 –
India reversed its stand & again opposed listing

115. Civil Service Mains 2010
Q) Rotterdam Convention
(50 words, 15 marks)

116. Minamata Convention on Mercury
a global treaty to protect the human health and the environment from anthropogenic emissions and releases of mercury and mercury compounds
named after the Japanese town Minamata
Mercury poisoning
Phasing out of a range of Hg containing products Including
◦batteries, switches and relays; (except those batteries used in implantable medical devices)
◦certain fluorescent lamps;
◦soaps and cosmetics; and
◦some medical devices such as thermometers and blood pressure devices

117. The major highlights of the Minamata Convention include
◦a ban on new mercury mines, the phase-out of existing ones,
◦control measures on air emissions, and
◦the international regulation of the informal sector for artisanal and small-scale gold mining
Exceptions
◦vaccines containing mercury,
◦religious and traditional activities, and
◦for processes where there are no mercury-free alternatives

118. Global Environmental Facility (GEF)
established in October 1991 as a $1 billion pilot program in the World Bank to assist in the protection of the global environment & to promote environmental sustainable development.
The Global Environment Facility is a partnership for international cooperation where 183 countries work together with international institutions, civil society organizations and the private sector, to address global environmental issues.

119. The UNDP , the UNEP and the World Bank were the three initial partners implementing GEF projects.
later on, GEF was restructured & moved out of the World Bank system to become a permanent, separate institution. The decision to make the GEF an independent organization enhanced the involvement of developing countries in the decision-making process and in implementation of the projects.

120. At present, the GEF serves as financial mechanism for the following conventions:
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)
UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
Minamata Convention on Mercury
The GEF, although not linked formally to the Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer (MP), supports implementation of the Protocol in countries with economies in transition.

121. International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
founded in 1948 as the world’s first global environmental organisation
HQ – Gland, Switzerland
publishes “IUCN Redlist of Threatened Categories”

122. Thank You!
Check http://www.clearias.com for more!
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