Important

Environmental
Conventions
Conventions/protocols Year of Adoption Date of Ratification by
India
CITES 1973 1976
Rotterdam Convention 1998 May 24, 2005.
Vienna Convention for Ozone 1985 18th March, 1991
Layer
Montreal Protocol for ODS 1987 19th June 1992
Minamata Convention on October 2013 India signed it on 30
mercury September 2014.
18 June 2018
Basel Convention on 1989 June 24, 1992.
Hazardous wastes
Convention on Migratory 1979 1983
Species of Wild Animals
Convention/Protocol/Forum Year of adoption Date of Ratification by Added information
India
1971 1 February 1982. Indian side of
RAMSAR Convention on
Sunderbans latest
Wetlands
addition.
Global Tiger Forum 1994 NA Members: Bangladesh,
Bhutan, India,
Cambodia, Myanmar,
Nepal and Vietnam.
World Wildlife Fund,
International Fund for
Animal Welfare (IFAW),
and TRAFFIC.
Convention/Protocol Year of adoption Date of Ratification by India

1992 Year of ratification: 1993

UNFCCC (agreement signed by India in
1992)

PARIS AGREEMENT 2016 2 October 2016

Stockholm Convention on POPs 2001 January 13, 2006.

Kyoto Protocol to the UNFCCC 1997 26.08.2002
Convention on Biological 1992 18.02.1994
Diversity (CBD)
Convention/Protocol Year of adoption Date of Ratification by India

Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety 2000 2003

Convention for the Protection of 1972 1977
World Cultural and Natural
Heritage
Convention on Biological 1992 18.02.1994
Diversity (CBD)
United Nations Convention to 1994 17.12.1996
Combat Desertification
 Convention on Biological Diversity, 1992
Convention/Protocol Date of adoption Date of Ratification by Features
India
Convention on Biological 1992 18.02.1994 It has 3 main objectives:
Diversity (CBD) üThe conservation of
biological diversity
üThe sustainable use of
the components of
biological diversity.
üThe fair and equitable
sharing of the benefits
arising out of the
utilization of genetic
resources.
 Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

• India recently submitted its Sixth National Report to the Convention on

Biological Diversity (CBD).
• India is among the first five countries in the world, the first in Asia and the first
among the biodiversity-rich mega diverse countries to have submitted the report.
• The report provides an update of progress in achievement of 12 National
Biodiversity Targets (NBT) developed under the convention process in line with
the 20 global Aichi biodiversity targets.
• The submission of national reports is a mandatory obligation on parties to
international treaties, including the CBD.
 Convention on Biological Diversity, 1992

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) entered into force on 29 December

1993. The Convention was opened for signature on 5 June 1992 at the United
Nations Conference on Environment and Development (the Rio “Earth
Summit”).
üThis convention is a legally binding framework treaty that has been ratified
by180 countries.
üThe areas that are dealt by convention are conservation of biodiversity,
sustainable use of biological resources and equitable sharing of benefits arising
from their sustainable use.
üThe convention came into force in 1993.
üMany biodiversity issues are addressed including habitat preservation, intellectual
property rights, biosafety and indigenous people‘s rights.
 Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
• At the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, world leaders agreed on a
comprehensive strategy for “sustainable development” —meeting our needs while
ensuring that we leave a healthy and viable world for future generations.
• One of the key agreements adopted at Rio was the Convention on Biological
Diversity.
• The Convention on Biological Diversity is the international legal instrument with
3 main objectives (that has been ratified by 196 nations):
1. conservation of biological diversity
2. sustainable use of its components of biological diversity
3. fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic
resources.
 Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
• CBD has two supplementary agreements -Cartagena Protocol and Nagoya
Protocol.
• The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to the Convention on Biological Diversity is
an international treaty governing the movements of living modified organisms
(LMOs) resulting from modern biotechnology from one country to another.
• It was adopted on 29 January 2000 as a supplementary agreement to the
Convention on Biological Diversity and entered into force on 11 September 2003.
• The Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable
Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization (ABS)to the Convention on
Biological Diversity is a supplementary agreement to the Convention on
Biological Diversity.
• It provides a transparent legal framework for the effective implementation of one
of the three objectives of the CBD: the fair and equitable sharing of benefits
arising out of the utilization of genetic resources.
 Aichi Targets
• The ‘Aichi Targets’ were adopted by the Convention on Biological Diversity
(CBD) at its Nagoya conference. It is a short-term plan provides a set of
20ambitious yet achievable targets, collectively known as the Aichi Targets.
They can be divided into:
• Strategic Goal A: Address the underlying causes of biodiversity loss by
mainstreaming biodiversity across government and society.
• Strategic Goal B: Reduce the direct pressures on biodiversity and promote
sustainable use.
• Strategic Goal C: To improve the status of biodiversity by safeguarding
ecosystems, species and genetic diversity.
• Strategic Goal D: Enhance the benefits to all from biodiversity and ecosystem
services.
• Strategic Goal E:Enhance implementation through participatory planning,
knowledge management and capacity building.
 The 12 National Biodiversity targets of India
1. By 2020, a significant proportion of the country’s population, especially the youth, is
aware of the values of biodiversity and the steps they can take to conserve and use it
sustainably.
2. By 2020, values of biodiversity are integrated into national and state planning
processes, development programmes and poverty alleviation strategies.
3. Strategies for reducing the rate of degradation, fragmentation and loss of all natural
habitats are finalized and actions put in place by 2020 for environmental amelioration
and human well-being.
4. By 2020, invasive alien species and pathways are identified and strategies to manage
them developed so that populations of prioritized invasive alien species are managed.
5. By 2020, measures are adopted for sustainable management of agriculture, forestry
and fisheries.
6. Ecologically representative areas under terrestrial and inland water, and also coastal
and marine zones, especially those of particular importance for species, biodiversity
and ecosystem services, are conserved effectively and equitably, based on protected
area designation and management and other area-based conservation measures and are
integrated into the wider landscapes and seascapes, covering over 20% of the
geographic area of the country, by 2020.
 The 12 National Biodiversity targets of India are
7. By 2020, genetic diversity of cultivated plants, farm livestock, and their wild relatives, including
other socio-economically as well as culturally valuable species, is maintained, and strategies have
been developed and implemented for minimizing genetic erosion and safeguarding their genetic
diversity.
8. By 2020, ecosystem services, especially those relating to water, human health, livelihoods and
well-being, are enumerated and measures to safeguard them are identified, taking into account the
needs of women and local communities, particularly the poor and vulnerable sections.
9. By 2015, Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising
from their Utilization as per the Nagoya Protocol are operational, consistent with national
legislation.
10. By 2020, an effective, participatory and updated national biodiversity action plan is made
operational at different levels of governance.
11. By 2020, national initiatives using communities’ traditional knowledge relating to biodiversity
are strengthened, with the view to protecting this knowledge in accordance with national
legislation and international obligations.
12. By 2020, opportunities to increase the availability of financial, human and technical resources
to facilitate effective implementation of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 and the
national targets are identified and the Strategy for Resource Mobilization is adopted.
 CITES –Washington Convention
• India has proposed to remove rosewood (Dalbergia sissoo) from Appendix II of
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna
and Flora (CITES),a multilateral treaty to protect endangered plants and
animals.
• The species is currently part of Appendix II of CITES that has species not
necessarily threatened with extinction, but in which trade must be controlled to
avoid utilisation incompatible with their survival. But, India doesn’t want that for
rosewood.
Why India wants rosewood removed from the list?
• The species grows at a very fast rate and has the capacity to become naturalised
outside its native range, even it is invasive in some parts of the world.
• The regulation of trade in the species is not necessary to avoid it becoming
eligible for inclusion in Appendix I in the near future and the harvest of
specimens from the wild is not reducing the wild population to a level at which its
survival might be threatened by continued harvesting or other influences.
 CITES –Washington Convention
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and
Flora (CITES):
• It is an International agreement to regulate worldwide commercial trade in wild
animal and plant species
• It also restricts trade in items made from such plants and animals, such as food,
clothing, medicine, and souvenirs.
• It was signed on March 3, 1973 (Hence world wildlife day is celebrated on march
3).
• It is administered by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
• Secretariat —Geneva (Switzerland).
• CITES is legally binding on state parties to the convention, which are obliged to
adopt their own domestic legislation to implement its goals.
 Classification
• It classifies plants and animals according to three categories, or appendices, based
on how threatened. They are:
1. Appendix I species: They are those species that are in danger of extinction. It
prohibits commercial trade of these plants and animals except in extraordinary
situations for scientific or educational reasons.
2. Appendix II species: They are those that are not threatened with extinction but
that might suffer a serious decline in number if trade is not restricted. Their
trade is regulated by permit.
3. Appendix III species: They are protected in at least one country that is a
CITES member states and that has petitioned others for help in controlling
international trade in that species
 Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals
(CMS)
• The 13th Conference of Parties (COP) of the Convention on the conservation of
migratory species of wild animals (CMS), an environmental treaty under the aegis
of United Nations Environment Programme, is going to be hosted by India during
15thto 22nd February, 2020.
• India has been a Party to the CMS since 1983.The Conference of Parties (COP) is
the decision-making organ of this convention.
• CMS COP is also known as a Global Wildlife Conference.
• CMS is an international treaty concluded under aegis of United Nations
Environment Programme (UNEP), concerned with conservation of wildlife and
habitats on a global scale.
 Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals
(CMS)
• It is commonly abbreviated as Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) or the
Bonn Convention.
• CMS aims to conserve terrestrial, marine and avian migratory species throughout
their range.
• It was signed in 1979 in Bonn, Germany and entered into force in 1983.
• Its headquarters are in Bonn, Germany.
• CMS is only global and UN-based intergovernmental organization established
exclusively for conservation and management of terrestrial, aquatic and avian
migratory species throughout their range.
• Appendix I of the Convention includes Migratory species threatened with
extinction.
• Appendix II of the Convention includes Migratory species that need or would
significantly benefit from international co-operation.
 The ninth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP 9) to the
Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) Procedure for
Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade

• The COP met in Geneva, Switzerland, from 29 April to 10 May 2019, jointly and
back-to-back with Basel Convention COP 14 and Stockholm Convention COP 9.
• The “Triple COPs” were convened under the theme, ‘Clean Planet, Healthy
People: Sound Management of Chemicals and Waste.’
• The COPs include joint sessions covering matters of relevance to at least two
Conventions as well as separate sessions under each of the three COPs.
 The ninth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP 9) to the
Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) Procedure for
Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade

• International parties to the UN Rotterdam Convention adopted a "compliance

mechanism" to help countries implement rules on importing and exporting
hazardous chemicals.
• It was agreed as part of a 10-day meeting of the Rotterdam, Stockholm and
Basel Conventions.
 The ninth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP 9) to the
Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) Procedure for
Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade

• The Convention, which came into effect 15 years ago, requires countries to
receive prior informed consent (Pic) before exporting hazardous chemicals to
other countries.
• The compliance mechanism has been written into the text of an annex to the
Convention, laying out how countries can identify gaps in compliance and how to
address them.
• The parties also agreed to establish a compliance committee, which countries can
approach for assistance on implementation or report non-compliance in another
country.
• In order to pass the measure, the parties in Geneva last Wednesday resorted to a
vote for the first time in the Convention’s history. Decisions are usually made by
consensus.
 The ninth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP 9) to the
Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) Procedure for
Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade

• Representatives from 120 parties voted in favour, with six against.

• The measure only applies to the countries that agree to the provisions, so the six
countries opposed to its adoption – Cuba, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, North Korea,
India and Qatar – can choose not to be bound by it.
 The ninth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP 9) to the
Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) Procedure for
Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade

• Delegates at the Rotterdam meeting also decided to subject the flame retardant
hexabromo cyclododecane (HBCD) and the pesticide phorate to the
Convention's Pic procedure.
• This means countries that wish to export the listed chemicals need to receive
permission in advance from the receiving countries' government.
 The ninth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP 9) to the
Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) Procedure for
Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade

• Negotiators did not agree on whether to subject five other chemicals to the Pic
procedure. These are:
1. carbosulfan – an insecticide;
2. fenthion – an insecticide;
3. acetochlor – a herbicide;
4. paraquat – a herbicide; and
5. chrysotile asbestos – used in cement pipes and insulation.
 Minamata Convention
Convention/Protocol Date of adoption Date of Ratification by Features
India

Minamata Convention on October 2013 India signed it on 30 International treaty

Mercury September 2014. designed to protect
human health and the
India ratified it on18 June environment from
2018 anthropogenic emissions
and releases of mercury
and mercury compounds.

The Minamata
Convention gives India
five years (from 2014) to
control and to reduce
mercury emissions from
new power plants and 10
years to do so for existing
power plants.
 Minamata Convention

üOn 18 June 2018, the Government of India deposited its instrument of

ratification, thereby becoming the 93nd Party to the Minamata Convention.
üIndia had signed the convention on 30 September, 2014 a year after it was
adopted.
üThe Minamata Convention gives India five years (from 2014) to control and to
reduce mercury emissions from new power plants and 10 years to do so for
existing power plants.
 Vienna convention for the protection of ozone layer (1985)
Convention/Protocol Date of adoption Date of Ratification by Features
India
Vienna convention for the 1985 18th March, 1991 üIt is a Multilateral
protection of ozone layer Environmental Agreement.
üThe Vienna convention of
1985 started the global
initiatives for protection of
ozone layer.

Later developments:
üMontreal protocol on
substances that deplete
ozone layer on 1987

üThe amendment in
Montreal protocol in
London (1990) and Vienna
(1995)
 Vienna convention for the protection of ozone layer (1985)

üAdopted on 22nd March, 1985 by the conference of The Vienna Convention for
the Protection of the Ozone Layer.
üIt is a Multilateral Environmental Agreement.
üThe Vienna convention of 1985 started the global initiatives for protection of
ozone layer.
Later developments:
üMontreal protocol on substances that deplete ozone layer on 1987
üThe amendment in Montreal protocol in London (1990) and Vienna (1995)
 Montreal protocol on substances that deplete ozone layer, to the Vienna
Convention
Convention/Protocol Date of adoption Date of Ratification by Features
India
Montreal protocol on 1987 19th June 1992 üIt set targets for reducing
substances that deplete the consumption and
ozone layer, (1987) to the production of ozone
Vienna Convention depleting substances (ODS).
üAll nations are not treated
equally.
üThe agreement
acknowledges that certain
countries have contributed
more.
üThe agreement sets more
strict parameters and
phase-out timetables to
countries that have
contributed most to ozone
depletion.
 Montreal protocol on substances that deplete ozone layer, (1987) to the
Vienna Convention

üIndia accepted this protocol along with its London Amendment in 1992.
üThe Ministry of Environment and Forest has established an ozone cell and a
steering committee on the protocol for this purpose.
üThe Ozone Depleting Substances (Regulation and Control) Rules 2000 were
enacted under Environment (protection) Act, 1986.
 Amendment to Montreal Protocol, 2017
üIts a deal to phase out Hydro fluorocarbons (HFCs) which happened in Kigali,
Rwanda
üIt accepted an amendment to the Montreal Protocol that will see developed
countries reduce their use of HFCs from 2019.
üHFCs are potent greenhouse gases (higher global warming potential than
carbon dioxide)
üHFCs are used as refrigerants, aerosol sprays and in solvents.
üHFCs replaced Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) as per the Montreal Protocol.
üDeveloped countries must reduce HFCs use by 10% by 2019 from 2011-2013
levels, and 85% by 2036.
 Amendment to Montreal Protocol, 2017
üA second group of developing countries - China and African nations, have to
launch the transition in 2024.
üA reduction of 10% compared with 2020-2022 levels should be achieved by
2029, and 80% by 2045.
üA third group of developing countries, including India, will begin the process
in 2028.
üThis group has to reduce emissions by 10% by 2032 from 2024-2026 levels, and
then by 85% by 2047.
 Ratification of all four amendments to the Montreal Protocol
Convention/Protocol Date of adoption Date of Ratification by Features
India
The London Amendment 1990 India ratified this Mandates to phase out
Amendment on 19.6.1992. CFCs and Halons by
1.1.2010 with the
intermediate reduction
schedule of 50% by
1.1.2005.
The use of CTC is also to be
phased out by 1.1.2010
with in intermediate
reduction of 85% by
1.1.2005.
HCFCs has been introduced
as transitional
substances/immediate
substitutes to CFCs and can
be used till 2040.
 Ratification of all four amendments to the Montreal Protocol
Convention/Protocol Date of adoption Date of Ratification by Features
India
The Copenhagen 1992 India ratified the Introduced HCFCs, HBFCs
Amendment Amendment on 3rd and Methyl Bromide as
March, 2003. controlled substances.
 Ratification of all four amendments to the Montreal Protocol
Convention/Protocol Date of adoption Date of Ratification by Features
India
The Copenhagen 1992 India ratified the Introduced HCFCs, HBFCs
Amendment Amendment on 3rd and Methyl Bromide as
March, 2003. controlled substances.
 Ratification of all four amendments to the Montreal Protocol
Convention/Protocol Date of adoption Date of Ratification by Features
India
The Montreal Amendment 1997 India ratified this Mandates the
Amendment on 3rd March, establishment of licensing
2003. system for import and
export of new, used,
recycled, reclaimed
controlled substances by
March 1998 or 1.1.2000
whichever is later.
Ban on import and export of
methyl bromide
Import or export of methyl
bromide and control
measures for trade in
methyl bromide are already
included in the Ozone
Depleting Substances
(Regulation and Control)
Rules, 2000.
 Ratification of all four amendments to the Montreal Protocol
Convention/Protocol Date of adoption Date of Ratification by Features
India
The Beijing Amendment 1999 India ratified this Introduced control
Amendment on 3rd measures applicable to
March, 2003. the production of HCFCs
for developed countries
with a provision of 15%
additional allowance to
meet the domestic needs
of developing countries.
 The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to CBD
Convention/Protocol Date of Date of Features
adoption Ratification
by India
It aims to ensure the
safe handling,
transport and use of
living modified
organisms (LMOs)
2000 resulting from
Cartagena Protocol on 2003 modern
Biosafety biotechnology that
may have adverse
effects on biological
diversity, taking also
into account risks to
human health.
Basel convention on trans-boundary movement of hazardous wastes
Convention/Protocol Date of adoption Date of Ratification by Features
India
Basel convention on 1989 June 24, 1992. Aims to reduce trans-
trans-boundary boundary movements of
movement of hazardous hazardous wastes.
wastes, 1989
Aims to minimize the
creation of such wastes
and to prohibit their
shipment from Developed
countries to the Least
developed countries
(LDCs)
 Basel convention on trans-boundary movement of hazardous wastes, 1989

üDeveloped nation seek cheap disposal options for hazardous wastes in the
developing countries.
üBecause in developing countries enforcement mechanisms are lacking.
üThe Convention deals with this issue.
üIt also deals with Electronic waste like discarded electrical or electronic devices
like mobile phones, television sets, and refrigerators. CRTs (Cathode Ray Tubes),
which may contain contaminants such as lead, cadmium, beryllium, or
brominated flame retardants.
üIndia has enacted Hazardous Wastes Management Rules Act 1989.
üCriticism: It does not address the movement of radioactive waste.
 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (Earth
Summit), 1992

üIt was held in Rio-de-Janeiro in Brazil in the year 1992.

üAlso called “Earth Summit”.
üIt discussed human & environmental problems.
üAlso called as the “Parliament of the planet”.
 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (Earth
Summit), 1992

üUNCED adopted following five documents:

1. Rio Declaration– a statement of broad principles to for national conduct on
environmental protection
2. Agenda-21: a massive document containing a detailed action-plan for
sustainable development.
3. Legally Non-Binding Principles of Forestry
4. Convention on Climate Change
5. Convention on Biodiversity
 The Rio Declaration

üIt is a statement of 27 principles for the guidance of national environmental

behavior.
üRio principles placed human beings at the centre of sustainable development
üIt stated that humans are entitled to a healthy and productive life in harmony with
nature.
üTo achieve sustainable development, states shall reduce unsustainable patterns of
consumption.
üEnvironmental impact assessment as an instrument to monitor the
environmental effects.
 Agenda-21

üIt’s a future plan for environment and development.

üFocuses on poverty, health consumption patterns, energy, climate etc.
üIt is not a binding document.
U.N. Frame Work Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), 1992
üFramework for international cooperation to combat climate change by limiting
average global temperature increases.
üAims: to stabilize greenhouse gas emissions at tolerable levels
üIt formulated the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.
üIt means developed countries have to more to combat climate change.
üIndia signed the agreement in 1992 and ratified in 1993.
üAs per the convention the reduction/limitation requirements apply only to
developed countries.
üThe only reporting obligation for developing countries is the construction of a
Green House gases (GHG) inventory.
üParis deal is a part of the UNFCCC.
 Kyoto protocol, 1997
Convention/Protoco Date of adoption Date of Features
l Ratification by
India
Kyoto Protocol to 1997 26.08.2002 Nations are required to
the UNFCCC prepare policies and
measures for the
reduction of greenhouse
gases in their respective
countries.

Nations can utilize the

following mechanisms:

1. Joint implementation

2. Clean development
mechanism

3. Emissions trading
 Kyoto protocol, 1997

üIt is an international treaty which extends the 1992 United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
üAdopted in Kyoto, Japan, on 11 December 1997 and entered into force on 16
February 2005.
üIt established legally binding commitments to reduce emissions of greenhouse
gases for parties that ratified the Protocol.
üThe commitments were based on the Berlin Mandate, which was a part of
UNFCCC negotiations.
 The Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-sharing
Convention/Protocol Date of adoption Date of Ratification by Features
India
The Nagoya Protocol on 2010 India signed the Nagoya The Nagoya Protocol on
Access and Benefit- Protocol on 11th May Access to Genetic
sharing 2011. Resources and the Fair
India ratified of the and Equitable Sharing of
Nagoya Protocol on Benefits Arising from
October 9 2012 at the their Utilization to the
eleventh Conference of Convention on Biological
the Parties (CoP 11) to Diversity, also known as
the Convention on the Nagoya Protocol on
Biological Diversity Access and Benefit
(CBD), which was held on Sharing (ABS) is a 2010
Hyderabad. supplementary
agreement to the 1992
Convention on Biological
Diversity (CBD).
 The Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-sharing

üThe 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
üAims at sharing the benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources in a
fair and equitable way.
üIt entered into force on 12 October 2014.
üIt needs 50 ratifications for it to come into force.
üThe Nagoya Protocol has received the required 50th instrument of ratification on
July 14, 2014.
üRatification of the Nagoya Protocol by 51 parties to the CBD is also a considered
as a major development towards achieving the first of the global Aichi targets.
 The Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-sharing
üIt is the second protocol to the CBD; the first is the 2000 Cartagena Protocol on
Biosafety.
üThe Nagoya Protocol would also contribute to the other two objectives of the CBD
relating to conservation and sustainable use, since benefits accruing from utilization of
genetic resources would act as incentive to biodiversity-rich countries and their local
communities to conserve and sustainably use their biodiversity.
üThe programmes listed by India before the international audience are:
1. joint forest management for sharing of benefits from forests with local people
2. decentralised governance through elected local level bodies for planning
economic development (Panchayati Raj institutions)
3. enactment of Biological Diversity Act in 2002
4. recognition of forest rights of traditional forest dwellers through Forest Rights
Act, 2006
5. the National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme.
 U.N. Convention on Desertification, 1994

United Nations Convention 1994 17.12.1996 1992 U.N. Conference on

to Combat Desertification Environment and
Development lead its
foundation.
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.
2006 was declared
“International Year of
Deserts and
Desertification”.
 Stockholm Convention on POPs, 2004
üStockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants is an international
environmental treaty, signed in 2001 and effective from May 2004,
üIt aims to eliminate or restrict the production and use of persistent organic
pollutants (POPs).
üPOPs are defined as “chemical substances that persist in the environment,
bio-accumulate through the food web, and pose a risk of causing adverse
effects to human health and the environment”.
 Stockholm Convention on POPs, 2004
• Initially, twelve POPs have been recognized as causing adverse effects on
humans and the ecosystem and these can be placed in 3 categories:
• Pesticides: aldrin, chlordane, DDT, dieldrin, endrin, heptachlor,
hexachlorobenzene, mirex, toxaphene;
• Industrial chemicals: hexachlorobenzene, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs);
and
• By-products: hexachlorobenzene; polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and
polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDD/PCDF), and PCBs.
 Stockholm Convention on POPs- New Chemical Added
ü2 chemicals added to Annex A elimination list: short-chain chlorinated paraffins
(SCCPs) and decaBDE.
üAlso listed Hexachlorobutadiene (HBCD) in Annex C.
Annex A (Elimination)
üParties must take measures to eliminate the production and use of the chemicals
listed under Annex A. Specific exemptions for use or production are listed in the
Annex and apply only to Parties that register for them.
Annex B (Restriction)
üParties must take measures to restrict the production and use of the chemicals
listed under Annex B in light of any applicable acceptable purposes and/or
specific exemptions listed in the Annex.
 UN Conference on Sustainable Development (2012)

üIt was the third international conference on sustainable development.

üIt is also known as Rio+20 .
üIt was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on 20th anniversary of Earth Summit
üIt published a report which was themed “The future we want“.
 RAMSAR CONVENTION, 1971
üThe Convention on Wetlands, called the Ramsar Convention, is an
intergovernmental treaty.
üIt provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the
conservation of wetlands.
üThe Convention was adopted in the Iranian city of Ramsar in 1971 and came into
force in 1975.
üUNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization),
received the the instruments of accession from the countries.
üThe RAMSAR Secretariat is based at the headquarters of the International
Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in Gland, Switzerland.
üWorld Wetlands Day is celebrated on February 2nd.
üA wetland is a place where the land is covered by water, either salt, fresh or
somewhere in between. Marshes and ponds, the edge of a lake or ocean, the delta
at the mouth of a river, low-lying areas that frequently flood—all of these are
wetlands.
 Criteria for Selecting a RAMSAR site
üCriterion 1: If the site is representative, rare, or unique example of a natural or near-natural
wetland type found within the appropriate biogeographic region.
üCriterion 2: if it supports vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered species or threatened
ecological communities.
üCriterion 3: if it supports populations of plant and/or animal species important for maintaining
the biological diversity of a particular biogeographic region.
üCriterion 4: if it supports plant and/or animal species at a critical stage in their life cycles, or
provides refuge during adverse conditions.
üCriterion 5: if it regularly supports 20,000 or more water-birds.
üCriterion 6: if it regularly supports 1% of the individuals in a population of one species or
subspecies of water-bird.
üCriterion 7: if it supports a significant proportion of indigenous fish subspecies, species or
families, life-history stages, species interactions and/or populations that are representative of
wetland benefits and/or values and thereby contributes to global biological diversity.
üCriterion 8: if it is an important source of food for fishes, spawning ground, nursery and/or
migration path on which fish stocks, either within the wetland or elsewhere, depend.
üCriterion 9: if it regularly supports 1% of the individuals in a population of one species or
subspecies of wetland-dependent non-avian animal species.
 The Montreux Record

üThe 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.
üIt is maintained as part of the Ramsar List.
üCurrently, two wetlands of India are in Montreux record - Keoladeo National
Park, Rajasthan and Loktak Lake, Manipur.
üKiebul Lamjao National park is located in loktak lake.
üIt is home to the ‘dancing deer’.
üChilka lake was placed in the record but was later removed from it.
 RAMSAR SITES in India

üThe convention entered into force in India on 1 February 1982.

üIndia currently has 27 sites designated as Wetlands of International Importance
(Ramsar Sites), with a surface area of 1,056,871 hectares.
üRecently, the Indian side of the Sunderbans has received the prestigious
‘Wetlands of International Importance tag under the Ramsar Convention on
Wetlands, making it the largest protected wetland in the country.
üThis is the second Ramsar site in Bengal after the East Kolkata wetlands.
üThe Bangladesh part of the Sunderbans had received the Ramsar status in
1992.
üThe recognition came a year after the West Bengal forest department following a
nod from the state government.
 RAMSAR SITES in India
1. Renuka Wetland, Himachal Pradesh(This is smallest wetland of India)
2. Nalsarovar, Gujarat
3. Harike Lake, Punjab
4. Keoladeo National Park , Rajasthan
5. Chilika Lake, Orissa
6. Kanjli, Punjab
7. Sambhar Lake ,Rajasthan
8. Wular Lake, Jammu & Kashmir
9. Loktak Lake, Manipur
10. Upper Ganga River , Uttar Pradesh
11. Ropar, Punjab
12. Chandertal Wetland, Himachal Pradesh
13. Hokera Wetland, Jammu, Kashmir
 RAMSAR SITES in India
14.Rudrasagar Lake, Tripura
15.Surinsar-Mansar Lakes, Jammu, Kashmir
16.Sasthamkotta Lake, Kerala
17.Pong Dam Lake, Himachal Pradesh
18.Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary,Tamil Nadu
19.Kolleru Lake , Andhra Pradesh
20.Bhitarkanika Mangroves, Orissa
21.Tsomoriri , Jammu & Kashmir
22.Ashtamudi Wetland , Kerala
23.Deepor Beel, Assam
24.East Calcutta Wetlands , West Bengal
25. Bhoj Wetland , Madhya Pradesh
26.Vembanad-Kol Wetland, Kerala
27. Sunderbans, West Bengal
 The World Heritage Convention, 1972

üEstablished in 1992, the World Heritage Centre ensures the day-to-day

management of the Convention.
üThe Convention recognizes the way in which people interact with nature.
üThe Convention defines the kind of natural or cultural sites which can be
considered for inscription on the World Heritage List under UNESCO.
Convention on International Trade in Endangered species of Wild flora and
fauna (CITES) 1973

üIt was a result of a resolution adopted in 1963 at a meeting of International Union

for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
üIt aims to control international commercial trade in endangered species or
products derived from them.
üThe Convention does not directly protects endangered species.
üIt reduces the economic incentive to hunt endangered species by closing off the
international market.
üIndia became a party to the convention in 1976.
üInternational trade in all wild flora and fauna in general and species covered
under convention is regulated through the provisions of the Wild life (protection)
Act 1972.
 WORLD CONSERVATION STRATEGY, 1980
ü IUCN started work on the World Conservation Strategy.
üIt set out fundamental principles and objectives for conservation worldwide, and
identified priorities for national and international action.
 WORLD CHARTER FOR NATURE, 1982

üAdopted by United Nations on October 28, 1982.

üIt proclaims five “principles of conservation by which all human conduct
affecting nature is to be guided and judged.”
 Nairobi Declaration 1982 to Stockholm Conference
üThe Declaration was adopted at Nairobi.
üIt celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Stockholm conference on human
Environment in 1972.
üThe Declaration articulated the creation of a special commission to frame long
term environment strategies for achieving sustainable developments upto the year
2000 and beyond.
 Geneva Protocol

üProtocol for the Prohibition of the Use in War of Asphyxiating, Poisonous or

other Gases, and of Bacteriological Methods of Warfare (Geneva protocol).
üIt prohibits the use of chemical and biological weapons in international armed
conflicts.
üSpecific treaties like the 1972 biological Weapon Convention (BWC) and the
1993 Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) cover it.
 Convention on Long-Range Trans boundary Air pollution (CLRTAP)
üIt is an “Air Pollution Convention”
üAims: To protect the human environment against air pollution and to gradually
reduce and prevent air pollution, including long-rand trans boundary air pollution.
üFew of the chemicals banned/eliminated under these conventions (Basel,
Rotterdam, Stockholm, CLRTAP) are Aldrin, Chlordane, Hexachlorobenzene,
Lindane, Heptachlor etc.
Thank You!