MEA Membership
اتفاقية آرهوس
اتفاقية آرهوس
اتفاقية بشأن الوصول إلى المعلومات، والمشاركة الجماهيرية والوصول إلى
Agreement relating to the Implementation of Part XI of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982
Agreement relating to the Implementation of Part XI of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982
To address certain difficulties with the seabed mining provisions contained in Part XI of the Convention, which had been raised, primarily by the industrialized countries, the Secretary-General convened in July 1990 a series of informal consultations which culminated in the adoption, on 28 July 1994, of the Agreement relating to the implementation of Part XI of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982. The Agreement entered into force on 28 July 1996. The Agreement was adopted on 28 July 1994 and entered into force on 28 July 1996. It consists of 10 articles
Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction
Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction
The Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) was adopted on 19 June 2023 by the Intergovernmental Conference on Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction convened under the auspices of the United Nations. The BBNJ Agreement becomes the third implementing agreement to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Under the overall objective of the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas
Amendment to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal
Amendment to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal
Amendments to the Text of and Annexes Other than III and VII to the 1998 Protocol on Heavy Metals
Amendments to the Text of and Annexes Other than III and VII to the 1998 Protocol on Heavy Metals
In 2012, the Parties adopted decision 2012/5, amending the Protocol to strengthen controls on heavy metal emissions and introduce flexibilities for new Parties, particularly from Eastern Europe, South-Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. Additionally, decision 2012/6 updated BAT guidance, as outlined in Annex III. These amendments entered into force on 8 February 2022.
اتفاقية بازل
اتفاقية بازل
تم اعتامد اتفاقية بازل بشأن التحكم يف نقل النفايات الخطرة والتخلص منها عرب الحدود يف عام 1989 وبدأ نفاذها عام 1992. وتعترب اتفاقية بازل االتفاق البيئي العاملي األكرث شموالً يف مجال )حتى 31 آذار/مارس 2011( النفايات الخطرة والنفايات األخرى. فبعضويتها البالغة 175 طرفاً تكاد تتمتع بعضوية عاملية. وتهدف االتفاقية إىل حامية صحة البرش والبيئة من اآلثار الضارة التي تنجم عن توليد النفايات الخطرة والنفايات األخرى ونقلها وإدارتها عرب الحدود.
الاتفاقية المتعلقة بالتنوع البيولوجي
الاتفاقية المتعلقة بالتنوع البيولوجي
تهدف الإتفاقية المتعلقة بالتنوع البيولوجي الى تعزيز التنمية المستدامة وقد وقع عليها 150 رئيس حكومة خلال قمة الأرض في ريو دي جانيرو في العام 1992. وقد صممت الإتفاقية لتكون أداة عملية تترجم مبادئ جدول أعمال القرن 21 الى حقيقية، وتقر الإتفاقية بأن التنوع البيولوجي لا يعني النباتات والحيوانات والكائنات الدقيقة وأنظمتها الإيكولوجية فحسب، إنما يعني الأفراد وحاجاتهم الى الأمن الغذائي والأدوية والهواء النقي والمياه والملجأ وبيئة سليمة وصحية يعيشون فيها
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora
CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) aims to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. CITES works by subjecting international trade in specimens of selected species to certain controls. All import, export, re-export and introduction from the sea of species covered by the Convention has to be authorized through a licensing system. Each Party to the Convention must designate one or more Management Authorities in charge of administering that licensing system and one or more
Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution
Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution
Since 1979 the Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution has addressed some of the major environmental problems of the UNECE region through scientific collaboration and policy negotiation. The Convention has been extended by eight protocols that identify specific measures to be taken by Parties to cut their emissions of air pollutants. The Convention, which now has 51 Parties identifies the Executive Secretary of UNECE as its secretariat. The aim of the Convention is that Parties shall endeavour to limit and, as far as possible, gradually reduce and prevent air pollution including
Convention on Migratory Species
Convention on Migratory Species
Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals As an environmental treaty under the aegis of the United Nations Environment Programme, 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. As the only global convention specializing in the conservation of migratory species, their habitats and migration routes, CMS
Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes
Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes
The Water Convention aims to protect and ensure the quantity, quality and sustainable use of transboundary water resources by facilitating cooperation. It provides an intergovernmental platform for the day-to-day development and advancement of transboundary cooperation. Initially negotiated as a regional instrument, it turned into a universally available legal framework for transboundary water cooperation, following the entry into force of amendments in February 2013, opening it to all UN Member States
Convention on the Transboundary Effects of Industrial Accidents
Convention on the Transboundary Effects of Industrial Accidents
The Industrial Accidents Convention aims to protect human beings and the environment against the effects of industrial accidents. It applies to the prevention of, preparedness for and response to industrial accidents capable of causing transboundary effects, including the effects of such accidents caused by natural disasters. It also applies to international cooperation concerning mutual assistance, research and development, exchange of information and exchange of technology in the area of prevention of, preparedness for and response to industrial accidents. P arties are obliged to take
Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat
Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat
The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, 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’s mission is “the conservation and wise use of all wetlands through local and national actions and international cooperation, as a contribution towards achieving sustainable development throughout the world”. Under the “three pillars” of the Convention, the Contracting Parties commit to work towards the wise use of all
Doha Amendment to the Kyoto Protocol
Doha Amendment to the Kyoto Protocol
EMEP Protocol
EMEP Protocol
The Protocol to the Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution on the Financing of the Co-operative Programme for Monitoring and Evaluation of the Long-range Transmission of Air Pollutants in Europe (EMEP) was entered into force in 1988. Forty-six ECE countries are currently Parties to this Protocol. It is an instrument for international cost-sharing of a monitoring programme which forms the backbone for review and assessment of relevant air pollution in Europe in the light of agreements on emission reduction. EMEP has three main components: collection of emission data for SO2, NOx
Espoo Convention
Espoo Convention
The Espoo (EIA) Convention sets out the obligations of Parties to assess the environmental impact of certain activities at an early stage of planning. It also lays down the general obligation of States to notify and consult each other on all major projects under consideration that are likely to have a significant adverse environmental impact across boundaries. The Convention was adopted in 1991 and entered into force on 10 September 1997
Gothenburg Protocol
Gothenburg Protocol
The Protocol to the 1979 Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution to Abate Acidification, Eutrophication and Ground-level Ozone (Gothenburg Protocol) sets national emission ceilings for 2010 up to 2020 for four pollutants: sulphur (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and ammonia (NH3). It thus builds on the previous Protocols that addressed sulphur emissions (1985 Protocol; 1994 Protocol), VOCs and NOx. These ceilings were negotiated on the basis of scientific assessments of pollution effects and abatement options. Parties whose emissions have a more
International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) as modified by the Protocol of 1978 (MARPOL 73/78) - including Annex I/II
International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) as modified by the Protocol of 1978 (MARPOL 73/78) - including Annex I/II
The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) is the main international convention covering prevention of pollution of the marine environment by ships from operational or accidental causes. The MARPOL Convention was adopted on 2 November 1973 at IMO. The Protocol of 1978 was adopted in response to a spate of tanker accidents in 1976-1977. As the 1973 MARPOL Convention had not yet entered into force, the 1978 MARPOL Protocol absorbed the parent Convention. The combined instrument entered into force on 2 October 1983. In 1997, a Protocol was adopted to amend
International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships as modified by the Protocol of 1978 (MARPOL 73/78) - Annex III: Hazardous substances carried in packaged form
International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships as modified by the Protocol of 1978 (MARPOL 73/78) - Annex III: Hazardous substances carried in packaged form
Optional Annex to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) as modified by the Protocol of 1978 (MARPOL 73/78) in regards of hazardous substances carried in packaged form. Summary of provisions: The Annex sets Regulations for the prevention of pollution by harmful substances carried by sea in packaged forms, or in freight containers, portable tanks or road and rail tank wagons. Such carriage of harmful substances is prohibited except in accordance with the provisions of the Annex, which are to be supplemented by detailed requirements issued by each Party
International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling
International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling
The International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling was signed in 1946 and it is the International Whaling Commission’s founding document. The Convention includes a legally binding Schedule which, amongst other things, sets out catch limits for commercial and aboriginal subsistence whaling. The Schedule is an integral part of the Convention, but its provisions, for example catch limits, may be amended by the Commission. In practice, amendments to the Schedule are almost always agreed at the Commission’s biennial meetings. The IWC is the global body charged with the conservation of
المعاهدة الدولية بشأن الموارد الوراثية النباتية للأغذية والزراعة
المعاهدة الدولية بشأن الموارد الوراثية النباتية للأغذية والزراعة
International Tropical Timber Agreement
International Tropical Timber Agreement
Kyiv Protocol on Pollutant Release and Transfer Registers
Kyiv Protocol on Pollutant Release and Transfer Registers
The Kyiv Protocol on Pollutant Release and Transfer Registers (PRTRs) was adopted on 21 May 2003 and entered into force on 8 October 2009. It is the only legally binding international instrument on pollutant release and transfer registers. Its objective is "to enhance public access to information through the establishment of coherent, nationwide pollutant release and transfer registers (PRTRs)." PRTRs are inventories of pollution from industrial sites and other sources. Although regulating information on pollution, rather than pollution directly, the Protocol is expected to exert a significant
Kyoto Protocol
Kyoto Protocol
The Kyoto Protocol is an international agreement linked to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The major feature of the Kyoto Protocol is that it sets binding targets for 37 industrialized countries and the European community for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions .These amount to an average of five per cent against 1990 levels over the five-year period 2008-2012.
Minamata Convention on Mercury
Minamata Convention on Mercury
The Minamata Convention draws attention to a global and ubiquitous metal that, while naturally occurring, has broad uses in everyday objects and is released to the atmosphere, soil and water from a variety of sources. Controlling the anthropogenic releases of mercury throughout its lifecycle has been a key factor in shaping the obligations under the Convention. Major highlights of the Minamata Convention include a ban on new mercury mines, the phase-out of existing ones, the phase-out and phase-down of mercury use in a number of products and processes, control measures on emissions to air and
Montreal Protocol
Montreal Protocol
The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer was designed to reduce the production and consumption of ozone depleting substances in order to reduce their abundance in the atmosphere, and thereby protect the earth as fragile ozone Layer. The original Montreal Protocol was agreed on 16 September 1987 and entered into force on 1 January 1989.
بروتوكول ناغويا حول الحصول على الموارد وتقاسم المنافع
بروتوكول ناغويا حول الحصول على الموارد وتقاسم المنافع
إن بروتوكول ناغويا بشأن الحصول على الموارد الجينية والتقاسم العادل والمنصف للمنافع الناشئة عن استخدامها الملحق باتفاقية التنوع البيولوجي اتفاقية دولية تهدف إلى تقاسم المنافع الناشئة عن استخدام الموارد الجينية بطريقة عادلة ومنصفة، بما في ذلك عن طريق الحصول على الموارد الجينية ونقل التكنولوجيات ذات الصلة بصورة ملائمة، مع الأخذ بعين الاعتبار كافة الحقوق على هذه الموارد والتكنولوجيات، وعن طريق التمويل المناسب، مما يسهم في حفظ التنوع البيولوجي والاستخدام المستدام لمكوناته. وقد تم اعتماده من قبل مؤتمر الأطراف في اتفاقية التنوع البيولوجي خلال الاجتماع العاشر المنعقد في 29 أكتوبر 2010 في ناغويا،
Paris Agreement
Paris Agreement
The Paris Agreement builds upon the Convention and – for the first time – brings all nations into a common cause to undertake ambitious efforts to combat climate change and adapt to its effects, with enhanced support to assist developing countries to do so. As such, it charts a new course in the global climate effort.
Protocol concerning the Control of Emissions of Nitrogen Oxides
Protocol concerning the Control of Emissions of Nitrogen Oxides
In 1988 the Protocol concerning the Control of Emissions of Nitrogen Oxides or their Transboundary Fluxes was adopted in Sofia (Bulgaria). This Protocol requires as a first step, to freeze emissions of nitrogen oxides or their transboundary fluxes. The general reference year is 1987 (with the exception of the United States that chose to relate its emission target to 1978). Taking the sum of emissions of Parties to the NOx Protocol in 1994, or a previous year, where no recent data are available, also a reduction of 9% compared to 1987 can be noted. Nineteen of the 25 Parties to the 1988 NOx
Protocol concerning the Control of Emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds or their Transboundary Fluxes
Protocol concerning the Control of Emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds or their Transboundary Fluxes
The Protocol specifies three options for emission reduction targets that have to be chosen upon signature or upon ratification: (i) 30% reduction in emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by 1999 using a year between 1984 and 1990 as a basis. (ii) The same reduction as for (i) within a Tropospheric Ozone Management Area (TOMA) specified in annex I to the Protocol and ensuring that by 1999 total national emissions do not exceed 1988 levels. (iii) Finally, where emissions in 1988 did not exceed certain specified levels, Parties may opt for a stabilization at that level of emission by
Protocol on Further Reduction of Sulphur Emissions
Protocol on Further Reduction of Sulphur Emissions
The Protocol sets emission ceilings until 2010 and beyond. In addition, Parties are required to take the most effective measures for the reduction of sulphur emissions, including, inter alia, measures to increase energy efficiency, the use of renewable energy, measures to reduce the sulphur content of fuels, and to apply best available control technologies. The Protocol also encourages the application of economic instruments for the adoption of cost-effective approaches to the reduction of sulphur emissions..
Protocol on Heavy Metals
Protocol on Heavy Metals
The Protocol aims to cut emissions from industrial sources (iron and steel industry, non-ferrous metal industry), combustion processes (power generation, road transport) and waste incineration. It lays down stringent limit values for emissions from stationary sources and suggests best available techniques (BAT) for these sources, such as special filters or scrubbers for combustion sources or mercury-free processes.
Protocol on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)
Protocol on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)
The Executive Body adopted the Protocol on Persistent Organic Pollutants on 24 June 1998 in Aarhus (Denmark). It focuses on a list of 16 substances that have been singled out according to agreed risk criteria. The substances comprise eleven pesticides, two industrial chemicals and three by-products/contaminants. The ultimate objective is to eliminate any discharges, emissions and losses of POPs. The Protocol bans the production and use of some products outright (aldrin, chlordane, chlordecone, dieldrin, endrin, hexabromobiphenyl, mirex and toxaphene). Others are scheduled for elimination at a
Protocol on Strategic Environmental Assessment
Protocol on Strategic Environmental Assessment
The Kyiv (SEA) Protocol, now in force, requires its Parties to evaluate the environmental consequences of their official draft plans and programmes. Strategic environmental assessment (SEA) is undertaken much earlier in the decision-making process than project environmental impact assessment (EIA), and it is therefore seen as a key tool for sustainable development. The Protocol also provides for extensive public participation in government decision-making in numerous development sectors. The Protocol was adopted by an Extraordinary meeting of the Parties to the Espoo Convention, held on 21 May
Protocol on the Reduction of Sulphur Emissions
Protocol on the Reduction of Sulphur Emissions
The Protocol to the Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution on the Reduction of Sulphur Emissions or their Transboundary Fluxes by at least 30 per cent was entered into force in 1987. Twenty-one ECE countries are Parties to this Protocol, which aims at abating one of the major air pollutants. As a result of this Protocol, substantial cuts in sulphur emissions have been recorded in Europe: Taken as a whole, the 21 Parties to the 1985 Sulphur Protocol reduced 1980 sulphur emissions by more than 50% by 1993 (using the latest available figure, where no data were available for 1993)
Rotterdam Convention
Rotterdam Convention
The objectives of the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade are: To promote shared responsibility and cooperative efforts among Parties in the international trade of certain hazardous chemicals in order to protect human health and the environment from potential harm; To contribute to the environmentally sound use of those hazardous chemicals, by facilitating information exchange about their characteristics, by providing for a national decision-making process on their import and export and by
Stockholm Convention
Stockholm Convention
The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants is a global treaty to protect human health and the environment from chemicals that remain intact in the environment for long periods, become widely distributed geographically, accumulate in the fatty tissue of humans and wildlife, and have adverse effects to human health or to the environment. Exposure to Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) can lead serious health effects including certain cancers, birth defects, dysfunctional immune and reproductive systems, greater susceptibility to disease and even diminished intelligence. Given
The Beijing Amendment (1999)
The Beijing Amendment (1999)
The Beijing Amendment (1999)The amendment to the Montreal Protocol agreed by the Eleventh Meeting of the Parties (Beijing, 29 November – 3 December 1999) The Beijing Amendment entered into force on 25 February 2002
The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety
The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety
The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to the Convention on Biological Diversity is an international 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.
The Copenhagen Amendment (1992)
The Copenhagen Amendment (1992)
The Copenhagen Amendment (1992): The amendment to the Montreal Protocol agreed by the Fourth Meeting of the Parties (Copenhagen, 23-25 November 1992) The Copenhagen Amendment entered into force on 14 June 1994
The Kigali Amendment (2016)
The Kigali Amendment (2016)
The Kigali Amendment (2016): The amendment to the Montreal Protocol agreed by the Twenty-Eighth Meeting of the Parties (Kigali, 10-15 October 2016).
The London Amendment (1990)
The London Amendment (1990)
The amendment to the Montreal Protocol agreed by the Second Meeting of the Parties (London, 27–29 June 1990) The London Amendment entered into force on 10 August 1992.
The Montreal Amendment (1997)
The Montreal Amendment (1997)
The Montreal Amendment (1997): The amendment to the Montreal Protocol agreed by the Ninth Meeting of the Parties (Montreal, 15-17 September 1997) The Montreal Amendment entered into force on 10 November 1999
The Nagoya – Kuala Lumpur Supplementary Protocol on Liability and Redress to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety
The Nagoya – Kuala Lumpur Supplementary Protocol on Liability and Redress to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety
The issue of liability and redress for damage resulting from the transboundary movements of LMOs was one of the themes on the agenda during the negotiation of the Biosafety Protocol. The negotiators were, however, unable to reach any consensus regarding the details of a liability regime under the Protocol.
UN Fish Stocks Agreement
UN Fish Stocks Agreement
The Agreement for the Implementation of the Provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982 relating to the Conservation and Management of Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks (UN Fish Stocks Agreement) entered into force on 11 December 2001. The UN Fish Stocks Agreement aims to ensure the long-term conservation and sustainable use of straddling and highly migratory fish stocks within the framework of UNCLOS. The Agreement also spells out the duties of flag States including those related to registration and records of vessels
United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea
United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea
The Convention was opened for signature on 10 December 1982 in Montego Bay, Jamaica. This marked the culmination of more than 14 years of work involving participation by more than 150 countries representing all regions of the world, all legal and political systems and the spectrum of socio/economic development. At the time of its adoption, the Convention embodied in one instrument traditional rules for the uses of the oceans and at the same time introduced new legal concepts and regimes and addressed new concerns. The Convention also provided the framework for further development of specific
United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
Desertification, along with climate change and the loss of biodiversity, were identified as the greatest challenges to sustainable development during the 1992 Rio Earth Summit. Established in 1994, UNCCD is the sole legally binding international agreement linking environment and development to sustainable land management.
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
The Convention on Climate Change sets an overall framework for intergovernmental efforts to tackle the challenge posed by climate change. It recognizes that the climate system is a shared resource whose stability can be affected by industrial and other emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.
Vienna Convention
Vienna Convention
The Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and its Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer are dedicated to the protection of the earths ozone layer. With 197 parties, they are the most widely ratified treaties in United Nations history, and have, to date, enabled reductions of over 97% of all global consumption of controlled ozone depleting substances (measured in ODP tonnes).
Ramsar and Word Heritage Sites
Contacts
Ms. Elfriede-Anna More
- Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) (1)
- Agreement on the Conservation of Populations of European Bats (EUROBATS) (2)
- Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans of the Baltic, North East Atlantic, Irish and North Seas (ASCOBANS) (1)
- Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (13)
- Convention on Migratory Species (2)
- Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat (4)
- International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling (1)
- Kyoto Protocol (2)
- Minamata Convention on Mercury (1)
- Paris Agreement (2)
- Rotterdam Convention (1)
- Stockholm Convention (1)
- The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (3)
- United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (1)
- United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (2)
- اتفاقية بازل (2)
- الاتفاقية المتعلقة بالتنوع البيولوجي (4)
- المعاهدة الدولية بشأن الموارد الوراثية النباتية للأغذية والزراعة (1)
- بروتوكول ناغويا حول الحصول على الموارد وتقاسم المنافع (1)
Upcoming Meetings
No upcoming events.