MEA Membership
Convention d'Aarhus
Convention d'Aarhus
Convention on access to information, public participation in decision participation in decision-making and access to Justice in environmental matters done at Aarhus, Denmark, on 25 June 1998
Accord sur la conservation des oiseaux d'eau migrateurs d'Afrique-Eurasie
Accord sur la conservation des oiseaux d'eau migrateurs d'Afrique-Eurasie
L’Accord sur la conservation des oiseaux d’eau migrateurs d’Afrique-Eurasie (AEWA) est un traité intergouvernemental destiné à la conservation des oiseaux d’eau migrateurs et de leurs habitats en Afrique, en Europe, au Moyen-Orient, en Asie centrale, au Groenland et dans l’archipel canadien.
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 Annex B of the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
Amendment to Annex B of the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
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
Convention de Bâle
Convention de Bâle
La Convention de Bâle sur le contrôle des mouvements transfrontières de déchets dangereux et de leur élimination a été adoptée en 1989 et est entrée en vigueur en 1992. C’est l’accord mondial le plus complet sur les déchets dangereux et d’autres déchets dans le domaine de l’environnement. Son but est de protéger la santé humaine et l’environnement contre les effets nocifs résultant de la production, des mouvements transfrontières et de la gestion de ces déchets.
Convention sur la diversité biologique
Convention sur la diversité biologique
La Convention a été ouverte à la signature le 5 juin 1992 lors de la Conférence des Nations Unies sur l'environnement et le développement (le « Sommet de la Terre » de Rio). Elle est restée ouverte à la signature jusqu'au 4 juin 1993, période au cours de laquelle elle a reçu 168 signatures. La Convention est entrée en vigueur le 29 décembre 1993, 90 jours après la 30e ratification. La première session de la Conférence des Parties a eu lieu du 28 novembre au 9 décembre 1994 dans les Bahamas. La Convention sur la diversité biologique a été inspirée par l'engagement croissant de la communauté
Convention sur le commerce international des espèces de faune et de flore sauvages menacées d'extinction
Convention sur le commerce international des espèces de faune et de flore sauvages menacées d'extinction
La Convention sur le commerce international des espèces de faune et de flore sauvages menacées d'extinction, connue par son sigle CITES ou encore comme la Convention de Washington, est un accord international entre Etats. Elle a pour but de veiller à ce que le commerce international des spécimens d'animaux et de plantes sauvages ne menace pas la survie des espèces auxquelles ils appartiennent.
Convention sur la pollution atmosphérique transfrontière à longue distance
Convention sur la pollution atmosphérique transfrontière à longue distance
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 sur la conservation des espèces migratrices
Convention sur la conservation des espèces migratrices
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 complements and co-operates with a number of other international
Convention sur l´eau
Convention sur l´eau
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 sur les effets transfrontières des accidents industriels
Produits chimiques et déchets
Climat et atmosphère
Diversité biologique
Eaux marines et eau douce
Terre et agriculture
Convention sur les effets transfrontières des accidents industriels
The Convention aims at protecting human beings and the environment against industrial accidents by preventing such accidents as far as possible, by reducing their frequency and severity and by mitigating their effects. It promotes active international cooperation between the contracting Parties, before, during and after an industrial accident.
Convention sur les zones humides
Convention sur les zones humides
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
Convention d'Espoo
Convention d'Espoo
La Convention sur l’évaluation de l’impact sur l’environnement (EIE) dans un contexte transfrontière stipule les obligations des Parties d’évaluer l’impact sur l’environnement de certaines activités au début de la planification. Elle stipule également l’obligation générale des Etats de notifier et de se consulter sur tous projets majeurs à l’étude susceptibles d’avoir un impact transfrontière préjudiciable important sur l’environnemen
Convention des Carpates
Convention des Carpates
The Framework Convention on the Protection and Sustainable Development of the Carpathians (Carpathian Convention) was adopted and signed by the seven Parties (Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovak Republic, Ukraine) in May 2003 in Kyiv, Ukraine, and entered into force in January 2006. It is the only multi-level governance mechanism covering the whole of the Carpathian area and besides the Alpine Convention the second sub-regional treaty-based regime for the protection and sustainable development of a mountain region worldwide.
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
Traité international sur les ressources phytogénétiques pour l’alimentation et l’agriculture
Traité international sur les ressources phytogénétiques pour l’alimentation et l’agriculture
Protocole sur les RRTP
Protocole sur les RRTP
The Protocol is the first 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.
Protocole de Kyoto
Protocole de Kyoto
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.
Convention de Minamata sur le mercure
Convention de Minamata sur le mercure
La Convention porte sur le mercure, un métal que l’on retrouve partout dans le monde, naturellement présent dans notre environnement, employé dans un grand nombre de produits de notre quotidien et rejeté dans l’atmosphère, l’eau et le sol par une multitude de sources. De ce fait, contrôler les émissions et rejets anthropiques de mercure tout au long de son cycle de vie a été un élément déterminant dans la façon dont les obligations de la Convention ont été façonnées. Parmi ses principales dispositions, la Convention de Minamata prévoit notamment l’interdiction des nouvelles mines de mercure et
Protocole de Montréal
Protocole de Montréal
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 earthâs fragile ozone Layer. The original Montreal Protocol was agreed on 16 September 1987 and entered into force on 1 January 1989.
Protocole de Nagoya
Protocole de Nagoya
Le Protocole de Nagoya sur l'accès et le partage juste et équitable des avantages découlant de leur utilisation à la Convention sur la diversité biologique est un accord international visant à partager les avantages découlant de l'utilisation des ressources génétiques d'une manière juste et équitable. Le Protocole est entré en vigueur le 12 octobre 2014, quatre-vingt-dix jours après le dépôt du cinquantième instrument de ratification.
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 of 1997 to amend the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, as modified by the Protocol of 1978 relating thereto (MARPOL 73/78) to include Annex VI on the prevention of air pollution from ships
Protocol of 1997 to amend the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, as modified by the Protocol of 1978 relating thereto (MARPOL 73/78) to include Annex VI on the prevention of air pollution from ships
In 1997, a Protocol was adopted to amend the Convention and a new Annex VI was added which entered into force on 19 May 2005. Annex VI Prevention of Air Pollution from Ships (entered into force 19 May 2005) Sets limits on sulphur oxide and nitrogen oxide emissions from ship exhausts and prohibits deliberate emissions of ozone depleting substances; designated emission control areas set more stringent standards for SOx, NOx and particulate matter. A chapter adopted in 2011 covers mandatory technical and operational energy efficiency measures aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from ships
Protocol on Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biological and Landscape Diversity
Protocol on Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biological and Landscape Diversity
The Protocol on Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biological and Landscape Diversity to the Framework Convention on the Protection and Sustainable Development of the Carpathians was adopted on 19 June 2008 by the Second Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Carpathian Convention, held in in Bucharest, Romania.
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 Sustainable Forest Management
Protocol on Sustainable Forest Management
The Protocol on Sustainable Forest Management to the Framework Convention on the Protection and Sustainable Development of the Carpathians was adopted on 27 May 2011 by the Third Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Carpathian Convention, held in in Bratislava, the Slovak Republic.
Protocol on Sustainable Tourism
Protocol on Sustainable Tourism
The Protocol on Sustainable Tourism to the Framework Convention on the Protection and Sustainable Development of the Carpathians was adopted on 27 May 2011 by the Third Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Carpathian Convention, held in Bratislava, the Slovak Republic.
Protocol on Sustainable Transport
Protocol on Sustainable Transport
The Protocol on Sustainable Transport to the Framework Convention on the Protection and Sustainable Development of the Carpathians was adopted on 26 September 2014 by the Fourth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Carpathian Convention, held in Mikulov, the Czech Republic. The Protocol has not yet entered into force.
Protocole sur l'eau et la santé
Protocole sur l'eau et la santé
The main aim of the Protocol is to protect human health and well being by better water management, including the protection of water ecosystems, and by preventing, controlling and reducing water-related diseases. The Protocol is the first international agreement of its kind adopted specifically to attain an adequate supply of safe drinking water and adequate sanitation for everyone, and effectively protect water used as a source of drinking water.
Convention de Rotterdam
Convention de Rotterdam
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
Convention de Stockholm
Convention de Stockholm
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
Protocole de Cartagena
Protocole de Cartagena
Le Protocole de Cartagena sur la prévention des risques biotechnologiques de la Convention sur la diversité biologique est un accord international dont le but est de garantir la sécurité de la manipulation, du transport et de l'utilisation des organismes vivants modifiés (OVM) issus des biotechnologies modernes qui peuvent avoir des effets nocifs sur la diversité biologique, en prenant aussi en compte les risques sur la santé humaine. Il a été adopté le 29 janvier 2000 et est entré en vigueur le 11 septembre 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
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
Convention des Nations Unies sur la lutte contre la désertification
Convention des Nations Unies sur la lutte contre la désertification
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. The Convention addresses specifically the arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas, known as the drylands, where some of the most vulnerable ecosystems and peoples can be found. In the 10-Year Strategy of the UNCCD (2008-2018) that was adopted in 2007, Parties to the
Convention-cadre des Nations Unies sur les changements climatiques
Convention-cadre des Nations Unies sur les changements climatiques
La Convention-Cadre des Nations Unies sur les Changements Climatiques (CCNUCC) met en place un cadre global de l'effort intergouvernemental pour faire face au défi posé par les changements climatiques. Elle reconnaît que le système climatique est une ressource partagée dont la stabilité peut être affectée par les émissions industrielles de CO2 ainsi que les autres gaz à effet de serre. Selon la Convention, les gouvernements: rassemblent et diffusent les informations sur les gaz à effet de serre, sur les différentes politiques nationales et sur les meilleures mises en pratiques; mettent en
Convention de Vienne
Convention de Vienne
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
No focal points found.
- Accord relatif à la Conservation des Chauves-Souris en Europe (3)
- Accord sur la conservation des oiseaux d'eau migrateurs d'Afrique-Eurasie (1)
- Convention de Bâle (1)
- Convention de Minamata sur le mercure (1)
- Convention de Rotterdam (1)
- Convention de Stockholm (2)
- Convention des Nations Unies sur la lutte contre la désertification (1)
- Convention sur la conservation des espèces migratrices (1)
- Convention sur la diversité biologique (5)
- Convention sur le commerce international des espèces de faune et de flore sauvages menacées d'extinction (9)
- Convention sur les zones humides (4)
- Convention-cadre des Nations Unies sur les changements climatiques (1)
- Paris Agreement (1)
- Protocole de Cartagena (1)
- Protocole de Kyoto (1)
- Protocole de Nagoya (1)
- Traité international sur les ressources phytogénétiques pour l’alimentation et l’agriculture (1)
Upcoming Meetings
No upcoming events.