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Aarhus Convention
Aarhus Convention
Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters was adopted in Aarhus, Denmark, on 25 June 1998 and entered into force on 30 October 2001. The Convention empowers people with the rights to access information, participate in decision-making and to seek justice in environmental matters. Its powerful twin protections for the environment and human rights can help to respond to many challenges facing our world: from climate change and the loss of biodiversity, air and water pollution to poverty eradication and security. It
  • Access to information
  • Access to justice
  • Public participation
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
  • Agreements
  • Conventions
  • Implementation
  • Consultation
  • Mining
  • National law
  • Regulations
  • Exploitation
  • Reporting
  • Economy
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
巴塞尔公约
巴塞尔公约
《控制危险废物越境转移及其处置巴塞尔公约》于 1 9 8 9 年获得通 过,1 9 9 2 年开始生效。该《公约》是危险废物及其他废物方面最全 面的全球性环境协定。其缔约方已达 1 7 5 个(截至 2 0 1 1 年 3 月 3 1 日),几乎囊括了全世界所有国家。《公约》的目标是保护人类 健康和环境免遭危险废物和其他废物的生成、越境转移和管理所带来 的不利影响.
  • Chemicals
  • Environmental Impact Assessment
  • Hazardous waste
  • Labelling
  • Pesticides
  • Risk assessment
  • Waste
  • Waste exports
  • Waste management
  • Wildlife trafficking
Convention on Biological Diversity
Convention on Biological Diversity
The Convention was opened for signature on 5 June 1992 at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (the Rio "Earth Summit"). It remained open for signature until 4 June 1993, by which time it had received 168 signatures. The Convention entered into force on 29 December 1993, which was 90 days after the 30th ratification. The first session of the Conference of the Parties was scheduled for 28 November – 9 December 1994 in the Bahamas. The Convention on Biological Diversity was inspired by the world community's growing commitment to sustainable development. It represents a
  • Access and benefit sharing
  • Access to genetic resources
  • Agrobiodiversity
  • Genetic resources
  • Jurisprudence
  • Sustainable development
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
  • Agrobiodiversity
  • Endangered species
  • Environmental conservation
  • National focal points
  • Species
  • Sustainable use
  • Trade
  • Wildlife trafficking
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
  • Access to information
  • Air pollution
  • Air quality
  • Pollution
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
  • Appendices
  • Economy
  • Endangered species
  • Migratory species
  • Species
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
  • Adaptation
  • Climate change
  • Economy
  • National law
  • RAMSAR sites
  • Water resources management
  • Wetlands
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
  • RAMSAR sites
  • Water resources management
  • Wetlands
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
  • Air pollution
  • Economy
  • Long-range air pollution
  • Monitoring
  • Transboundary effects
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
  • Environmental Impact Assessment
  • Jurisprudence
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
  • Emissions
  • Eutrophication
  • Long-range air pollution
  • Ocean acidification
  • Ozone
  • Tropospheric ozone
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.
  • Climate change
  • Climate change adaptation
  • Climate change mitigation
  • Emissions trading
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
  • Chemicals
  • Hazardous substances
  • Mercury
  • Waste management
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 a€™s fragile ozone Layer. The original Montreal Protocol was agreed on 16 September 1987 and entered into force on 1 January 1989.
  • Chemicals
  • Ozone depleting potential
  • Ozone layer depletion
  • Sound environmental management
  • Sustainable production
  • Sustainable use
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.
  • Climate change
  • Climate change adaptation
  • Climate change mitigation
  • Emission reduction
  • Emissions
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
  • Emissions
  • Greenhouse gases
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
  • Emission reduction
  • Emissions
  • Long-range air pollution
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..
  • Emission reduction
  • Emissions
  • Energy efficiency
  • Long-range air pollution
  • Renewable energy
  • Sound environmental management
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.
  • Air pollution (stationary sources)
  • Best environmental practices
  • Emissions
  • Heavy metals
  • Long-range air pollution
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
  • Emissions
  • Long-range air pollution
  • Persistent organic pollutant
  • Phasing out
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)
  • Economy
  • Emission reduction
  • Emissions
  • Long-range air pollution
鹿特丹公约
鹿特丹公约
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
  • Chemicals
  • Hazardous waste
  • Pesticides
  • Prior informed consent
  • Severely restricted chemicals
  • Trade
  • Waste
  • Waste management
斯德哥尔摩公约
斯德哥尔摩公约
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
  • Chemicals
  • Committees
  • Exposure
  • Hazardous waste
  • Health
  • Information exchange
  • Pesticides
  • Prior informed consent
  • Waste
  • Waste management
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
  • Chemicals
  • Ozone depleting potential
  • Ozone layer depletion
  • Sound environmental management
  • Sustainable production
  • Sustainable use
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
  • Chemicals
  • Ozone depleting potential
  • Prevention
  • Sound environmental management
  • Sustainable production
  • Sustainable use
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).
  • Chemicals
  • Ozone depleting potential
  • Ozone layer depletion
  • Sound environmental management
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.
  • Chemicals
  • Ozone depleting potential
  • Ozone layer depletion
  • Sound environmental management
  • Sustainable development
  • Sustainable use
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
  • Chemicals
  • Ozone depleting potential
  • Ozone layer depletion
  • Sound environmental management
  • Sustainable production
  • Sustainable use
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
  • Access rights
  • Environmental Impact Assessment
  • Invasive alien species
  • Marine debris
  • Marine fishery
  • Ship-based marine pollution
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.
  • Climate change
  • Desertification
  • Developing countries
  • Erosion
  • Land
  • Land degradation
  • Semi-arid ecosystems
  • Sub-humid ecosystems
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.
  • Adaptation
  • Black carbon
  • Climate change
  • Climate change mitigation
  • Emissions
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).
  • Chemicals
  • Ozone depleting potential
  • Ozone layer depletion
  • Sound environmental management
  • Sustainable production
  • Sustainable use

Ramsar and Word Heritage Sites

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