ENVIRONMENT CONVENTIONS - INTERNATIONAL EFFORTS
Environment
TROPICAL FOREST ALLIANCE
- Founded in 2012 at Rio+20 after the Consumer Goods Forum (CGF) committed to zero net deforestation by 2020 for palm oil, soy, beef, and paper and pulp supply chains in 2010.
- The CGF partnered with the US government to create a public-private alliance to mobilize actors to reduce commodity-driven tropical deforestation.
- It is a multistakeholder platform hosted by the World Economic Forum with 170+ partners working toward deforestation-free supply chains.
BRUNDTLAND COMMISSION
- Formerly known as WCED; created to unite countries toward sustainable development.
- Chaired by Gro Harlem Brundtland (1983).
- Published ‘Our Common Future’ (1987) which defined Sustainable Development.
- Provided momentum for Earth Summit 1992 and Agenda 21.
GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT FACILITY (GEF)
- Established during Rio Earth Summit (1992) as an independent financial organization.
- Provides grants for biodiversity, climate change, land degradation, POPs, mercury, etc.
- Acts as a financial mechanism for CBD, UNFCCC, UNCCD, Stockholm Convention, Minamata Convention.
- In India: MOEFCC acts as GEF Focal Point.
UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE ON HUMAN ENVIRONMENT (STOCKHOLM, 1972)
- First major global conference on environmental issues.
- Resulted in creation of UNEP.
- Marked beginning of international environmental diplomacy.
PAGE (PARTNERSHIP FOR ACTION ON GREEN ECONOMY)
- Launched after Rio+20 (2012).
- Joint program of UNEP, ILO, UNDP, UNIDO, UNITAR.
- Supports nations in shifting to green and sustainable economic policies.
GREEN GROWTH KNOWLEDGE PLATFORM (GGKP)
- A global network launched in 2012 by GGGI, OECD, UNEP, World Bank.
- Aims to close knowledge gaps and promote research and tools for green growth.
WORLD NATURE ORGANIZATION (WNO)
- Created in 2010 by climate-vulnerable countries.
- Promotes environmental protection and renewable energy.
- India is not a member.
ACTION FOR CLIMATE EMPOWERMENT (ACE)
- Part of UNFCCC (Article 6).
- Focus areas: education, training, public awareness, public participation, public access to information, international cooperation.
INTERGOVERNMENTAL PANEL ON CLIMATE CHANGE (IPCC)
- Created in 1988 (WMO + UNEP).
- Provides scientific assessments for climate policy.
- Does not conduct its own research.
- Key inputs to UNFCCC negotiations.
- Shared 2007 Nobel Peace Prize with Al Gore.
UN-HABITAT
- UN programme for human settlements and sustainable urbanization (est. 1978).
- Headquarters: Nairobi, Kenya.
- Coordinates Habitat Agenda.
- Organizes World Urban Forum.
- Launches campaigns like Waste Wise Cities.
IMPORTANT BIRD AND BIODIVERSITY AREAS (IBAs)
- Identified through BirdLife International.
- Key sites for bird conservation based on standardized global criteria.
- Part of wider Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs).
GLOBAL TRANSBOUNDARY PROTECTED AREAS NETWORK (GTPAN)
- Cross-border conservation regions.
- Types include Peace Parks, Migratory Corridors, etc.
- Supported by IUCN.
- First such region: Glacier–Waterton International Peace Park (1932).
CITES (WASHINGTON CONVENTION)
- Established 1973; in force 1975.
- Regulates international trade in endangered species.
- Classifies species under Appendix I, II, III.
- Legally binding but implemented via national laws.
TRAFFIC – WILDLIFE TRADE MONITORING NETWORK
- Founded (1976) by WWF + IUCN.
- Monitors wildlife trade; combats illegal trafficking.
- Manages ETIS for elephant ivory tracking.
- Supports SAWEN and international wildlife enforcement.
MIKE – MONITORING THE ILLEGAL KILLING OF ELEPHANTS
- Established under CITES Resolution 10.10.
- India implements MIKE through Project Elephant.
WWF – WORLD WIDE FUND FOR NATURE
- Founded 1961; major conservation NGO.
- Campaigns include Earth Hour, Debt-for-Nature Swap.
- Publishes biannual Living Planet Report.
MARPOL CONVENTION
- International treaty preventing marine pollution from ships.
- Adopted 1973; updated via 1978 and 1997 protocols.
WHALING CONVENTION (IWC)
- Signed 1946; regulates commercial whaling.
- Imposed global moratorium (1986); created Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary.
BONN CONVENTION (CMS)
- UN treaty for conservation of migratory species.
- Appendix I: endangered migratory species.
- Appendix II: species needing international cooperation.
- India is a member state.
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Subject: Environment
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