Biodiversity was the 'B' in Secretary General Kofi Annan's WEHAB Framework, designed to form the basis of discussions at the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development.
MAJOR INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS RELEVANT TO BIODIVERSITY
>> Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
>> Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat (Ramsar)
>> Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (WCH)
>> UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB)
>> Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS)
>> Convention to Combat Desertification (CCD)
>> Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
Each of these international agreements places a certain number of requirements on contracting parties. These include the requirement to periodically submit national reports and other information. As a country may be party to a wide range of international agreements, it could be required to submit a significant amount of information. This can create a significant logistical and financial burden.
The consequent need for legislative harmonization is discussed in depth in a recent UNEP/UNDP/GEF joint-publication:
>> Back to top