ENVIRONMENTAL CONFERENCES AND CONVENTIONS

Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (Convention on Wetlands), 1971

• International treaty for “the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands”.
• It is named after the city of Ramsar in Iran.
• The Convention was signed on the 2nd of February, 1971.
• The 2nd of February each year is World Wetlands Day.
• The number of parties to the convention (COP) is 171.
• The Ramsar Convention Secretariat has its headquarters in Gland, Switzerland
• Montreux Record under the Ramsar Convention is a register of wetland sites on the List of
Wetlands of International Importance.
• Currently, two wetlands of India are in Montreux record: Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan)
and Loktak Lake (Manipur).
• There are currently over 2,400 Ramsar Sites around the world. They cover over 2.5 million square
kilometres
• The world’s first Site was the Cobourg Peninsula in Australia, designated in 1974.
• The United Kingdom has the world’s largest number of Ramsar sites, i.e., 175.
• In India, currently, the total number of sites on the Ramsar list is 75 as on Feb, 2023.

Stockholm Conference, 1972

• In 1967, a research study provided the actual estimates of global temperature based on
CO2 levels. Also, it was predicted that the doubling of CO2 from the current level would result
in nearly 2°C rise in global temperature. Climate change was first discussed using emerging
scientific evidence in the UN General Assembly in 1968. The idea of the Stockholm
Conference was first proposed by Sweden. That’s why it's also termed the “Swedish
Initiative”.
• The United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm was held from 5th –
16th June, 1972. This was the first global convergence on the planetary environment. The
theme was ‘Only One Earth’. 122 countries participated in the conference.
• Creating a common governance framework for the planetary environment and natural resources.
• Stockholm Declaration and Action Plan for the Human Environment
➢ 70 out of 122 participant countries which were developing and poor countries adopted the
Stockholm Declaration.
➢ The Stockholm Declaration contained 26 principles that marked the beginning of a dialogue
between developed and developing countries.
➢ This built the “interconnections between development, poverty and the environment”.
• The Action Plan contained three main categories that were further broken down into 109
recommendations:
➢ Global Environmental Assessment Programme (watch plan)
➢ Environmental management activities
➢ International measures to support assessment and management activities carried out at the
national and international levels.
• Three Dimension of the Conference:
➢ Countries agreed to not “harm each other’s environment or the areas beyond national
jurisdiction”.
➢ An action plan to study the threat to Earth’s environment.
➢ Establishment of an international body called the UN Environment programme (UNEP) to
bring in cooperation among countries.

• Key agreements of the Stockholm Declaration

 ➢ Natural resources such as air, water, land, flora and fauna must be safeguarded through
careful planning for the benefit of the present and future generations.
➢ The release of toxic substances and heat emissions should not be allowed to exceed the
capacity of the environment.
➢ The poor and developing nations must be supported in their struggle against pollution.
➢ The environmental policies of the states should support the present or future development
potential of developing countries.
➢ Appropriate steps should be taken by States and international organisations to reach an
agreement on meeting the possible national and international economic consequences
resulting from the application of environmental measures.
➢ According to the UN charter and principles of international law, the States have the
sovereign right to exploit their own resources as per their own environmental policies.
However, the states have this responsibility of making sure that activities within their
jurisdiction or control do not cause any harm to the environment of other States or of
areas beyond the limits of national jurisdiction.
• Importance of Stockholm Conference
➢ The first global conference on the environment happened when the environment was not a
global concern or a subject of importance for any nation.
➢ Previously, the UN charter never contained the domain of environment to deal with.
➢ No country had an environment ministry until 1972.
✓ Afterwards, countries like Norway and Sweden set up their ministries for the
environment.
✓ In 1985, India set up its ministry of environment and forest.
➢ After 1972, environmental issues like species extinction and mercury poisoning started
making headlines and public consciousness increased.
➢ The Stockholm conference started the contemporary “environmental era”.
➢ Many of today's conventions on the environmental crises trace their origin to the
Stockholm Declaration.
✓ United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
✓ United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
✓ Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)/ Washington Convention

• It is an international agreement to regulate worldwide commercial trade in wild animal and plant
species.
• It was signed on March 3, 1973 (World Wildlife Day is celebrated on March 3).
• It is administered by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
• Secretariat — Geneva (Switzerland).
• CITES is legally binding on state parties to the convention, which is obliged to adopt their
domestic legislation to implement its goals.
• Over 38,700 species – including roughly 5,950 species of animals and 32,800 species of plants –
are protected by CITES against over-exploitation through international trade.
• Classification:
➢ Appendix I: includes species threatened with extinction. Trade in specimens of these species
is permitted only in exceptional circumstances.
➢ Appendix II: includes species not necessarily threatened with extinction, but in which trade
must be controlled in order to avoid utilization incompatible with their survival.
➢ Appendix III: contains species that are protected in at least one country, which has asked
other CITES Parties for assistance in controlling the trade. Changes to Appendix III follow a
distinct procedure from changes to Appendices I and II, as each Party’s is entitled to make
unilateral amendments to it.

• In India, Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, works for the Implementation and monitoring of CITES
under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
 • India has proposed to remove rosewood from Appendix II of CITES.
• India has also proposed to transfer small clawed otters, smooth coated otters, Indian Star Tortoise
from Appendix II to Appendix I, thereby giving more protection to the species.
• The proposal also includes inclusion of Gekko gecko and Wedge fish (Rhinidae) in Appendix II
of CITES.

Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (Bonn Convention)

• It is the only global and UN-based intergovernmental organization established under the aegis
of UNEP exclusively for conservation and management of terrestrial, aquatic and avian migratory
species throughout their range.
• Enforcement Year: November 1, 1983
• Parties: As of 1 March 2022 the Convention on Migratory Species has 133 Parties. One country
signed the original Convention but has yet to ratify it so is not a Party (Jamaica).
• Species Covered: Convention has two Appendices:
➢ Appendix I list migratory species that are endangered or threatened with extinction.
➢ Appendix II list migratory species which have unfavourable conservation status and which
require international agreements for their conservation and management.

• India has been a party to the Convention since 1983.

• India has signed a non-legally binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CMS on
conservation and management of Siberian Cranes (1998), Marine Turtles (2007), Dugongs (2008),
and Raptors (2016).

• CMS- COP 13
➢ It was held in Gandhinagar Gujarat.
➢ The Logo of COP 13 was inspired by ‘Kolam’- a traditional art form Southern India used
to depict key migratory species in India like Amur Falcon, and Marine Turtles.
➢ The mascot for CMS COP-13 is ‘Gibi – The Great Indian Bustard’.
➢ CMS has focused on the connectivity concept to be integrated into the new Global
Biodiversity Framework (which will be adopted in 2021 in China).
➢ COP 13, proposes to include ten new species for protec􀆟 on under CMS viz.:
✓ Three Indian Species: Asian Elephant, Bengal Florican, Great Indian Bustard.
✓ Other 7 from around the world: Jaguar (proposed by Costa Rica, Argentina, Bolivia,
Paraguay), White tip shark (Brazil), Little Bustard (EU Nations), Urial (Tajikistan,
Iran, Uzbekistan), An􀆟 podean Albatross (New Zealand, Australia, Chile), Smooth
Hammerhead Shark (Brazil), and Tope Shark (EU Nations).

Earth Summit
• The UN Conference on Environment and Development that took place in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)
in June 1992 is referred to as the Rio Summit or the Earth Summit (1992).
• It was convened to discuss issues related to development and the environment. Representatives
from over 178 countries were in attendance.
• The Earth Summit was not centred around a single issue, rather it focussed on delving out a broad
plan on how to approach the environment in a fast developing world.
• The following legally binding documents were opened for signature at the Rio Summit-
Convention on Biological Diversity, Framework Convention on Climate Change, United Nations
Convention to Combat Desertification
• The key documents that came out of the Rio Summit are: Rio Declaration, Agenda 21 and the
Forest Principles.
• Rio Declaration on Environment and Development
➢ It reaffirmed the Stockholm Convention of 1972 and vowed to build upon it.
➢ More than 175 countries were signatories to the Rio Declaration.
 ➢ The stated goal was to establish new and equitable international partnerships to reach global
agreements on the issues of development and environment.
➢ Humans were seen as central to any new initiative. They deserve a productive life in harmony
with nature. (Principle 1)
➢ It affirmed the sovereignty of states to act on issues of environment and urged them to take
steps to reduce harmful practices. (Principle 2)
➢ The goal is to make sure that there are enough resources left for the future generations for
leading a peaceful life. (Principle 3)
➢ The Declaration as part of the Rio Summit called for placing environmental protection at the
centre of sustainable development. (Principle 4)
➢ Global Poverty has to be addressed and regional disparities should be accounted for while
drawing up policies. (Principle 5)
➢ Special Priority should be accorded to developing and most vulnerable countries. The
developed countries should take a lead in creating global partnerships and providing support
to other nations. (Principle 6 & 7)
➢ Scientific and technical knowledge should be utilised in the production and consumption
process to minimise the damage to the environment. (Principle 8 & 9)
➢ The states should ensure that all relevant information regarding environmental protection is
passed on to the citizens at appropriate times. They should also come up with legislations
and regulations keeping in mind the local developmental context. The Rio Declaration also
asks states to restrain from unfair trade restrictions and arbitrary policies that might harm
other countries (Principle 10, 11, 12).
➢ The concept of loss and damage should be applied to pollution and adequate compensation
provided. They should also ensure that countries don’t transfer hazardous materials to other
countries (Principles 13,14).
➢ The Rio Declaration also called for more active participation of women and youth in driving
change towards sustainable development (Principle 20 &21).
➢ It also calls on states to integrate knowledge systems of indigenous communities for
environment protection (Principle 22).

• Agenda 21
➢ The Brundtland Commission resulted in the creation of Agenda 21, a non-binding action
plan.
➢ It was the outcome of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development,
commonly known as the Rio Summit, held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (1992).
➢ The number ‘21′ represented the goal of attaining long-term progress in the twenty-first
century. It emphasised the importance of local governments in accomplishing long-term
goals.
➢ ‘No nation alone can, Together We Can’- These words from the Preamble of Agenda 21
underline the entire spirit of the Earth Summit.
➢ It is divided into 4 sections- Social and Economic Dimensions, Conservation And
Management Of Resources For Development, Strengthening The Role Of Major Groups,
Means Of Implementation.
➢ The Rio 5+ conference held during the UN General Assembly and Rio 10+ held in
Johannesburg evaluated the progress achieved post Agenda 21.

• Forest Principles
➢ It is officially referred to as the “Non-legally Binding Authoritative Statement Of Principles
For A Global Consensus On The Management, Conservation And Sustainable Development
Of All Types Of Forests”
➢ The principles were drafted to the conservation and management of forests worldwide.
Issues related to forest management should be dealt with in a holistic and balanced manner.
➢ The final draft of the forest principles was a compromise between the developing and
developed nations.
 ➢ It grants states the sovereign right to exploit their natural resources.
➢ The conversion of forest areas for developmental activities are the sole concern of individual
states depending on their economic circumstances.

Basel Convention
• The Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and
their Disposal was adopted on 22 March 1989 by the Conference of Plenipotentiaries in Basel,
Switzerland.
• It intends to reduce trans-boundary movements of hazardous waste from developed to less
developed countries (LDCs), and ensure their safe disposal as closely as possible to the source of
generation.
• Secretariat location: Basel, Switzerland
• Parties: 189 (Haiti and the United States have signed the Convention but not ratifi ed it).
• Signatories: 53
• It does not address the movement of radioactive waste.
• Conference of the Parties (COP): It was established pursuant to article 15 of the Convention.
• It is the governing body of the Basel Convention and is composed of governments of countries
that have accepted, ratified or acceded to it. The implementation of the Convention is advance
through the decisions it takes at its meetings.
• The Conference of the Parties reviews and evaluates the implementation of the Convention.

Rotterdam Convention
• It was adopted in 1998 and entered into force on 24th February 2004.
• The objectives of the Convention 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 disseminating these decisions to Parties.
➢ It covers pesticides and industrial chemicals that have been banned or severely restricted for
health or environmental reasons by Parties and which have been 5otify ed by Parties for
inclusion in the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) procedure.

• The Convention creates legally binding obligations for the implementation of the Prior
Informed Consent (PIC) procedure.
• Secretariat Location: Rotterdam, the Netherlands
• Parties: 165 parties, Non-member states include the United States.
• Signatories: 72

Stockholm Convention
• The Stockholm Convention is a global treaty to protect human health and the environment from
persistent organic pollutants (POPs).
• The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants was adopted on 22 May 2001 in
Stockholm, Sweden. The Convention entered into force on 17 May 2004.
• Location: Stockholm, Sweden
• Parties: 184 parties to the Convention (183 states and the European Union).Notable non-ratifying
states include the United States, Israel, Malaysia, and Italy.
• The Global Environmental Facility (GEF) is the designated interim fi nancial mechanism for
the Stockholm Convention.
• Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)
 • Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are organic chemical substances, that is, they are carbon
based. They possess a particular combination of physical and chemical properties such that, once
released into the environment, they:
➢ remain intact for exceptionally long periods of time (many years)
➢ become widely distributed throughout the environment as a result of natural processes
involving soil, water and, most notably, air;
➢ accumulate in the living organisms including humans, and are found at higher concentrations
at higher levels in the food chain; and
➢ are toxic to both humans and wildlife.
• POPs Annexures
➢ Annex A (Elimination): Parties must take measures to eliminate the production and use of
the chemicals listed under Annex A. Specifi c exemptions are available in Annex A and apply
only to Parties that have registered for them. Chemicals included under this category are given
in the table.
➢ Annex B (Restriction): Parties must take measures to restrict the production and use of the
chemicals listed under Annex B in light of any applicable acceptable purposes and/or specific
exemptions listed in the Annex. Example - DDT and Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, its salts
and perfluorooctane sulfonyl fluoride.
➢ Annex C (Unintentional production): Parties must take measures to reduce the unintentional
releases of chemicals listed under Annex C with the goal of continuing minimization and,
where feasible, ultimate elimination. Examples: Hexachlorobenzene (HCB),
Hexachlorobutadiene (HCBD), Pentachlorobenzene, Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB).

Minamata Convention
• The Minamata Convention on Mercury is a global treaty to protect human health and the
environment from the adverse effects of mercury.
• The Convention was agreed at the fi fth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee
on mercury in Geneva, Switzerland and adopted later in 2013. The Minamata Convention entered
into force on 16 August 2017.
• The Minamata Convention follows and builds on the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm
conventions.
• It sets out the same basic substantive obligations for all countries, while providing some targeted
differentiation and flexibility in specific substantive provisions, as well as provisions to mobilize
financial resources by all, within their capabilities, for implementation in developing countries.
• The Minamata Convention is a 21st century response to the catastrophic pollution in Minamata,
Japan, where industrial releases of methyl mercury caused the epidemic known as the Minamata
disease in the 1950s and onwards.
• The objective of the Convention is to protect human health and the environment from
anthropogenic emissions and releases of mercury and mercury compounds and it sets out a range
of measures to meet that objective.
• Parties: 137, Signatories: 128

Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

• It is a legally binding treaty to conserve biodiversity, has been in force since 1993.
• There are 196 parties and 168 signatories to the CBD, including India.
• It is the international legal instrument for conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of
its components, fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic
resources.
• Nearly all countries have ratified it (notably, the US has signed but not ratified).
• The CBD Secretariat is based in Montreal, Canada and it operates under the United Nations
Environment Programme.
• Developments under CBD
 • Cartagena Protocol: In 2000, the COP 5 to the CBD adopted the Cartagena Protocol on
Biosafety. It came into force on 11 September 2003.
• Nagoya Protocol: The Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and
Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization (ABS) to the CBD was adopted
on 29 October 2010 in Nagoya, Japan at COP10. It entered into force on 12 October 2014.
• Aichi Targets for biodiversity: The COP-10 also adopted a ten-year framework known as
“Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020”, which provides a set of 20 ambitious yet
achievable targets, collectively known as the Aichi Targets for biodiversity.
• India enacted the Biological Diversity Act in 2002 for giving effect to the provisions of the
CBD.
• India submitted its sixth national report (NR6) to the CBD during the inaugural session of the
meeting of the State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs) organized by the National Biodiversity Authority
(NBA).
• The NR6 provides an update of progress in achievement of 12 National Biodiversity Targets
(NBT) developed under the Convention process in line with the 20 global Aichi biodiversity
targets.
• Briefly, the Report highlights that while India has exceeded/overachieved two NBTs, it is on track
to achieve eight NBTs and in respect of the remaining two NBTs also, India is striving to meet the
targets by the stipulated time of 2020.

Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)

• Established in 1994.
• Secretariat: It has been located in Bonn, Germany since January 1999.
• It is the sole legally binding international agreement linking environment and development to
sustainable land management.
• It is the only convention stemming from a direct recommendation of the Rio Conference’s
Agenda 21. To help publicize the Convention, 2006 was declared “International Year of
Deserts and Desertification”.
• UNCCD: COP -14
• The COP-14 to the UNCCD was hosted by India in New Delhi.
• The theme of the Conference was ‘Restore land, Sustain future’.
• India took over the COP Presidency from China for the next two years till 2021.
• India is among the select few countries to have hosted the COP of all three Rio conventions on
climate change, biodiversity and land.
• The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change is the nodal Ministry for this
Convention.

Vienna Convention for Protection of the Ozone Layer

It is a multilateral environmental agreement agreed upon at the 1985 Vienna Conference and entered into
force in 1988.
The Vienna Convention was the first convention of any kind to be signed by every country involved,
taking effect in 1988 and reaching universal ratification in 2009.
Ozone
➢ Ozone is a gas that is naturally present in our atmosphere.
➢ Each ozone molecule contains three atoms of oxygen and is denoted chemically as O3.
➢ Ozone is found primarily in two regions of the atmosphere. About 10% of Earth’s ozone is in the
troposphere, which extends from the surface to about 10–15 km (6–9 miles) altitude. About 90%
of Earth’s ozone resides in the stratosphere, the region of the atmosphere between the top of the
troposphere and about 50 km (31 miles) altitude.
➢ The part of the stratosphere with the highest amount of ozone is commonly referred to as the
“ozone layer”.
Ozone Formation
➢ Throughout the atmosphere, ozone is formed in multistep chemical processes that are initiated by
sunlight.
➢ In the stratosphere, the process begins with an oxygen molecule (O2) being broken apart by
ultraviolet radiation from the Sun. In the second step, each of these highly reactive oxygen atoms
combines with an oxygen molecule to produce an ozone molecule (O3).
➢ In the troposphere, ozone is formed by a different set of chemical reactions that involve naturally
occurring gases as well as those from sources of air pollution.
➢ Ozone molecules have a low relative abundance in the atmosphere.
➢ The highest ozone values near the surface occur in air that is polluted by human activities.

➢ It has been ratified by 197 states (all UN members as well as Niue, Holy See, and the Cook
Islands) as well as European Union.
➢ It acts as a framework for international efforts to protect the ozone layer.
➢ The Convention aimed to promote cooperation among nations by exchanging information on the
effects of human activities on the ozone layer.
➢ These are laid out in the accompanying Montreal Protocol.
➢ It does not include legally binding reduction goals for the use of CFCs, the main chemical agents
causing global warming.
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
• The Earth Summit held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 became a landmark event in global
environmental governance. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change was
created as an international treaty during the summit.
• Entering into force in 1994, the UNFCCC set out its objectives, which can be summarized into the
following points:
➢ Stabilization of Greenhouse Gas Concentrations
➢ Adaptation to Climate Change
➢ Promotion of Sustainable Development
➢ Provision of Financial and Technological Support
➢ Promotion of International Cooperation
• The headquarters of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
is located in Bonn, Germany.
• The UNFCCC has 197 members, including 196 countries plus the European Union. All member
states of the United Nations are automatically considered members of the UNFCCC. Each member
country is represented in the annual Conference of the Parties (COP), which is the supreme
decision-making body of the convention.
• The UNFCCC functions include:
➢ Convening annual Conference of the Parties (COP) to review progress and negotiate
agreements on climate action.
➢ Facilitating international cooperation and knowledge-sharing on climate change issues.
➢ Assisting countries in implementing their climate change commitments and building
capacity.
➢ Supporting the development and implementation of climate change policies and measures
at the national and international levels.
➢ Promoting research and assessment of climate change impacts, vulnerability, and
mitigation options.
➢ Encouraging financial and technological support to assist developing countries in climate
change efforts.
➢ Monitoring and reporting on global climate trends and progress in addressing climate
change.

• The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has achieved several
notable milestones and outcomes since its establishment. Some key achievements include:

➢ Adoption of the Kyoto Protocol

➢ Paris Agreement
➢ Mobilization of Climate Finance
➢ Capacity Building and Technology Transfer

Montreal Protocol
• It is an international treaty designed to protect ozone layer by phasing out production of numerous
Ozone Depleting Substances (ODSs) that are responsible for ozone depletion.
• It is the landmark multilateral environmental agreement that regulates the production and
consumption of nearly 100 man-made chemicals referred to as ozone depleting substances (ODS).
• It was agreed on 26 August 1987 in Montreal, Canada and entered into force on 26 August 1989.
• The Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol was established in 1991
under Article 10 of the treaty.
• Phase out of HCFCs – the Montreal Amendment: Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) are
gases used worldwide in refrigeration, air-conditioning and foam applications, but they are being
phased out under the Montreal Protocol since deplete the ozone layer.
 • Recognizing the potential benefits to the Earth’s climate, in September 2007 the Parties decided
to accelerate their schedule to phase out HCFCs. Developed countries have been reducing their
consumption of HCFCs and will completely phase them out by 2020. Developing countries agreed
to start their phase out process in 2013 and are now following a stepwise reduction until the
complete phase-out of HCFCs by 2030.
• The Montreal Protocol also makes important contributions to the realization of the UN Sustainable
Development Goals.

Kigali Agreement
• It is an amendment to the Montreal Protocol
• It happened during the 28th Meeting of Parties (2016) when the 197 member countries signed the
agreement to amend the Montreal Protocol.
• It is a legally binding agreement between the signatories. And, there are non-compliance measures
to ensure its implementation.
• It sets different targets for countries depending upon the states of development, different
socioeconomic constraints, and varying technological and scientific capacities.
• Countries agreed to add HFCs to the list of controlled substances, and approved a timeline for their
gradual reduction by 80-85 per cent by the late 2040s. The fi rst reductions by developed countries
are expected in 2019. Developing countries will follow with a freeze of HFCs consumption levels
in 2024 and in 2028 for some nations.
• The Kigali Agreement upholds the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and
Respective Capabilities.
• The agreement classifies the signatory parties into three as per the phase-down schedules to freeze
and reduce the production of HFCs.

Kyoto Protocol
• The Kyoto Protocol was adopted on 11 December 1997 and entered into force on 16 February
2005.
• Currently, there are 192 Parties to the Kyoto Protocol.
• Kyoto Protocol tries to limit and reduce greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions in accordance with
agreed individual targets.
• It only binds developed countries, and places a heavier burden on them under the principle of
“common but differentiated responsibility and respective capabilities”, because it recognizes that
they are largely responsible for the current high levels of GHG emissions in the atmosphere.
➢ First Commitment: It added up to an average 5 per cent emission reduction compared to
1990 levels over the fi ve year period 2008–2012 (the fi rst commitment period).
➢ Second Commitment: Doha Amendment to the Kyoto Protocol was adopted for a second
commitment period, starting in 2013 and lasting until 2020. During the second commitment
period,
• Parties committed to reduce GHG emissions by at least 18 percent below 1990 levels in the eight-
year period from 2013 to 2020.
• Protocol also offers them an additional means to meet their targets by way of three market-based
mechanisms:
➢ International Emissions Trading
➢ Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)
 ➢ Joint implementation (JI)
• The Adaptation Fund was established to fi nance adaptation projects and programmes in
developing countries that are Parties to the Kyoto Protocol.
• In the first commitment period, the Fund was financed mainly with a share of proceeds from CDM
project activities.
• In Doha, in 2012, it was decided that for the second commitment period, international emissions
trading and joint implementation would also provide the Adaptation Fund with a 2 percent share
of proceeds.