What is an environmental convention?

An Environmental Convention is an international agreement between member countries that focuses on global environmental issues such as climate change, air pollution, and biodiversity loss. These conventions are legally binding and serve as a tool to protect the environment and promote international cooperation on environmental issues.

It is important to note the role of protocols and amendments to conventions. They allow agreements to be adapted to changing global conditions by introducing changes or additions. However, amendments introduced through protocols are not always binding on countries that ratified the original version of the convention.

In this material we will consider environmental conventions adopted by the Republic of Armenia, their content and significance. The conventions are presented in the chronological order of their adoption by the country.

For an in-depth study of each convention, we provide the opportunity to read the full text of the document by clicking on the corresponding link to the title of the convention.

Environmental Conventions

Ramsar Convention

Date of adoption in the world 02․02․1971, Ramsar

Adopted by Armenia on 06․11․1993

The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of Ramsar sites (wetlands). It is also known as the Convention on Wetlands. It is named after the city of Ramsar in Iran, where the convention was signed in 1971.

Every three years, representatives of the contracting parties meet at the Conference of the Contracting Parties, the convention's policy-making body, which makes decisions to govern the work of the convention and improve the way in which the parties can achieve its goals.

Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage

Date of adoption in the world 16.11.1972, Paris

Adopted by Armenia on 05.12.1993

The World Heritage Convention, officially the Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, is an international treaty signed on 23 November 1972 that established World Heritage sites, with the primary objectives of protecting nature and preserving and safeguarding cultural sites. The Convention, a signed international agreement document, guides the work of the World Heritage Committee. It was developed over a seven-year period (1965–1972).

The Convention defines which sites may be considered for inclusion on the World Heritage List, sets out the responsibilities of each country's government to identify potential sites, protect and conserve them. Signatory countries undertake to conserve their World Heritage sites, regularly report on their state of conservation and, where necessary, restore the sites. The Convention also sets out how the World Heritage Fund is to be used and managed.

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

Date of adoption in the world 05/09/1992, New York

Adopted by Armenia on 21.03.1994

The Climate Change Convention provides a general framework for intergovernmental efforts to address climate change. It recognizes that the climate system is a shared resource whose stability may be affected by industrial and other emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.

The ultimate objective of this Convention and any related legal instruments that the Conference of the Parties may adopt is to achieve, pursuant to the relevant provisions of the Convention, stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system. Such a level should be achieved within a time frame sufficient to allow ecosystems to adapt naturally to climate change, to avoid jeopardizing food production and to ensure continued economic development on a sustainable basis.

United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification

Date of adoption in the world 01․10․1994, Paris

Adopted by Armenia on 30․09․1997

The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), adopted in 1994, is the only legally binding international agreement linking the environment and development with sustainable land management. The Convention specifically addresses arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas, known as drylands, where some of the world’s most vulnerable ecosystems and peoples are found. Parties to the Convention meet at Conferences of the Parties (COPs) every two years, as well as at technical meetings throughout the year, to advance the objectives and ambitions of the Convention and make progress in its implementation.

Amendments to the Montreal Protocol

Date of adoption in the world 17․09.1997, Montreal

Adopted by Armenia on 01․01.1999

Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer

Date of adoption in the world 09/16/1987, Montreal

Adopted by Armenia on 30.12.1999

Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer is a global agreement to protect the ozone layer layer of the Earth by phasing out the chemicals that destroy it. This phase-out plan covers both the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances. This landmark agreement was signed in 1987 and entered into force in 1989.

The Montreal Protocol provides for a number of practical tasks that have received universal recognition. To date, the tasks provided by the Protocol have been successfully implemented, and it continues to be a guarantor of the preservation of the ozone layer. Thanks to the joint efforts of states around the world, the ozone layer is being successfully restored.

Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes

Date of adoption in the world 22.03.1989, Basel

Adopted by Armenia on 30.12.1999

The Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal was adopted in 1989 and entered into force in 1992. It is the most comprehensive global environmental agreement on hazardous waste and other wastes. With 175 parties (as of 31 March 2011), it has near-universal membership. The Convention aims to protect human health and the environment from the adverse effects resulting from the generation, transboundary movement and management of hazardous wastes and other wastes. The Basel Convention regulates transboundary movements of hazardous wastes and other wastes and obliges its Parties to ensure that such wastes are managed and disposed of in an environmentally sound manner. The Convention covers toxic, noxious, explosive, corrosive, flammable, ecotoxic and infectious wastes. Parties are also obliged to minimize the volume of transport, treat and dispose of waste as close as possible to the point of its generation and prevent or minimize the generation of waste at source.

Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer

Date of adoption in the world 22.03.1985, Vienna

Adopted by Armenia on 30.12.1999

The Convention was signed in Vienna, Austria in 1985 and entered into force in 1988. The Convention was ratified by the Republic of Armenia in 1999 and entered into force in the same year. The purpose of the Convention is to protect human health and the environment from the adverse effects of ozone layer modification. Currently, the Convention is supported by 198 countries.

Beijing Amendment: Amendment to the Montreal Protocol adopted at the Eleventh Meeting of the Parties

Date of adoption in the world 29.11-03.12.1999, Beijing

Adopted by Armenia on 01/01/2001

London Amendment: Amendment to the Montreal Protocol adopted at the Second Meeting of the Parties

Date of adoption in the world 06/27/1990, London

Adopted by Armenia on 22․10․2003

Rotterdam Convention

Date of adoption in the world 10․09․1998, Rotterdam

Adopted by Armenia on 22․10․2003

The Rotterdam Convention is a multilateral treaty aimed at promoting shared responsibility regarding the import of hazardous chemicals. The Convention promotes open exchange of information and calls on exporters of hazardous chemicals to use appropriate labelling, include safe handling instructions and inform buyers of any known restrictions or prohibitions. States that sign the treaty can decide whether to allow or prohibit imports of chemicals listed in the treaty, and exporting countries are required to ensure that producers within their jurisdiction comply with it.

Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants

Date of adoption in the world 23.05.2001, Stockholm

Adopted by Armenia on 22.10.2003

The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants was adopted at the Conference of Plenipotentiaries on 22 May 2001 in Stockholm, Sweden. The Convention entered into force on 17 May 2004.

Taking into account the precautionary principle enshrined in Principle 15 of the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, the objective of this Convention is to protect human health and the environment from persistent organic pollutants.

Each Party shall, as a minimum, take measures to reduce the aggregate emissions from anthropogenic sources of each of the chemicals listed in Annex C with a view to continuously minimizing them and, where feasible, ultimately eliminating them.

Copenhagen Amendment: Amendment to the Montreal Protocol adopted at the Fourth Meeting of the Parties

Date of adoption in the world 25.11.1992, Copenhagen

Adopted by Armenia on 24.02.2004

Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety

Date of adoption in the world 01/29/2000, Montreal

Adopted by Armenia on 30.07.2004

Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to the Convention on Biological Diversity is an international agreement aimed at ensuring the safe handling, transport and use of living modified organisms resulting from modern biotechnology that may have adverse effects on biological diversity, taking into account also risks to human health. It was adopted on 29 January 2000 and entered into force on 11 September 2003.

Kyoto Protocol

Date of adoption in the world 11/12/1997, Kyoto

Adopted by Armenia on 16.02.2005

The Kyoto Protocol serves to develop the provisions of the UN framework conventions, obliging industrialized countries to limit and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in accordance with agreed national commitments. The adoption of the Protocol was justified by the fact that the Convention itself contains only calls for these states to pursue policies and take measures to prevent climate change, as well as to regularly report on their implementation.

The Kyoto Protocol is based on the principles and provisions of the Convention and follows its structure, including the system of Annexes. It applies only to developed countries. They are given additional obligations under the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities". This is due to the recognition of the primary responsibility of this group of states for the current high level of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Annex B of the Kyoto Protocol sets emission reduction targets binding on industrialized countries and the European Community (later transformed into the European Union). Overall, these commitments correspond to about a five percent reduction in emissions from 1990 levels during the first commitment period from 2008 to 2012.

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora

Date of adoption in the world 03.03.1973, Washington

Adopted by Armenia on 21.01.2009

The Convention includes all species threatened with extinction that are or may be affected by trade. Trade in specimens of these species should be subject to particularly strict regulations so as not to further endanger their survival and should be permitted only in exceptional circumstances.

And also:

• all species which, although not necessarily currently threatened with extinction, may become so unless trade in specimens of such species is strictly regulated to prevent uses incompatible with their survival;
• and other species which should be subject to regulation in order that trade in specimens of certain species referred to in subparagraph (a) of this paragraph can be brought under effective control.

Appendix III of the Convention includes all species that any Party determines to be regulated within its jurisdiction to prevent or restrict exploitation and to require the cooperation of other Parties in controlling trade.

The Parties shall not permit trade in specimens of species included in Appendices I, II and III except as provided for in the provisions of this Convention.

Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals

Date of adoption in the world 23.06.1979, Bonn

Adopted by Armenia on 01/03/2011

The Parties recognize the importance of the conservation of migratory species and the coordination of States the scope of measures taken for these purposes where possible and appropriate, paying particular attention attention to migratory species whose conservation status is unfavourable, and taking into account individually or in collaboration, appropriate measures necessary for the conservation of such species and their habitats.

The Parties recognize the need to take measures aimed at preventing the threat of extinction of migratory species.

In particular, the Parties shall:

• to promote the implementation of scientific research related to migratory species, and cooperate in their implementation;
• make efforts to ensure the immediate protection of migratory species included in Appendix I;
• make efforts to conclude AGREEMENTS on the conservation and management of migratory species included in Appendix II.

Doha Amendment

Date of adoption in the world 08․12․2012, Doha

Adopted by Armenia on 31.03.2017

The Paris Agreement

Date of adoption in the world 12/12/2015, Paris

Adopted by Armenia on 22.04.2017

The Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty on climate change. It was adopted by 196 parties at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris, France, on 12 December 2015. It entered into force on 4 November 2016. Its main goal is to keep “the increase in global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels” and to pursue efforts “to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.” However, in recent years, world leaders have stressed the need to limit global warming to 1.5°C by the end of this century. This is because the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change says that exceeding the 1.5°C threshold risks much more severe climate change impacts, including more frequent and severe droughts, heatwaves and heavy rains. To limit global warming to 1.5°C, greenhouse gas emissions must peak no later than 2025 and fall by 43% by 2030. The Paris Agreement is a milestone in the multilateral process to combat climate change, as it is the first time that a binding agreement brings together all countries to combat climate change and adapt to its impacts.

Minamata Convention on Mercury

Date of adoption in the world 10.11.2013, Kumamoto

Adopted by Armenia on 13.03.2018

The Minamata Convention on Mercury is a global agreement aimed at protecting human health and the environment from anthropogenic emissions and releases of mercury and its compounds. Named in memory of the Japanese city of Minamata, which suffered from severe mercury pollution in the mid-20th century, the convention was adopted in 2013 and entered into force in 2017. Its main objective is to reduce the use of mercury worldwide and control its emissions into the air, water, and soil.

The Convention covers the entire life cycle of mercury, including its extraction, trade, use in products and industrial processes, and disposal. It calls for a ban on new mercury mines, a phase-out of existing ones, controls on mercury emissions into the air from coal-fired power plants and industrial boilers, controls on the use of mercury in artisanal and small-scale gold mining, and a phase-out of mercury-containing products such as some lamps, batteries, and cosmetics. The Minamata Convention also requires signatory countries to develop plans to reduce mercury use in dentistry and encourages international cooperation and information sharing to combat global mercury pollution.

Regional Conventions

Convention on Biological Diversity, a key international instrument for sustainable development

Date of adoption in the world 05․06․1992, Rio de Janeiro

Adopted by Armenia on 29.12.1993

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is an international a legally binding treaty whose three main purposes are to preserve biodiversity, sustainable use of biodiversity and shared benefit fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources. Its overall objective is to stimulate activities leading to the creation of sustainable future.

Preserving biodiversity is a common concern for humanity. The CBD considers Biodiversity at all levels – ecosystems, species and genetic resources. It also covers the field of biotechnology through the Cartagena Protocol biosafety. In fact, it covers all possible areas, directly or indirectly related to biodiversity and its role in development, which extend from science, politics and education to agriculture, commerce and culture and much further still.

Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution

Date of adoption in the world 30.11.1977, Geneva

Adopted by Armenia on 22.05.1997

The Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution is an international agreement aimed at activating the implementation of national measures and their international coordination in the field of combating air pollution, including long-range transboundary pollution. Social security Adopted on 30.11.1979 in Geneva.

The Parties to the Convention confirm their willingness to strengthen active international cooperation with a view to developing national measures and, through exchange of information, consultation, research and monitoring, to coordinate national efforts to combat air pollution, including the pollution specified. It defines the terms "air pollution" and "long-range transboundary air pollution". The latter means air pollution the physical source of which is located wholly or partly within the territory under the national jurisdiction of one State and the adverse effects of which are manifested in the territory under the jurisdiction of another State at such a distance that the contribution of individual sources or groups of sources of emissions cannot be determined as a whole.

Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context

Date of adoption in the world 25.02.1991, Espoo

Adopted by Armenia on 10․09․1997

Espoo Convention aims to promote sustainable development by encouraging international cooperation in assessing the likely impact of planned activities on the environment. It applies in particular to activities that are likely to cause damage to the environment in other countries. The Espoo Convention aims to prevent, mitigate and monitor such environmental damage.

Espoo Convention ensures that environmental factors are taken into account well before a final decision is taken on an activity that may cause harm to the environment. It also ensures that people living in areas that may be affected by harmful effects are informed of the planned activity. The Convention gives these people the opportunity to express their comments or objections to the planned activity and to participate in the relevant environmental impact assessment procedures.

In addition, it ensures that these comments and objections are forwarded to the competent authority and taken into account when making the final decision. The Protocol ensures the application of the principles of the Espoo Convention to plans, programmes, policies and legislation, with particular attention to environmental impact assessment procedures at the national level.

Convention on the Transboundary Effects of Industrial Accidents

Date of adoption in the world 17.03.1992, Helsinki

Adopted by Armenia on 19.04.2000

The purpose of the Convention is to prevent industrial accidents and to prepare for and respond to accidents. Over the course of its existence, the Convention has contributed to improving safety culture in industrial enterprises. It has also facilitated cooperation between various public authorities in coordinating joint work on industrial safety.

Aarhus Convention

Date of adoption in the world 25.06.1998, Aarhus

Adopted by Armenia on 30.10.2001

The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters was adopted on 25 June 1998 in the Danish city of Aarhus ( Århus ) at the Fourth Ministerial Conference "Environment for Europe". It entered into force on 30 October 2001. The Aarhus Convention was created to enhance the role of citizens and civil society organizations in environmental issues and is based on the principles of participatory democracy.

European Landscape Convention

Date of adoption in the world 20.10.2000, Florence

Adopted by Armenia on 01.07.2004

The European Landscape Convention, adopted in 2000 in Florence, is an international agreement aimed at protecting, managing and planning European landscapes. It covers all types of landscapes, from natural to urban, recognising their importance for people's quality of life and cultural identity. The Convention defines landscape as an area perceived by people, the character of which is shaped by the interaction of natural and human factors.

The main objectives of the convention include legal recognition of landscapes, development of landscape policy, public involvement in decision-making and integration of the landscape approach into territorial planning. It also encourages international cooperation, exchange of experience between countries and promotion of education in landscape management. Having entered into force in 2004, the convention has been ratified by most European countries, emphasizing the importance of an integrated approach to territorial planning, taking into account the ecological, aesthetic, cultural and social aspects of landscapes.

Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats - Berne Convention

Date of adoption in the world 19.09.1979, Bern

Adopted by Armenia on 01/08/2008

This Convention aims to ensure the protection of wild flora and fauna and their habitats. Particular attention is paid to those species that are threatened or vulnerable, including migratory species, threatened and vulnerable, as specified in the appendices.

The Parties undertake to take all necessary measures to ensure the conservation of the habitats of species of wild flora and fauna. Such measures shall be included in the planning and policies of development and pollution control in the Parties, paying particular attention to the conservation of wild flora and fauna. The Parties undertake to promote education and dissemination of general information on the need to conserve species of wild flora and fauna and their habitats.

The Convention establishes a standing committee in which the Parties are represented by their delegates. The main task of the Committee is to monitor the provisions of this Convention, taking into account the development of wild flora and fauna and assessing these needs. For this purpose, the standing committee has special powers to make recommendations to the Parties and to amend the annexes listing protected species.

Protocol on Strategic Environmental Assessment to the Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context

Date of adoption in the world 21.05.2003, Kyiv

Adopted by Armenia on 24.04.2011

The Protocol on SEA is an international agreement that defines legal obligations and the basis for the procedure for conducting SEA in countries that have become parties to this agreement. The document formulates requirements for the implementation of SEA, including procedural and methodological provisions.

Although the Protocol was negotiated within the framework of the 1991 Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context (Espoo Convention) to expand the scope of the Convention, the Protocol is a separate legal instrument. This means that a country can accede to the Protocol without being a party to the Convention. Moreover, unlike the Convention, which applies only if the proposed activity is likely to result in significant adverse effects outside the country, the Protocol applies primarily to plans and programmes whose effects which manifest themselves on the territory of the country itself. If there is a possibility of consequences of a transboundary nature.