MEV 017: Unit 13 – International Environmental Negotiations

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 UNIT 13: INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL NEGOTIATIONS

13.1 Introduction

Environmental challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, ozone depletion, and pollution transcend national boundaries. No single country can address these issues alone. Therefore, international cooperation and negotiations have become essential for sustainable development and global environmental governance.

Over the past five decades, nations have come together under the United Nations and other global platforms to create binding treaties, agreements, and action plans. These negotiations shape environmental laws, development policies, and financial commitments across the world. India has played a proactive role in many such negotiations, emphasizing equity, common but differentiated responsibilities, and the right to sustainable development.

13.2 Objectives

By the end of this unit, you should be able to:

  • Understand the significance of international environmental negotiations.
  • Describe major international conferences and their outcomes.
  • Explain key treaties like the Convention on Biodiversity.
  • Analyze India’s participation in global environmental diplomacy.
  • Appreciate the progress and limitations of global efforts.

13.3 United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, 1972 (Stockholm Conference)

This was the first major international conference focused on environmental issues, held in Stockholm, Sweden from June 5–16, 1972.

Key Highlights:

  • Attended by 113 countries, including India.
  • Led to the creation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
  • Adopted the Stockholm Declaration, which contains 26 principles for environmental protection.
  • Emphasized the interdependence of environment and development.
  • Recognized the right to a healthy environment as a fundamental human right.

India’s Stand:

Prime Minister Indira Gandhi made a historic speech asserting that poverty is the biggest polluter and called for sustainable development with equity.

Significance:

  • Marked the beginning of international environmental law.
  • Encouraged nations to create national environmental policies.
  • Paved the way for future global efforts like the 1992 Rio Summit.

13.4 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, 1992 (UNCED/Rio Earth Summit)

Held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in June 1992, this landmark summit was attended by over 170 countries and set the agenda for sustainable development in the 21st century.

Key Agreements:

  1. Rio Declaration on Environment and Development – 27 principles including:
    • Sustainable development
    • Precautionary principle
    • Polluter pays principle
    • Common but differentiated responsibilities (CBDR)
  2. Agenda 21 – A comprehensive global action plan for sustainable development.
  3. Three legally binding Conventions:
    • United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
    • Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
    • United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
  4. Forest Principles – Guidelines for sustainable forest management.

India’s Role:

India supported the idea of CBDR and highlighted the need for financial and technological support from developed countries to implement sustainable practices in the Global South.

13.5 Convention on Biological Diversity, 1992

The CBD is one of the most important international treaties to conserve global biodiversity and ensure fair access to its benefits. It was signed during the Rio Summit in 1992 and came into force in 1993.

Objectives:

  1. Conservation of biological diversity
  2. Sustainable use of its components
  3. Fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources

Key Features:

  • Promotes national biodiversity strategies.
  • Encourages the creation of protected areas.
  • Introduced the Nagoya Protocol (2010) for benefit-sharing.
  • Introduced the Cartagena Protocol (2000) on biosafety related to genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

India’s Contributions:

  • Enacted the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
  • Established the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA).
  • Advocated for community rights and traditional knowledge.

13.6 The World Summit on Sustainable Development, 2002 (Johannesburg Summit)

Also known as Rio+10, this summit was held in Johannesburg, South Africa. It focused on the implementation of the principles and action plans adopted in Rio (1992).

Key Outcomes:

  • Reaffirmed commitment to Agenda 21 and Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
  • Adopted the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation, targeting:
    • Access to clean water and sanitation
    • Sustainable energy
    • Reduction in biodiversity loss
    • Corporate social responsibility
  • Emphasis on Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and local action.

India’s Role:

India reiterated its commitment to sustainable development, especially in areas like renewable energy, forests, and health. India also demanded greater financial assistance and technology transfer for developing countries.

13.7 Let Us Sum Up

International environmental negotiations have created a global framework for cooperation on urgent issues like climate change, biodiversity, and sustainability. Key events like the Stockholm Conference (1972), Rio Earth Summit (1992), and Johannesburg Summit (2002) have:

  • Raised awareness at the global level.
  • Produced influential declarations, action plans, and binding conventions.
  • Encouraged countries to adopt national policies aligned with global goals.

India’s proactive participation highlights its commitment to global environmental responsibility, while emphasizing equity, development rights, and climate justice.

Glossary of Key Terms

  • CBDR – Common But Differentiated Responsibilities
  • UNEP – United Nations Environment Programme
  • CBD – Convention on Biological Diversity
  • UNFCCC – United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
  • Agenda 21 – A non-binding action plan for sustainable development
  • Nagoya Protocol – Agreement on access and benefit-sharing for genetic resources

 

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