The Role of International Treaties in Environmental Conservation
The same dynamics that led to the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm in 1972 created the demand for international treaties and conventions to cope with environmental conservation, modification and pollution problems. It became clear that bilateral arrangements, which might be appropriate for cooperative research between two countries or necessary to deal with specific cross-border problems, were inadequate to deal with global concerns. The new agreements included:
The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, concluded in Ramsar, Iran in 1971 (now generally referred to as "Ramsar");
The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species, concluded in Bonn in 1972 ( the "Bonn Convention"), covering birds, animals and marine creatures.
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, concluded in Washington in 1973 (known as CITES and, outside the U.S., as the "Washington Convention").
Also concluded were several treaties on marine pollution; conventions on environmental modification, Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources; and several regional environmental agreements under the framework of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
The treaties have attracted wide participation and provide a framework for cooperation and action. For example, CITES, with 150+ member nations, includes nearly every wildlife producing and consuming county. It has created:
1) a Secretariat comprised of personnel knowledgeable in a multiplicity of trade and conservation disciplines and areas;
2) committees which oversee operation of the Convention between meetings of the conference of Parties;
3) a network of Party Management and Scientific Authorities which enforce control of the wildlife trade through a permit system.While CITES has had notable successes in controlling trade and enhancing the survival status of certain species, such as the American alligator, vicuna, certain spotted cats, and the African elephant, continuing cooperative action is needed and is being taken to prevent poaching and illegal trade in rhinos, tigers, bears and many other animals, birds, sea creatures, and plants.
Through the Wetlands Convention, with over 120 members, drainage of important wetland sites has been halted and sites restored. A major effort to Involve Local and Indigenous People in Wetland Management is underway. The Migratory Species Convention (60+ countries) has developed a network of agreements on specific flyways and other migratory routes, as well as conservation and recovery plans for migratory species.
