Conventions at the global level

The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention) *

The Convention on Wetlands is an intergovernmental treaty signed in Ramsar, Iran, and came into force in 1975. It is the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources.

The World Heritage Convention *

The World Heritage Convention was adopted by the General Conference of UNESCO, and links nature conservation and the preservation of cultural properties.

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

1979

The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals was signed in Bonn, Germany and came into force in 1983.

United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea

1982

The Convention has been ratified or acceded to by more than 150 states and the European Union. It governs all aspects of ocean space from delimitations to environmental control, scientific research, economic and commercial activities, technology and the settlement of disputes relating to ocean matters.

Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

1992

The objectives of the Convention are: conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity; and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the use of genetic resources. The CBD came into force in 1993.