multilateral diplomacy

decades of rising international environmental concern; decades of multilateral institutions proliferating

60s & 70s; 80s & 90s

types of multilateral agreements

resolutions, conferences, framework conventions, protocols (often subsequent, within conventions), agreements, etc.

sustainable development

development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to do the same

MEAs

multilateral environmental agreements

multilateralism

an institutional form that coordinates relations among 3 or more states on the basis of generalized principles of conduct

three key characteristics of MEAs

indivisibility - working as one, non-discrimination - cannot favor certain states over others, diffuse reciprocity - can expect cooperation to endure

UNESCO

United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, first multilateral org to get into environmentla issues

when was the first environmental conference and what was it?

1968, Intergovernmental Conference for Rational Use and Conservation of the Biosphere

Stockholm, 1972

United Nations Conference on the Human Environment

Maurice Strong

businessman, environmental diplomat, wanted to maintain dedication/support of developing nations, recognized differences in needs between North and South

hard law vs. soft law

legally binding agreement (treaty): states explicitly agree to be bound; non-binding but still have action plans, political importance because want a good rep, etc.

points of dictating hard vs. soft law

obligation, precision (how specific it is), delegation (how closely it’s monitored)

eco-development

took on a radical meaning - economic support to developing nations, restraint of overconsumption and overproduction in developed nations, more equitable distribution of resources, etc.

Brundtland Commission

World Commission on Environment and Development, long-term strategies, cooperation, popularized concept of sustainable development

Earth Summit (UNCED)

UN Conference on Environment & Development, largest ever, guiding principles and policy frameworks - produced Rio Declaration on Environment & Development

critique of Rio

reinforcing capitalist model of development, privileging businesses and industry

World Summit on Sustainable Development

mood low, progress low, US uncooperative, turned to partnerships and civil society

institutional reform & green economy

changes in how systems function, capital reallocation

binding sources of MEAs

treaties, customary international law, general principles of law

treaty process timeline

negotiation, adoption, depository prepares authentication, notification distribution, signature period starts, (definitive) signature, ratification/acceptance/approval, signature period closes, provisional application awaiting entry, entry into force, provisional application awaiting ratification, states ratify, states accede

key elements of MEAs

preamble, definitions, objectives, principles, provisions, substantive commitments, financial and technical assistance, education/training/public awareness, research & monitoring, COP/MOP, subsidiary bodies, secretariat, compliance, review of efficacy, dispute settlement, mechanisms

COP vs. MOP

conference of the parties (for most MEAs), meeting of the parties (for subsequent protocols)