Negotiating and Implementing MEAs: A manual for NGOs

Negotiating and Implementing MEAs:
A Manual for NGOs

United Nations Environment Programme

U NE P

NEGOTIATING AND IMPLEMENTING MULTILATERAL
ENVIRONMENTAL AGREEMENTS (MEAs):
A MANUAL FOR NGOs

S TA K E H O L D E R
Earth Media F O R U M Centro de Estudios Ambientales
CEDEA

P re limin a rie s i

Negotiating And Implementing Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs):
A Manual For NGOs

Published in May 2007 © 2007, UNEP

ISBN: 978-92-807-2808-8

Job Number: DEL/0933/NA

Produced by the UNEP Division of Environmental Law and Conventions (DELC)
Director of Publication: Bakary Kante

Writers/Project Coordinators: Felix Dodds and Megan Howell from Stakeholder Forum for
a Sustainable Future, Michael Strauss from Earth Media, Maria Onestini from El Centro de
Estudios Ambientales, Elizabeth Maruma Mrema and Anne Bourdy from UNEP.

Cover Design: Division of Communication and Public Information, UNEP

Design and Layout: UNON/Publishing Section Services/Nairobi

Image Credits: Georgina Goodwin
Sea Kelp at Robben Island, Cape Town

The contents of this publication do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of UNEP
or contributoring organisations or individuals.

This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part and in any form of educational
or non-proper services without special permission from the copyright holder, provided
acknowledgment of the source is made. UNEP would appreciate receiving a copy of any
publication that uses this publication as a source.

ii N egot iat ing and Im p l e m e n t i n g M E As : A M a n u a l f o r NG Os

FOREWORD

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) are crucial actors
and partners, both in the negotiations and the implementation
of Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) and the
wider environmental and sustainability challenges facing the
world in the 21st century. They are often well placed to reach
local communities and to be an important bridge and interface
between citizens, governments and multilateral organizations
like the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).

NGOs will continue to be vital in others ways - from lobbying for change, providing
influential research from often a different or unique perspective up to highlighting concerns
via headline grabbing stunts or provocative arguments in national and international fora.
Indeed NGOs have played important roles in assisting governments to realize many of the
seminal environmental conventions and treaties of the past few decades and were a key
player in catalyzing the establishment of UNEP in 1972.
Today, NGOs are widely represented on the intergovernmental scene including at UN
conferences and talks. This reflects progress since the agreement of Principle 10 of the
Rio Declaration on Environment and Development adopted in 1992. It recognized that
“environmental issues are best handled with participation of all concerned citizens, at
the relevant level”. UNEP is committed to providing support to NGOs so they can more
effectively impact the political decision-making process.

Negotiations at the intergovernmental level can be challenging and complex for all
participants including NGOs. Meanwhile, new NGOs and new faces at established NGOs
are attending intergovernmental discussions. In order to maximize their contribution and
their impact, background information and advice on how to negotiate the conference maze
would seem a useful aid.

This Manual distills the knowledge of many leading NGO experts with a wealth of
experience in high level negotiations. It identifies some of the key skills that could prove
necessary to those who would consider being environmental lobbyists. The Manual gives
readers information and tips to back up their preparations for multilateral environmental
meetings including as they relate to implementation of MEAs.

I sincerely hope that this Manual will assist all NGOs in achieving their aims because the
global environmental challenge of our age demands nothing less than all actors to be fully
and effectively engaged.

Mr. Achim Steiner,
United Nations Under-Secretary General and Executive Director,
United Nations Environment Programme

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This Publication was prepared by Felix Dodds and Megan Howell from
Stakeholder Forum for a Sustainable Future, Michael Strauss from Earth Media,
Maria Onestini from El Centro de Estudios Ambientales, Elizabeth Maruma
Mrema, Anne Bourdy, Carl Bruch, Arnold Kreilhuber and Martin Krebs from UNEP.

A big thank you to all who worked and provided comments to improve this tool.

iv N egot iat ing and Im p l e m e n t i n g M E As : A M a n u a l f o r NG Os

Table of Contents

Foreword.............................................................................................................................. iii
Acknowledgments.................................................................................................................iv
Table of Contents ...................................................................................................................v
Introduction..........................................................................................................................ix
Module I: Introducing Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs).............1
Defining MEAs............................................................................................................ 2
The proliferation of MEAs ........................................................................................... 3
Basic information on MEAs organization .................................................................... 4
Basic information on selected MEAs........................................................................... 5
MEAs and International Law ..................................................................................... 10
How does a multilateral agreement enter into force internationally? ........................ 12
Looking at different MEAs......................................................................................... 14
Are all environment-related international instruments MEAs? ................................... 16
Civil society participation: Rio Principle 10 and MEAs ............................................. 17
MEAs Clustering Approach ....................................................................................... 19
Other overlaps and synergies.................................................................................... 21
Summary .................................................................................................................. 23
Further Information and Resources ........................................................................... 23

Module II: The Role of NGOs In MEA Negotiations ........................................25
Defining Non-Governmental Organisations.............................................................. 26
NGOs, civil society or major groups? ....................................................................... 27
NGOs at the UN ...................................................................................................... 30
The role of NGOs in intergovernmental processes.................................................... 31
‘Insider’ vs. ‘outsider’ roles ....................................................................................... 35
Summary .................................................................................................................. 36
Further information and resources ............................................................................ 37
References in this Module ........................................................................................ 38

Module III: National And Regional Preparations For MEA Meetings ...............39
The need for national and regional preparations....................................................... 40
National preparations regarding MEAs...................................................................... 40
Regional and interest group preparations.................................................................. 41
What are the possible roles and input of civil society at these levels?....................... 41
Advice for civil society input into national and regional preparations....................... 43
Summary .................................................................................................................. 48

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Module IV: Networking ...................................................................................51
Why network? .......................................................................................................... 52
Strategic choices: pros and cons of networking ........................................................ 54
Multi-stakeholder networks....................................................................................... 55
Establishing and operating networks ......................................................................... 56
When to network? .................................................................................................... 59
Existing MEA-related networks.................................................................................. 59
Summary .................................................................................................................. 62
Further Information and Resources ........................................................................... 63

Module V: Using The Internet ..........................................................................65
Using the internet to network and communicate ...................................................... 66
The Limits to Technology .......................................................................................... 66
Tools for networking and communication................................................................. 67
Internet search techniques ........................................................................................ 70
Sourcing Credible Information from the Internet....................................................... 72
Where to start: websites on MEAs............................................................................. 74
Summary .................................................................................................................. 78

Module VI: Attending MEA Meetings ...............................................................79
Why attend an MEA meeting?................................................................................... 80
Before the meeting ................................................................................................... 81
Funding to attend ..................................................................................................... 82
Meet the actors......................................................................................................... 83
How the meeting will operate .................................................................................. 89
If you are on government delegation ........................................................................ 90
Getting your message across..................................................................................... 92
Some useful techniques that can be used ................................................................. 93
Learn the language I: the world of brackets .............................................................. 94
Learn the language II: document symbols................................................................. 96
Summary .................................................................................................................. 98

Module VII: Gaining Access to MEA Negotiations and Secretariats...............101
Gaining access to MEA negotiations and secretariats.............................................. 102
Obtaining accreditation .......................................................................................... 102
Obtaining official documents ................................................................................. 107
Gaining opportunities to present texts and verbal statements by
non-governmental stakeholders .............................................................................. 108
Summary ................................................................................................................ 109
Further Information and Resources ......................................................................... 109

vi N egot iat ing and Im p l e m e n t i n g M E As : A M a n u a l f o r NG Os

Module VIII: Communicating to News Media................................................111
Why work with Media at UN or MEA negotiations? ............................................... 112
Who the Media are? ............................................................................................... 112
How to contact them? ............................................................................................ 113
What to give the press?........................................................................................... 113
Where to present it?................................................................................................ 115
Whom to send it to? ............................................................................................... 116
Selecting the message............................................................................................. 117
Responding to criticism .......................................................................................... 117
Providing day-to-day materials to news organizations ............................................ 118
What’s the priority? Answer: It’s the issue ............................................................... 119
Working in coalitions ............................................................................................. 120
Media Coordinators and consultants....................................................................... 120
Actions and Outputs............................................................................................... 120
Summary ................................................................................................................ 122

Module IX: Implementation, Monitoring and Compliance of MEAs ..............125
From adoption to implementation and enforcement: the path of MEAs .................. 126
Implementation and enforcement ........................................................................... 126
Some definitions: compliance and enforcement ..................................................... 127
Roles of non-governmental actors in implementation and compliance with MEAs . 128
Steps in MEAs implementation processes: compliance .......................................... 129
Implementing laws, regulations and national policies............................................. 132
Steps in MEAs’ implementation processes: enforcement........................................ 134
Dispute settlement mechanisms.............................................................................. 136
Summary ................................................................................................................ 138

Module X: Obtaining Funding for MEA-Related Projects ...............................141
Sourcing funds for MEA-related projects................................................................. 142
Understanding timelines and conditions (priorities) for funders .............................. 142
Creating relationships with funders......................................................................... 145
Potential Funders .................................................................................................... 146
Summary ................................................................................................................ 150

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Annexes .........................................................................................................151
Annex 1: NGO contact points in UN Agencies and Programmes...............152
Annex 2: Contact Points in the European Unions DG Environments..........160
Annex 3: Rules of Procedure for Meetings of the Conference of the Parties to
the Convention on Biological Diversity....... ................................164
Annex 4: UNEP’s Guidelines on Compliance with and Enforcement of
Multilateral Environmental Agreements ......................................165
I. Guidelines for enhancing compliance with
Multilateral Environmental Agreements........................................................ 166
II. Guidelines for National Enforcement, and International
Cooperation in combating violations, of laws implementing
Multilateral Environmental Agreements........................................................ 175
Annex 5: Illustrative format used for funding applications.........................183

viii N egot iat ing and Im p l e m e n t i n g M E As : A M a n u a l f o r NG Os

Introduction

T he decade and-a-half since the 1992 Earth Summit has seen a vast expansion
in the number and scope of Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs).
There are now more than 700 environmental conventions, charters, agreements,
accords, protocols and treaties in force, from global to regional to bilaterally-
applicable agreements. They cover areas as narrowly-focused as the Biosafety
Protocol in the Convention on Biological Diversity and as widely encompassing
as the recently activated Kyoto Protocol of the Framework Convention on Climate
Change.
And there are still dozens of conferences, commissions, and ad hoc expert groups
negotiating additional agreements, often on intensely complex intersectoral issue
areas.
These MEAs form the building blocks for an emerging and much needed global
system of environmental and sustainable development governance. Yet MEAs
negotiations themselves represent an organic process. All are still evolving – a
series of parallel works-in-progress. And it is widely understood that a vast amount
must be done in implementation for these instruments to be considered success-
ful.
A second major evolutionary impact that flowed from the Earth Summit has
been the exceptional expansion of the role that non-governmental organizations
(NGOs) play in the international negotiation of MEAs, and then in their national
and local application. This, also, is a fluid structure. The very term ‘non-govern-
mental organization’ can now include a wide array of institutions and sectors,
from activist NGOs campaigning at the grassroots level to academic organiza-
tions, trade unions, farmers’ cooperatives, religious structures, local authorities,
and business associations. NGOs serve as scientific researchers, as policy advisors
to governments and intergovernmental agencies, as advocates to political officials,
as communicators to media and the public, and as active partners in program
implementation at all levels.
These roles vary widely among different groups and in different regions, depend-
ing upon each NGO’s primary issues of interest, its constituency, its resources and
its political mandate. At times the positions of different organizations on specific
policies may conflict. However, the scope and diversity of stakeholder involve-
ment as a whole is adding immense value and energy to the worldwide effort to
address the critical challenges facing the environment and sustainable develop-
ment – both in the development of theoretical policy, and in its practical imple-
mentation in the field.
This Manual attempts to link these two areas of MEA formulation and civil society
participation. Its goal is to both strengthen multi-stakeholder participation and

In tro d u ctio n ix

increase political momentum for effective MEA development, implementation and
enforcement. The two are interdependent and equally essential: by strengthening the
effectiveness of stakeholders’ involvement, MEAs themselves become more relevant, more
resilient and more resolute.

The format of the Manual follows the sequence of governments’ and NGOs’ actual work
on conferences and treaties. It provides step-by-step background information, ‘inside
the process’ guidance, and expert advice on how stakeholders can effectively engage in
developing and implementing MEAs. It contains essential information for activists work-
ing in a wide range of issues and arenas of action, and it provides access to additional
academic, institutional and web-based resources that analyze and promote civil society
participation.

The MEA Civil Society Capacity Building project has produced three elements to help
NGOs actively increase their capabilities:

n A booklet that provides an overview of options for NGO involvement in MEA
negotiation and implementation;
n A series of Workshops in ten modules that explores the areas of potential NGO
participation;
n An accompanying Workbook that covers the ten areas in detail and suggests
additional actions that NGOs can take.

This work is a collaborative effort. Together with the United Nations Environment
Programme (UNEP), three organizations have teamed to produce the workshops and this
handbook: Stakeholder Forum for a Sustainable Future (an international NGO based in
London and San Sebastian), El Centro de Estudios Ambientales - CEDEA (a sustainable
development research institute based in Buenos Aires) and Earth Media (a political and
media consultancy based in New York).

The project is part of UNEP’s extensive involvement with MEAs – a role that includes
serving as secretariat for specific MEAs, and providing cooperation and support func-
tions on many issues for national governments, intergovernmental organizations, NGOs
and local authorities. It is a companion to UNEP’s “Guidelines on Compliance with and
Enforcement of MEAs” [2002], and its “Manual on Compliance with and Enforcement of
Multilateral Environmental Agreements” [2006].

The idea for the project grew out of the publication “How to Lobby at Intergovernmental
Meetings,” by Felix Dodds and Michael Strauss (Earthscan; 2004). UNEP’s Division of
Environmental Law and Conventions suggested developing a project to actively support
the work of civil society organizations by providing hands-on guidance to all stages of
MEA negotiation and implementation. The project was carried out by a team with broad
experience in civil society participation at intergovernmental, national and local levels:
Maria Onestini, Megan Howell, Felix Dodds, and Michael Strauss as well as Elizabeth
Maruma Mrema and Anne Bourdy from UNEP, and earlier in it’s development also Carl
Bruch of the Enviromental Law Institute. The content has been peer-reviewed by repre-
sentatives of a variety of non-governmental and intergovernmental organizations and at a
series of workshops.

x N egot iat ing and Im p l e m e n t i n g M E As : A M a n u a l f o r NG Os

All of us involved in the project believe that the broad and evolving process of multilateral
negotiations of environmental policy, and their subsequent implementation, hold immense
potential for addressing the many critical challenges facing the Earth’s environment and
the needs of its people. We hope this work provides effective support and encouragement
to the thousands of motivated civil society participants now actively working in those
processes, and contributes in some way to helping us all turn the corner away from envi-
ronmental catastrophe and towards the creation of an equitable and sustainable world.

We would very much appreciate any comments you have on how to improve this Manual.
Please send them to:

Felix Dodds: fdodds@stakeholderforum.org

Michael Strauss: earthmedia@igc.org

Maria Onestini: rponestini@criba.rdu.ar

UNEP - Division of Environmental Law and Conventions: delc@unep.org

In tro d u ctio n xi

xii N egot iat ing and Im p l e m e n t i n g M E As : A M a n u a l f o r NG Os

MODULE I

INTRODUCING MULTILATERAL ENVIRONMENTAL
AGREEMENTS (MEAs)

I n t ro d u c i n g M u l t ila te ra l E n v iro n me n ta l A g re e me n ts ( ME A s) 1

Module I

IN THIS MODULE:

• Gain a better understanding of MEAs
• Defining MEAs
• The proliferation of MEAs
• MEAs and international law
• Looking at different MEAs
• Are all environment-related international instruments MEAs?
• The clustering approach

Defining MEAs

MEAs are commitments by countries to meet certain environment-related objectives.
Agreeing on what is and what is not a Multilateral Environmental Agreement (MEA), how-
ever, can be complicated. A broad number of instruments can be described as MEAs.
Some assessments have indicated that there are nearly seven hundred MEAs currently in
place around the globe. Other estimates indicate that there are even more, depending on
how broadly MEAs are defined. It is, however, clear that exact number of existing MEAs
is not yet not known or certain.

Generally, and for the purposes of this manual:

An MEA is a legally binding instrument between two or more nation states that deals with
some aspect of the environment.

Aside from the requirement that they deal with some aspect of the environment, two ele-
ments of the definition are very important to understand:

n Legally binding
Multilateral environmental agreements are legal instruments binding countries that have
agreed to become parties through ratification or accession. For the countries which have
only signed and not as yet ratified, they are nonetheless not expected to do anything that
will affect the aims and purposes of the MEA. They are not declarations of intention or
avowals; they are rules of law. As such, they are a powerful tool for the implementation of
policies with environmental protection and sustainable development goals. Civil society
actors can make use of MEAs to achieve environment-related objectives.

n Between two or more nation states
The better-known environmental agreements are multilateral in the sense that they involve
many nations and deal with broad aspects of environment (climate, biodiversity, etc.).
However, an MEA can be any treaty between two or more nation-states if and when this
instrument deals with direct environmental objectives.

2 N egot iat ing and Im p l e m e n t i n g M E As : A M a n u a l f o r NG Os

The proliferation of MEAs

Module I
MEAs of some sort have been in place for about a hundred years. These instruments have
flourished enormously in the last three decades especially after the 1972 International
Stockholm Conference on Human Environment which also established UNEP. As has been
noted, some studies have counted a conservative estimate of 700 MEAs currently in place.
Reasons for the proliferation include:

n A response to the gravity of environmental problems.
n Growing understanding that environmental issues are often not only local in
nature but also regional and global and that solutions and tools to deal with them
should also be regional and global.

While certainly current and applicable, earlier environmental conventions were quite dif-
ferent from agreements signed and coming into force in the last years. The first accords
aimed at protecting particular species, for example of fauna. Earlier agreements also dealt
with a particular media, such as oceans. Conceivably this latter matter is due to the fact
that the seas were perceived as the main (or only) global shared resources where nations’
actions interacted but where no clear dominion rules were available.

Segmented approaches were gradually abandoned in the quest of more integrated con-
siderations and, therefore, more integrated mechanisms and solutions. Yet, until the early
1990s, multilateral environmental accords remained sectoral in the sense that they did not
incorporate specific sustainability approaches; they basically still dealt with preservationist
or conservationist points of view. With the advent of the United Nations Conference on
Environment and Development (UNCED) in 1992 the acknowledgement of an interaction
between society and bio-physical problems began to emerge as well as the broad-spec-
trum understanding on the intimate links between development and the environment.
More recent MEAs fully concede these aspects as crucial.

Synonyms

Legally binding and non-legally binding agreements come in many shapes and forms.
They can, inter alia, be of the following types or denominated as follows:

Legally binding Non-Legally binding
Treaties Accords Resolutions
Conventions Pacts Decisions
Agreements Charters Declarations
Protocols Recommendations
Amendments


In this manual:
Module I

n A finite number of agreements that are more well-known and global in nature are
addressed. (There are simply too many MEAs to address them all in detail).
n The principles, recommendations, and actions discussed are expandable to many
other circumstances and other environment-related international accords.
n Tools and guidance for civil society organizations on implementation of UNEP
Guidelines on Compliance with and Enforcement of MEAs, as well as its
accompanying Manual, are found.

Basic information on MEAs organization

Most international agreements that deal with environmental issues have a series of struc-
tures that impel their implementation and uphold or run the activities that arise out of the
accord. Although there might be more institutional arrangements than these1, the basic
organizational compositions that are set up after an agreement is adopted are:

n Secretariat: Secretariats are set up with manifold mandates, yet all co-ncentrating
upon the implementation of the agreement itself. Secretariats provide support for
the parties to the conventions in tasks such as:

n reporting on compliance;
n upholding information systems related to the convention and the issues
it deals with;
n employing or fostering financial mechanisms for projects dealing with
MEAs implementation;
n assisting and servicing the periodic meetings of the Conference of the
Parties (COP) for MEAs or Meeting of the Parties (MOP) for Protocols or
regional agreements.

n Conference of the Parties (COP): Those countries that ratify after adoption and
signature or accede to particular international agreements are called Parties.
They meet periodically through Conferences of Parties to assess different aspects
and implementation of MEAs. The Conferences are open to civil society
representatives under certain terms. These conferences have the following
goals:

n Appraise the implementation process an MEA is going through at
the national levels. This is done by evaluating the different reports
submitted by national governments to the COP.
n Deliberate on all aspects of the MEAs.

1 The following organizational compositions are the more general ones. However, each key MEA can potentially have different
bodies (generally organized as committees) and, at times, diverse names for these institutional arrangements. For example, these
can be named: Standing Committees, Compliance Committees, Implementation Committees, Non-Compliance Committees, and so
on. For instance, the Standing Committee of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands; the Compliance Committee under the Aarhus
Convention, or the Montreal Protocol’s Implementation Committee.


n Resolve on new or additional issues that

Module I
need to be settled for the implementation DEFINITIONS
Parties: A party to a
of the treaty.
multilateral treaty is a country
n Revise the multilateral agreement when that has ratified or acceded to
and if necessary. Some conventions also the accord.
consent the COP to add protocols or
Signatory countries: (that is,
amend the original treaty where new state countries that have “signed”
of affairs guarantees it. the convention but have
not carried-out all the steps
n Scientific Body: Formal scientific bodies necessary for ratification) are
authoritatively accompany MEAs. They provide not considered parties to a
a more comprehensive evaluation of how the convention.
environmental issue that the MEA deals with is
being confronted, as well as explore scientific and technical issues related to the
agreement’s issues. Although nominated by Parties (i.e. countries that are a part
of the accord) a MEA’s scientific group is meant to act independently in providing
its assessments as well as advise. This is an area of a convention where civil
society members (many academics) have a strong role to play.

Basic information on selected MEAs

Following is very basic information on the most salient global MEAs. Much information
and analysis is available from all sorts of different sources. However, a good point to start
gathering information or keeping abreast of changes and developments is the agreement’s
own web page. It is listed in the following chart for the conventions highlighted in this
manual. Some of these conventions are directly administered by UNEP while others fall
within different United Nation’s or other regional organization’s administration.

A helpful general source of information on international treaties of all kinds (not only for
environmental agreements) is the United Nations Treaty Collection. All bilateral or inter-
national treaties are generally deposited at this section of the UN. The basic as well as
specific information on treaties can be found. Even information, for example, regarding
what countries are party to a treaty. The web page for this UN division is http://untreaty.
un.org/.

Ramsar Convention on Wetlands
Other names Ramsar convention Convention’s charge is to promote
Signature Ramsar the conservation and wise use of all
date 02.02.1971 wetlands through local, regional, and
national actions and international
cooperation, as a contribution towards
Date of entry 01.12.1975 achieving sustainable development
into force worldwide.
Link http://www.ramsar.org


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

Other names CITES Aims to ensure that international trade
Signature Washington, D.C in specimens of wild animals and
date 03.03.1973 plants does not threaten their survival.
Subjecting international trade in speci-
Date of entry 01.07.1975 mens of selected species to certain
into force controls via licensing of import, export,
Link http://www.cites.org re-export, and introduction from the
sea of species.

Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals
Other names CMS or Bonn Convention Aims to conserve terrestrial, marine,
Signature Bonn and avian species that migrate across
date 23.06.1979 or out of national limits.
The protection of these animals by
Date of entry 01.11.1983 conserving or restoring their habitats
into force and mitigating obstacles to migration is
Link http://www.cms.int sought through this agreement.

Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer
Other names Vienna Convention Aims at establishing the framework
Signature Vienna for co-oparation, development and
date 22.09.1988 policies, and formulation of agreed
mesures in order to protect human
Date of entry 1988 health and the environment against ad-
into force verse effects resulting or likely to result
Link http://ozone.unep.org from human activities which modify
the ozone layer (art.2).

Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer
Other names Montreal Protocol Aims at protecting the ozone layer by
Signature Montreal taking measures to control global emis-
date 16.09.1987 sions of substances that deplete it. Its
deﬁnitive objective is the elimination
Date of entry 01.01.1989 of these materials based on scientiﬁc
into force developments, taking into account
Link http://www.unep.org/ozone technical and economic considerations
as well as developmental needs of
developing countries.


Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and

Module I
their Disposal
Other names Basel Convention Ensure that management of hazardous
Signature Basel wastes and other wastes including their
date 22.3.1989 transboundary movement and disposal
is consistent with the protection of
Date of entry 8.05.1994 human health and the environment
into force whatever the place of disposal.
Link http://www.basel.int

Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemi-
cals and Pesticides in International Trade
Other names Rotterdam Convention / PIC To promote shared responsibility and
Signature Rotterdam cooperative efforts among Parties in the
date 10.09.1998 international trade of certain hazardous
chemicals in order to protect human
Date of entry 24.02.2004 health and the environment from po-
into force tential harm and to contribute to their
Link http://www.pic.int environmentally sound use.

Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants
Other names Stockholm Convention / To protect human health and the
POPS environment from persistent organic
Signature Stockholm pollutants.
date 22.5.2001 The convention guards human health
from chemicals that remain intact
Date of entry 13.02.2005 in the environment for long periods,
into force become widely distributed geographi-
Link http://www.pops.int cally, accumulate in the fatty tissue
of living organisms and are toxic to
humans and wildlife.

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
Other names UNFCCC Achieve stabilization of greenhouse gas
Signature New York concentrations in the atmosphere at a
date 9.5.1992 level that would prevent dangerous an-
thropogenic interference with climate.
Date of entry 21.03.1994 Level to be accomplished within suf-
into force ﬁcient timeframe to allow ecosystems
Link http://unfccc.int to adapt naturally to climate change, to
ensure the non-threat to food produc-
tion and enable economic develop-
ment to proceed in a sustainable way.


Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
Module I

Other names Kyoto Protocol Ensure that aggregate anthropogenic
Signature Kyoto carbon dioxide equivalent emissions of
date 11.12.1997 the greenhouse gases listed in Annex A
to the Protocol do not exceed the as-
Date of entry 16.02.2005 signed amounts, with a view to reduc-
into force ing overall emissions of such gases by
at least 5 per cent below 1990 levels in
the commitment period 2008 – 2012.
Besides setting binding constraints on
greenhouse gas emissions, the Protocol
encourages the use of economic incen-
tives to meet with the changes. The
Kyoto Protocol is an amendment to the
UN Framework Convention on Climate
Change.

Convention on Biological Diversity
Other names CBD To conserve biological diversity, the
sustainable use of its components and
Signature Rio de Janeiro
the fair and equitable sharing of the
date 5.6.1992
benefits arising out of the utilisation of
Date of entry 21.03.1994 genetic resources, taking into account
into force all rights over those resources.

Link http://www.biodiv.org

Protocol on Biosafety to the Biodiversity Convention
Other names Cartagena Protocol Ensure an adequate level of protec-
Signature Montreal tion in safe transfer, handling and use
date 29.1.2000 of living modified organisms resulting
from biotechnology that may have
Date of entry 11.09.2003 adverse effects on the conservation and
into force sustainable use of biological diversity,
Link http://www.biodiv.org taking also into account risks to human
health, and specifically focusing on
transboundary movements.


International Tropical Timber Agreement

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Other names ITTA Promotion and application of guide-
Signature Geneva lines and criteria for the management,
date 26.1.1994 conservation and sustainable develop-
ment of all types of timber producing
Date of entry 01.01.1997 forests.
into force
Link http://www.itto.or.jp

Convention to Combat Desertification in Countries Experiencing Serious Drought
and/or Desertification, Particularly in Africa
Other names UNCCD To fight desertification and mitigate
Signature Paris drought effects in nations with serious
date 17.6.1994 drought and/or desertification issues,
particularly in Africa, through effec-
Date of entry 24.06.1998 tive action at all levels, supported by
into force international cooperation and partner-
Link http://www.unccd.int ship arrangements, in the framework of
an integrated approach, and contribut-
ing to the achievement of sustainable
development in affected areas.

Convention on Access to Environmental Information, Public Participation in Environ-
mental Decision-making and Access to Justice
Other names Aarhus Convention To protect the right of every person of
Signature Aarhus present and future generations to live
date 25.6.19982 in an environment adequate to his or
her health and well-being, guarantee
Date of entry 25.06.1998 the rights of access to information, pub-
into force lic participation in decision-making,
Link http://www.unece.org/env/ and access to justice in environmental
pp matters. The Convention was open for
signature for member states of the Eco-
nomic Commission for Europe as well
as States having consultative status with
the Economic Commission for Europe.

2 Although this is a regional convention, it has been included in this work given that it is repeatedly pointed out as a clear example of
an agreement that expands upon Agenda 21 and Rio Principle 10.


Regional Seas Conventions and Action Plans
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Other names UNEP Regional Seas Pro- UNEP’s Regional Seas Programme
gramme involves 18 Regional Seas and marine
Signature Various environments and it promotes the
date conservation of marine ecosystems and
coastal areas concerning about 140
Date of entry Various nations. It functions through Regional
into force Seas Conventions and their pertaining
Link http://www.unep.org/region- Action Plans. These regional conven-
alseas tions relate to the following: the Antarc-
tic, Arctic, Baltic, Black Sea, Caspian,
Eastern Africa, East Asian Seas, Medi-
terranean, North-East Atlantic, North-
East Pacific, North-West Pacific, South
Pacific, Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden,
ROPME Sea Area, South Asian Seas,
South-East Pacific, the Western and
Central Africa and the Wider Carib-
bean.

MEAs and International Law

Multilateral environmental agreements must conform to international public law (as
must all international instruments of this type3). The compliance is guided by the 1969
Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties. This treaty, which entered into force in 1980,
prescribes the components and general guidelines for the development, negotiation and
adoption of international treaties. The Vienna Convention delineates international agree-
ments’ definitions as follows.

3 Key resources for this subject are the Guidelines and Manual on Compliance with and Enforcement of Multilateral Agreements from
UNEP’s Division of Environmental Law and Conventions at www.unep.org/delc. See further information and resources sections for
details. Much information on environmental agreements is contained in this work, which can be of use for potential civil society
participation vis-à-vis MEAs.


COMMON TERMS USED IN NEGOTIATIONS DEFINED IN

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THE 1969 CONVENTION ON THE LAW OF TREATIES

The Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties is quite specific in defining terms as they
are to be used in international accords. Its Article Two defines the following terms for
international agreements in specific terminology:
• “treaty” means an international agreement concluded between States in
written form and governed by international law, whether embodied in a
single instrument or in two or more related instruments and whatever its
particular designation;

• “ratification”, “acceptance”, “approval” and “accession” mean in each
case the international act so named whereby a State establishes on the
international plane its consent to be bound by a treaty;

• “full powers” means a document emanating from the competent authority
of a State designating a person or persons to represent the State for
negotiating, adopting or authenticating the text of a treaty, for expressing
the consent of the State to be bound by a treaty, or for accomplishing any
other act with respect to a treaty;

• “reservation” means a unilateral statement, however phrased or named,
made by a State, when signing, ratifying, accepting, approving or acceding
to a treaty, whereby it purports to exclude or to modify the legal effect of
certain provisions of the treaty in their application to that State;

• “negotiating State” means a State which took part in the drawing up and
adoption of the text of the treaty;

• “contracting State” means a State which has consented to be bound by the
treaty, whether or not the treaty has entered into force;

• “party” means a State which has consented to be bound by the treaty and for
which the treaty is in force;

• “third State” means a State not a party to the treaty;

• “international organization” means an intergovernmental organization.


How does a multilateral agreement enter into force internationally?
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MEAs enter into force after a series of institutional processes take place. Subsequent to a
global agreement’s negotiation, several steps and measures need to be taken at national
and international levels to ensure it becomes enforceable. Basically, the phases that an
agreement goes through after negotiation of a draft text(s) is agreed are as follows:

n Adoption: Upon finalising the negotiation of text, a treaty will be first “adopted”
then “signed”. This is a proclamation that usually takes place upon the finalization
of a conference specially convened to negotiate the treaty. The adoption of the
treaty signals the ending of text negotiation and the beginning of the process that
an international treaty passes through before enforceability.
n Signature: A country begins a process of endorsing a treaty by “signing” it.
However, for multilateral agreements, this is a necessary but not sufficient step
for the application of the treaty. It is understood that when a state becomes a
treaty’s signatory it expresses its readiness to proceed with the steps needed to
fulfil entering into force procedures. This action is at times called “Signature
Subject to Ratification, Acceptance or Approval.”
n Ratification, acceptance, or approval: Action by which a state specifies its assent
to being bound by the treaty after completion of required national constitutional
procedures for ratification or accession or approval depending upon the country’s
legal system. The treaty’s depository keeps track of ratification/acceptance/
approval. This is particularly important since a certain quantity of states must
ratify a treaty before it enters into force. Ratification and acceptance/approval
also implies that a country will enact national implementing legislation to put
national effect to the multilateral treaty.
n Entry into force: Normally, multilateral treaties enter into force after an
established period has elapsed subsequent to a set number of states ratifying or
acceding to the agreement. Some agreements have other terms that must be met
so that it enters into force.
n Accession: This is the act by which a state accepts to become a party to an
agreement whose text has been negotiated, adopted and signed by other
countries. Basically, this act has the same denotation as ratification, the only
difference being that accession occurs after negotiations have taken place.
n Withdrawal or denouncing: Countries can (and do) withdraw or denounce
themselves from some international agreements in accordance with the
procedure set in that instrument. If the treaty has a denunciation clause or is
silent about this matter, a state may withdraw after a certain period of notice or
after consent of contracting parties.


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NATIONAL PHASES

The phases stated above are the stages that a country meets vis-à-vis the international
aspects of a multilateral agreement. Nonetheless, there are also steps that states go
through at the national level in order to provide with domestic effect to the international
rule.
The nationwide stages vary somewhat from country to country depending upon the
national administrative and legal architecture a country possesses with regard to
international treaties. Some states have legal system set in their constitution where by
simply ratifying it an accord automatically becomes enforceable within that particular
country. Other countries require parliamentary review and approval of the treaty as
well as eventual implementing legislation for the agreement to have a normative effect
domestically.

Timeline of possible sequence as treaties enter into force

Secretary-General
circulates depository
Treaty is
notification
adopted

States deposit Treaty enters
treaty with into force
Secretary- Treaty
General for Treaty
Negotiation closes for
preparation of opens for
commences signature
authentic text signature

State A State E State D State F
definitively signs accedes provisionally accedes to
treaty (if the treaty to treaty applies treaty treaty
so provides) (pending State D’s
ratification of
treaty)
State B, C and State D
D sign State C ratifies,
ratifies
treaty subject to accepts or
treaty
ratification approves treaty
acceptance or
approval
State B and C
provisionally
apply treaty
State B ratifies, (pending its entry
accepts or into force) (if
approves treaty permitted by the
treaty)

Source: Treaty Handbook United Nations - Ofﬁce of Legal Affairs Treaty Section, http//untreaty.un.org .


Looking at different MEAs
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MEAs can be, and are, categorized according to different typologies, criteria or groupings.
The classifications tend to vary and are not mutually exclusive. A very broad one can be
to catalogue them by two broad spheres: one being their geographical reach and another
by the sort of regulatory tool they use.

A. Geographic classification: global, regional, multilateral and/or bilateral
B. Regulatory tools classification: stand-alone, framework or appendix-driven

A. Geographic reach classification: An international environmental legal instrument can
be classified, for example, according to its geographic scope. If it can be applied through-
out the world (that is, if it is global) or if it can be valid in a certain geographic region (that
is, if it can be thought of as a regional agreement). In the latter case, it is often so for a
certain river basin or a block of countries. Furthermore, it can also be classified as multi-
lateral or bilateral, depending upon the number of nations that are party to it.
B. Regulatory tool classification: An agreement can be stand-alone if it includes all nec-
essary components in order to be applied. Accords can also be “framework agreements,”
meaning that they need further party-negotiated protocols in order to be functional. Lastly,
there are appendix-driven accords. These sorts of agreements include appendices that list
and propose actions according to different criteria.


EXAMPLES OF DIFFERENT TYPES INTERNATIONAL

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OF
ENVIRONMENTAL AGREEMENTS
Although certainly numerous examples of multilateral environmental agreements can
be provided according to different classifications, a few accords are listed following
as an illustration. This is not meant at all as an exhaustive list or tally, this is simply a
descriptive listing of instances and cases that can serve as demonstrations of the many
different types of international environmental agreements that exist and of the many
classifications in which they can be catalogued.
Global / Multilateral MEAs:

• Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) (1992)
• Convention to Combat Desertification in Countries Experiencing Serious
Drought and/or Desertification, Particularly in Africa (UNCCD) (1994)

Bilateral MEA:

• Treaty between Argentina and Chile on the Environment (1991)

Regional MEAs and MEAs with regional implementation agreements:

• Convention for the Protection and Development of the Marine Environment
of the Wider Caribbean Region (1983)
• Bamako Convention on the Ban of the Import into Africa and the Control
of Transboundary Movement and Management of Hazardous Waste within
Africa (1991)
• Convention to Ban the Importation into Forum Island Countries of
Hazardous and Radioactive Wastes and to Control the Transboundary
Movement and Management of Hazardous Wastes within the South Pacific
Region - Waigani Convention (1999)
• Lusaka Agreement on Co-operative Enforcement Operations Directed at
Illegal Trade in Wild Fauna and Flora (1994)
Stand-alone:

• International Tropical Timber Agreement (ITTA) (1994)
Framework:

• Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) (1992)
Appendix-driven:

• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and
flora (CITES) (1973)


EXERCISE 1A
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What other MEAs are there?
How would they be categorised?

Of course, there are many other characteristics, especially due to the proliferation of
MEAs. The following sections will look at other characteristics as well as key elements
present in MEAs.

Are all environment-related international instruments MEAs?

A question that often arises is the issue of whether all international
environmental instruments are MEAs or not. The general division is A large group of
between what is called hard law and soft law. It is generally implied instruments are
that hard law instruments are binding while soft law instruments are not necessarily
MEAs, yet
not. Hard law instruments are assumed to be “true” MEAs. That is
they do play
multilateral environmental instruments that do conform to the afore-
an important
mentioned Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties. These are instru- role in policy
ments that have the force of law. setting and
implementation.
Soft law instruments, on the other hand, are a whole myriad of other
global or regional mechanisms that do not strictly conform to the pre-
cepts of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties. These are generally non-binding
documents. Some types of the diverse sorts of soft law devices and which are examples
of environmental-related instruments are as follows:

Declarations

n 1972 Declaration of the United Nations Conference on Human Environment
(Stockholm Declaration)
n 1992 Rio Declaration on Environment and Development
n 2002 Johannesburg Declaration on Sustainable Development

Action Plans

n 1992 Agenda 21
n 2005 Bali Strategic Plan for Technology Support and Capacity-building

Codes of Conduct

n 1985 International Code of Conduct on the Distribution and Use of Pesticides
n 1995 Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries.


Although these instruments are not MEAs and although they are non-binding, this does

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not at all mean that they are inconsequential. In fact, soft law instruments have vigorous
positive aspects. They can delineate and promote international issues, and centre attention
at all levels upon particular problems. Soft law instruments can help to build multilateral
capacity to solve environment and development problems, and can generate actions
and rules at the international and at the national levels. As will be seen in the section on
Principle 10 of the Rio Declaration, the principles, declarations, and/or actions professed
by soft law instruments can and do permeate into policies at all levels. In addition, soft law
instruments can sometimes be precursors to hard law agreements. (for instance, Principle
10 of the Rio Declaration was a precursor to the Aarhus Convention). Because they are
non-binding, it is often easier and more acceptable to begin discussion of multilateral
problems in a ‘soft’ forum. Such discussions can develop mutually acceptable language
to describe problems, and pinpoint specific issues that would benefit from a hard law
approach. In this way, soft law fuels the debate needed to progress with the generation
and application of true binding agreements.

Paradigms of this are Agenda 21 and the Rio Declaration. Although they are soft law
instruments and non-binding mechanisms, they have been a significant basis for changes
related to environment and development issues throughout the globe.

Hard Law Soft Law

Legally binding Non-binding
MEAs that conform to the 1969 Vienna Global or regional instruments that do
Convention on the Law of Treaties not strictly conform to the Vienna Con-
vention but could play positive role in
national policy-making
Enforceable in law Important inﬂuence on international
and national policy
Can lay the groundwork for multilateral
accords

Civil society participation: Rio Principle 10 and MEAs

This section clarifies the relationship between international environmental agreements
and civil society. Principle 10 of the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development
provides a basis for civil society participation through the overall access to justice and to
the particular rights indicated below:
n access to information;
n access to judicial measures and proceedings;


n access to administrative processes;
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n access to redress, and
n access to remedy.

RIO DECLARATION ON ENVIRONMENT AND
DEVELOPMENT PRINCIPLE 10
Environmental issues are best handled with the participation of all concerned citizens,
at the relevant level. At the national level, each individual shall have appropriate
access to information concerning the environment that is held by public authorities,
including information on hazardous materials and activities in their communities, and
the opportunity to participate in decision-making processes. States shall facilitate and
encourage public awareness and participation by making information widely available.
Effective access to judicial and administrative proceedings, including redress and remedy,
shall be provided.
A/CONF.151/26 (Vol. I), United Nations General Assembly

Overall, the issue of public participation, and especially participation in sustainable devel-
opment concerns, has permeated an untold number of policies, norms, and civil society
initiatives. Participation has become a normal element of policy development processes.
Some key examples are listed in the boxes below.

EXAMPLE: THE ACCESS INITIATIVE

The Access Initiative is researching how well different nations have performed regarding
access to information, public participation, and justice in decision-making for the
environment. The specific questions analysed are:
• Degree of access to selected types of information about the environment and
mechanisms for such access;
• Degree of public participation in decision-making processes affecting the
environment; and
• Comprehensiveness and quality of capacity building efforts
to encourage informed and meaningful public participation.

For further information see: www.accessinitiative.org


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CASE STUDY: THE AARHUS CONVENTION

“Although regional in scope, the significance of the Aarhus Convention is global. It is by far
the most impressive elaboration of principle 10 of the Rio Declaration, which stresses the
need for citizen’s participation in environmental issues and for access to information on the
environment held by public authorities. As such it is the most ambitious venture in the area
of environmental democracy so far undertaken under the auspices of the United Nations.”
- Kofi A. Annan, Secretary-General of the United Nations
The Aarhus (Århus) Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-
Making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters is an MEA that applies mainly
across Europe1. The explicit objective of the Aarhus Convention is as follows:
“In order to contribute to the protection of the right of every person of present and
future generations to live in an environment adequate to his or her health and well-
being, each Party shall guarantee the rights of access to information, public participation
in decision-making, and access to justice in environmental matters in accordance with
the provisions of this Convention.”

Some of the Aarhus Convention’s key attributes are:
• Rights-based approach
• Establishing of minimum standards
• Non-discrimination
• Inclusion of regional institutions and international bodies
• Open to accession by non-ECE countries

For more information, see www.unece.org/env/pp

1 The Convention is open to accession by non-ECE countries, subject to approval of the Meeting of the Parties

MEAs Clustering Approach

Soon after beginning to work with MEAs, it becomes apparent that there is a vast degree
of fragmentation yet – at the same time – a great deal of overlap among these instruments.
The overlaps, fragmentation, and proliferation of MEAs have resulted in the following
obstacles:

n Increasing “double-work” and potential conflict or confusion between different
multilateral accords;
n Increasing requests for co-ordination among and between different MEA
structures;
n Increasing funding required by developing countries and non-State actors to
participate in the different MEA-originated systems4.

4 Oberthür, S. “Clustering of Multilateral Environmental Agreements: Potentials and Limitations”Working Paper from the United
Nations University Institute of Advanced Studies project on International Environmental Governance, February 2002. Available at
http://www.unu.edu .


To resolve these obstacles, some international agencies, countries, and practitioners have
Module I

called for a “clustering” approach. The general idea has been that grouping (i.e. cluster-
ing), conceptually merging, or integrating agreements according to different variables can
result in an improved and more robust international governance system.

A clustering approach, conceivably, could address fragmentation and also harness syn-
ergies between MEAs to improve implementation processes. This could be particularly
beneficial in countries with limited technical, human and financial resources. Grouping
MEAs implies greater efficiency in implementation processes, especially advantageous for
countries that must meet a series of new and additional international commitments with
restricted expertise or resources.

This possibility, however, is faced with certain limitations. First, there is a need to agree
upon the criteria of clustering. Then, there is the need to acknowledge that clustering takes
place at different levels (international, national, etc.).

UNEP distinguishes grouping criteria by themes and it distinguishes the following four
themes5:
Groupings of MEAs
n Sustainable development; Although not strictly
clustering, exercises in
n Biodiversity associated; grouping MEAs based on
n Chemicals and hazardous wastes; and issues also take place. Some
examples of these are:
n Regional seas and related conventions.
• evasive alien species;
Yet, other analyses add the following two variables: • inland waters;
• information management; or
n Atmosphere; and • climate change and
sustainable use.
n Land.

As can be seen above (and there are many other instances along these lines where dif-
ferent clusterings are recommended by diverse institutions, academics or policy makers),
controversies and difficulties arise out of the clustering approach. Even clusterings that
attempt to “gather” different MEAs along functional or thematic lines are not always agreed
upon.

Given the multifaceted and integrated nature of environmental and development issues,
overlaps cannot be totally avoided. Sustainable development issues are complex, have
common characteristics and are by “nature” superimposed. Therefore, integrated issues
require integrated approaches and will always contain a certain element of overlap6.

5 See UNEP Manual on Compliance with and Enforcement of Multilateral Environmental Agreements, op cit.
6 For further information see:“Synergies and Cooperation: A status report on activities promoting synergies and cooperation
between Multilateral Environmental Agreements, in particular biodiversity-related conventions, and related mechanisms” prepared
by the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre, May 2004. Available at http://www.unep-wcmc.org .


EXERCISE 1B

Module I
List the MEAs that you think would be included in the following groupings.
What kind of overlaps and fragmentation do you see?

Possible Cluster Which MEAs?
sustainable development
atmosphere
land
chemicals / hazardous wastes
oceans (regional, etc.) and related
biodiversity

The above are examples of clustering by issue or subject. There are other clustering
approaches being worked out, such as clustering by functions or clustering by regions. All
of these approaches, however, face challenges and limitations. For example:

n How can issue meetings be combined?
n How can diverging reporting, monitoring, enforcement regimes and scientific
background for different MEAs be gathered when they must respond different
questions?
n How can the synergies within secretariats and other bodies related to MEAs be
maintained and not overshadowed by clustering approaches?

These and other questions arise out of the clustering debate. Although a challenging
approach, it could also give rise to further limitations or complications in international
governance systems.

Other overlaps and synergies

MEAs are a dynamic and evolving field in institution building, international governance
issues, and public participation, as well as international environmental law. As could be
expected, there are innumerable matters that are analysed and debated concerning multi-
lateral environmental agreements.

A case in point is the debate on the inter-relationship between and among different
regimes. An environmental regime is a set of rules, administrative and institutional archi-
tecture through which societies deal with environment issues. Considering that MEAs fall
under an international environmental regime, analysis and debate has highlighted the
synergies or conflicts that arise when the MEAs are confronted with other regimes that are
not, strictu senso, part of the environmental system.


A forceful momentum has been given not only to the issue of clustering within environ-
Module I

mental regimes (as seen above) but to analyse conflicts and synergies between MEAs and
other regimes. Two examples where regimes can be complimentary or conflict with one
another are the conditions present between MEAs and the Habitat Agenda or between
MEAs and trade regimes.

The UN’s Habitat II conference in Istanbul, Turkey, in June 1996 produced a political docu-
ment called the Habitat Agenda. It contains a series of commitments and a global plan of
action, endorsed by countries, to deal with human settlements and urban issues. Given
the connected concerns of urban settlements and sustainable development issues, it is evi-
dent that overlaps and synergies exist between the Habitat Agenda and MEAs. Therefore,
many analyses try to encompass and gather the actions and institutional arrangements that
arise out of the Habitat Agenda and out of MEAs practice. Making the most of the synergies
between the Habitat Agenda and relevant MEAs is relatively simple. Although they arise
out of different processes, these two instruments are synergetic since they originate from
similar approaches to global sustainable development issues 7.

A different analysis surfaces when dealing with the interlinkages between environmental
regimes and trade regimes. Here much of the debate has turned to identifying the dif-
ferences in approach, in objectives, in political evolution as well as in leverage that gave
rise to the two regimes. Much has been written, argued, and considered between these
two apparently opposing systems. Some analysts argue that the trade system undermines
the capacity of international environmental rules to act in an integrated and equitable
manner8. Others indicate that environmental policies arising out of MEAs are not practica-
ble to apply in a trade context, given the lack of formal global environmental architecture.
What is irrefutable is that commerce issues advanced by the international trade regime
do have an impact on sustainable development concerns and that many MEAs do have a
trade component (some have very strong trade elements) Therefore, numerous examina-
tions prosper and many attempts are being made to clarify linkages as well as to make
both regimes mutually supportive.

In this period of proliferation of international instruments and structures, synergies and
overlaps must be identified within the MEA system. There are also complex interweaves
between different regimes, such as the ones indicated above. Unravelling them and at the
same time using them to support the advances made by international global environmental
tools is one of the challenges for the immediate future.

7 For references and information on the urban aspects of MEAs and the relationship to the Habitat Agenda the following documents
have basic data: “Multilateral Environment Agreements (MEAs) and the Urban Arena: Localizing the Global Environmental Agenda”
Makiko Yashiro, United Nations University and “Coordination Matters: Cooperation between the United Nations Human Settlements
Programme (UN-habitat) and the United Nations Environment Programme: Joint progress report of the Executive Directors of the
United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT) and the United Nations Environment Programme”Twenty-second
session of the Governing Council/Global Ministerial Environment Forum, Nairobi, 3-7 February 2003.
8 As assured, there is an enormous amount of literature, policy analysis, and lobbying reaching different conclusions. To begin obtain-
ing glimpses on this domain, it is worthwhile to examine what different institutions are examining and what points-of-view they are
putting forward. Within the UN system, evidently the line organizations such as UNEP and WTO have done and continue to carry
out much work on this. In addition, within the international system the United Nations University (UNU) has done work in these
subjects. Academic institutions and non-governmental organizations from developed and developing countries have carried-out
vast amounts of work in this area, it is a good place to start to look at publications and grey literature.


Module I
Summary

n MEAs are generally defined as legally binding instruments between two or more
states that deal with some aspect of the environment.
n Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) are cornerstones to the international
environmental governance debate and policy.
n A key factor of MEAs is their wide-ranging first-hand acknowledgement of civil
society involvement in all facets of the negotiating, implementing, and monitoring
aspects of international accords that deal with sustainable development
concerns.
n MEAs have been proliferating in the last decade as awareness of the global
dimension of environmental issues has extended.
n This proliferation has brought positive aspects (greater consciousness, larger
number of instruments to deal with the issues, etc.); yet, it has also brought about
negative aspects (overlaps, dispersed efforts, and so on).
n There are sets of analysis and efforts that are taking place in the global and
regional levels to attempt to agglomerate MEAs in order to facilitate functions as
well as to establish the rules of limitations and synergies of differing international
systems.

Further Information and Resources

UNEP (2002). Guidelines on Compliance with and Enforcement of Multilateral
Environmental Agreements. UNEP: Nairobi. Available at http://www.unep.org/dec/
docs/UNEP-Guidelines-for-MEAs-English-Edition.pdf

UNEP (2006). Manual on Compliance with and Enforcement of Multilateral Environmental
Agreements. UNEP: Nairobi. Available at http://www.unep.org/DEC/docs/UNEP_
Manual.pdf


MODULE II

THE ROLE OF NGOs IN MEA NEGOTIATIONS

T h e R o le o f N G Os In ME A N e g o tia tio n s 25

IN THIS MODULE:

Learn how NGOs participate in the intergovernmental arena, including the negotiation
of MEAs. Consider the value of NGO roles.
Module II

• Defining NGOs
• NGOs at the UN and in MEAs
• Defining Objectives: different NGO roles in negotiations

Defining Non-Governmental Organisations

How do you describe an NGO? One survey1 found 48 different terms and acronyms. Here
is a sample:

BINGOs Big International NGOs IPOs Indigenous Peoples Organizations
BONGOs Business Organized NGOS GROs Grassroots Organizations
CBOs Community Based GSCOs Global Social Change
Organizations Organizations
CSOs Civil Society Organizations NPOs Nonproﬁt Organizations
ENGOs Environmental NGOs VOs Voluntary Organizations
GONGOs Government Organized
NGOs

The choice of term also varies from country to country:

In France – économie sociale In Germany – Vereine
In the UK – public charities And the US – nonprofits
In Japan – koeki hojin
In short, there is no agreed terminology for describing the NGO sector.
In some ways, it is easier to describe what NGOs are not, rather than what they are. It is
generally agreed that NGOs are not:

- part of government, or
- organized primarily for private profit.

The UN’s understanding of NGOs is the most pertinent to this manual. Here are two defini-
tions that provide a sound base for using the terminology. However, be aware that lots of
people have their own interpretations!

1 Adil Najam,“Understanding the Third Sector: Revisiting the Prince, the Merchant and the Citizen,” Nonprofit Management and
Leadership 7.2 (1996): 203-19.


From the UN Department of Public Information: NGO refers to a non-profit citizens’
voluntary entity organized nationally or internationally. Thus, professional associations,
foundations, trade unions, religious organisations, women’s and youth groups, coopera-
tive associations, development and human rights associations, environmental protection
groups, research institutes dealing with international affairs and associations of parliamen-
tarians are considered NGOs2.

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From the Report of the Panel of Eminent Persons on United Nations–Civil Society Relations:
Non-governmental organization (NGO). All organizations of relevance to the United
Nations that are not central Governments and were not created by intergovernmental deci-
sion, including associations of businesses, parliamentarians and local authorities. There
is considerable confusion surrounding this term in United Nations circles. Elsewhere,
NGO has become shorthand for public-benefit NGOs — a type of civil society organiza-
tion that is formally constituted to provide a benefit to the general public or the world at
large through the provision of advocacy or services. They include organizations devoted
to environment, development, human rights and peace and their international networks.
They may or may not be membership-based. The Charter of the United Nations provides
for consultations with NGOs3.

NGOs, civil society or major groups?

Of late, the term NGO has come to be used almost interchangeably with two other terms:
‘civil society’ and ‘major group’. How these terms are defined, who they encompass and
– just as importantly – who they don’t, varies according to who is defining them, and in
what context. As the recent UN report of Eminent Persons on UN-Civil Society Relations
notes in its glossary, ‘there are no “correct” definitions for such terms as “civil society”,
and the boundaries between the actors are porous.’

With that in mind, the Panel described civil society in the following way:

“… the associations of citizens (outside their families, friends and businesses) entered
into voluntarily to advance their interests, ideas and ideologies. The term does not
include profit-making activity (the private sector) or governing (the public sector). Of
particular relevance to the United Nations are mass organizations (such as organizations
of peasants, women or retired people), trade unions, professional associations, social
movements, indigenous people’s organizations, religious and spiritual organizations,
academe and public benefit non-governmental organizations. “

2 UN Department of Public Information, Information Note, 85-45244, 10 April 1985
3 United Nations General Assembly (2004). We the peoples: civil society, the United Nations and global governance. Report of the
Panel of Eminent persons on United Nations-Civil Society Relations [A/58/817]


“Major Groups” is a term that was introduced in Agenda 21, agreed by governments at
the Rio Earth Summit. It describes nine sectors of society identified as having a significant
role in sustainable development:

• Women • NGOs • Business and industry
• Children and • Local authorities • The scientific and
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youth technical community
• Indigenous • Workers and trade unions • Farmers
people

Agenda 21 devotes a chapter to each major group. There are, however, limits to the Major
Group approach. Significant sectors, such as educators and older adults, are left out.
NGOs are considered to be a major group in their own right, but depending on the defini-
tion may also include those non-profit associations that represent other major groups. For
example, the ICFTU is a part of the workers and trade unions major group, but can also be
defined as part of the NGO major group. There is little connection with the UN’s working
definition of NGOs.

A further term that can be useful is “stakeholders”, which can be defined as ‘those who
have an interest in a particular decision, either as individuals or representatives of a
group’. This includes people who influence a decision, or can influence it, as well as those
affected by it4.’

EXERCISE 2A
The UN’s definition of NGOs is broad-ranging, encompasses NGOs with very
different interests, as well as the voluntary associations of business and
industry. How do you feel about the definition of NGOs and their role at the
UN and in society generally?

4 Definition used by Stakeholder Forum, available www.stakeholderforum.org


UNEP has forged strong relationships with civil society organizations (CSOs). This extract
from ‘Natural Allies: UNEP and Civil Society’1 describes the organization’s approach.

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In 1992, at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED)
or Earth Summit, Governments agreed on the following definition of Major Groups:
farmers, women, the scientific and technological community, children and youth,
indigenous peoples and their communities, workers and trade unions, business and
industry, non-governmental organizations as well as local authorities. Since then, the
concept of civil society has continued to evolve, with different views of how it should
be defined.
UNEP seeks to engage the full range of non-governmental actors: local, national, or
international; for-profit or non-profit; and advocacy, research, or business oriented.
Consistent with the governmental definition of Major Groups and the purpose of
this guidebook, the term “civil society” used throughout is inclusive and should be
understood in the broadest sense possible. In particular, it encompasses all the Major
Groups defined at UNCED.
The term “profit-oriented” encompasses profit-making companies, enterprises,
corporations, as well as federations of corporate interests, but not trade unions. The
term “private sector” includes profit-making companies and their federations.
Considering UNEP’s segmentation into functional divisions, we can differentiate civil
society organizations (CSOs) according to their functions. In relation to the environmental
field the following major categories of CSOs are relevant:
Service-delivery: organizations that develop, monitor and implement projects/
programmes or services; these CSOs are often based at the grassroots level or work
closely with community-based organizations (CBOs).
Representation: organizations that aggregate citizen voices; these include CSO umbrella
and network organizations and indigenous peoples’ groups.
Advocacy and policy inputs: organizations that provide expertise and lobby on particular
issues; these include think-tanks, research-oriented institutions and “watchdog”
institutions.
Capacity building: organizations that provide support to other CSOs, including funding,
training and raising awareness; these institutions include foundations and major NGOs.
Social functions: organizations that foster collective social activities, including religious
groups.
Many CSOs, such as indigenous peoples’ networks and their communities or local
authorities, fall into more than one category as they carry out different functions.
The primary means of UNEP’s engagement with the diverse members of civil society is
through networks and organizations that have developed the capacity to relate with
UNEP. For example, rather than working directly with a particular rural community, UNEP
facilitates action through umbrella organizations.

1 United Nations Environment Programme (2004). Natural Allies: UNEP and Civil Society. Nairobi: UNEP. Available: http://www.unep.
org/PDF/Natural_Allies_en/Natural_Allies_english_full.pdf


NGOs at the UN

Ten years ago, there was little talk of civil society in the corridors of power, but now the
walls reverberate with at least the rhetoric of partnership, participation, and the role of
citizens’ groups in promoting sustainable development5.
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NGOs have been involved in the UN since its creation in 1945. Different parts of the
organisation maintain different processes of engagement with NGO (details provided in
module seven). An important point to note here is that NGOs generally have consultative
status – that is, the ability to be consulted rather than the right to participate in negotiations
or decision-making processes.

The number of NGOs who are active at the UN has grown rapidly, especially since the
1990s. For example, there are currently over 2,600 NGOs accredited to the UN Economic
and Social Council (see graph below), plus another 400 on the UN Commission on
Sustainable Development roster. 153 NGOs are accredited to the UNEP Governing
Council.
NGOs in Consultative Status, by Category since 1948

3000
2500
2000
1500 Total
1000 Roster
500 Special
General
0
1948 1968 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

General Special Roster Total

Year General Special Roster Total
1948 13 26 1 40
1968 17 78 85 180
1992 38 297 409 744
1993 40 334 410 784
1994 40 334 410 784
1995 65 406 415 886
1996 76 468 497 1041
1997 85 582 517 1184
1998 100 742 663 1505
1999 111 918 909 1938
2000 122 1048 880 2050
2001 124 1132 895 2151
2002 131 1197 906 2234
2003 131 1316 903 2350
2004 134 1474 923 2531
2005 136 1639 944 2719

Figure 2.1 Number of NGOs with ECOSOC, Consultative Status by year (data from www.un.org, April 2005)

5 Michael Edwards and John Gaventa, eds., Global Citizen Action (Boulder: Lynne Rienner, 2001): 1.


This rise in accreditation reflects the growth in the number of NGOs operating internation-
ally, and has been linked with a range of factors including:

n the end of the Cold War
n the increasing priority placed on more complex notions of human security
technological advances

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n

n deepening global interdependencies
n precedents set at the series of UN World Summits in the 1990s
n the diminishing authority and ability of governments to effect change alone

The function of NGOs is also changing. Once perceived as more relevant to implemen-
tation of UN policy and programmes, NGOs are increasingly becoming involved in the
conceptualisation and development of these policies and programmes. It is important to
note that these changes have been evolving informally through case-by-case arrangements
and the creation of precedents rather than through changes in the rules governing NGO
participation.

The role of NGOs in intergovernmental processes

The advantages of (…) increased NGO participation cannot be overestimated. [Their]
participation has proven to be a very useful addition to the regular intergovernmental
work of the Organization6.

What role do NGOs play in intergovernmental negotiations? With their intensive focus and
expertise on particular issues (as compared to governments who must balance a range of
policy priorities, and diplomats who often have very little expertise on the subject they are
negotiating), NGOs can provide technical information, moral conviction and persuasive
arguments for policies. They are often seen pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

In the intergovernmental process, it is often NGOs who possess ‘the energy and per-
severance needed to carry (proposals) through negotiation to formal agreement’7.
Simmons8identifies four important functions:

Setting Agendas – getting issues on governments’ agendas through public awareness-rais-
ing campaigns and lobbying. In the campaign to ban anti-personnel landmines, NGOs
successfully used the media, electronic communications, and even Batman and Superman
comics to lobby for intergovernmental action.

6 UNGA,“A/53/170: Arrangements and practices for the interaction of non-governmental organizations in all activities of the United
Nations system: Report of the Secretary-General,” (New York: United Nations, 1998), paragraph 31.
7 Lynton K. Caldwell,“Beyond Environmental Diplomacy: the Changing Institutional Structure of International Cooperation,”
International Environmental Diplomacy: the Management and Resolution of Transfrontier Environmental Problems, ed. John E.
Carroll (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1988) 13-27.
8 P.J. Simmons,“Learning to Live with NGOs,” Foreign Policy .112 (Fall) (1998): 82-96


Negotiating Outcomes – proposing alternative solutions and suggesting initiatives and
language that states may be unable to propose but are willing to support.

Conferring Legitimacy – NGO participation and endorsement lends an air of legitimacy
and credibility to processes and any resulting agreements and initiatives. It can be influ-
ential in ensuring widespread public support, and is often sought as a means of legitimis-
ing environmental initiatives, either as part of a genuine attempt for change, or as a form
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of public relations and ‘greenwashing’.

Implementing Solutions – NGOs are often critical to implementing the outcomes of mul-
tilateral agreements, sometimes before official negotiations are complete. The ‘Dolphin-
Friendly’ labelling campaign for tuna captured 95% of the market before the UN’s
moratorium on driftnet fishing in 19929.

In a 1998 report, the UN has acknowledged NGO’s contributions as:

n introducing additional knowledge and information into the decision-making
process;
n raising new issues and concerns which were subsequently addressed by the
United Nations;
n providing expert advice in areas where they were the main actors;
n contributing to a broad consensus-building process in many areas which ensured
commitment by all actors to a global agenda.

The United Nations Industrial Development Organisation10 suggests NGOs bring:

n Local accountability;

n Independent assessment of issues and problems;

n Expertise and advice;

n Important constituencies;

n Provision and dissemination of information; and

n Awareness-raising.

A report prepared by Ecologic and FIELD in 2002 offers a useful breakdown of the roles
of NGOs in international environmental governance, and the types of activities that they
undertake. This is reproduced on the next page.

9 Peter J. Spiro,“New global communities: nongovernmental organizations in international decision-making institutions,”The
Washington Quarterly 18.1 (Winter) (1995): 45-57.
10 UNIDO,“UNIDO’s Approch to Non-Governmental Organizations” quoted in A/53/170,“Arrangements and Practices for the interac-
,
tion of non-governmental organizations in all activities of the United Nations system” Report of the Secretary General, 10 July 1998.
Para. 33


Roles of NGOs in MEAs
Enhancing the knowledge base (science, policy and law)
• gather, compile and disseminate information
• conduct and publish studies and reports
• distribute information and organise side-events at major conferences

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Advocacy and lobbying
• informal contacts with government delegates (side events, workshops,
conferences, in the corridors, modern telecommunication technology)
• formal participation in inter-governmental negotiations (official written
submissions, unofficial written position papers, statements in meetings)
• provision of advice to “friendly” delegations
• campaigns outside the negotiating arena (e.g. media and public informa-
tion, protests) to enhance influence
Membership in national delegations
• receipt of inside information about governmental negotiations
• provision of advice to governments
• negotiate on behalf of governments
Contribution to compliance review and enforcement as well as dispute settlement
procedures
• submission of amicus curiae briefs
• provision of information on implementation/alerting delegations and
institutions of non-compliance
Ensuring transparency
• reports from negotiations
• ‘naming and shaming’ of laggard countries
• public relations work (media)
• reports on effectiveness of implementation
Supporting international secretariats
• provide Secretariat functions
• provide advice and expertise to Secretariats
Broader functions of NGOs in international environmental governance
• shaping the opinions of individuals and groups (campaigns and training)
• co-operation between environmental groups and business and industry
• networking, including integrating levels of governance
• ‘globalisation’ of values and preferences
Source: Ecologic and FIELD, Participation of Non-Governmental Organisations in International Environmental Governance: Legal
Basis and Practical Experience (Berlin:Ecologic, 2002), p 4.


CASE STUDIES: NGOS AND MEAS

NGOs have played important roles in the establishment, negotiation, ratification and
implementation of MEAs. Their approaches are hugely diverse, and at times challenging
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for government negotiators.

• IUCN was instrumental in proposing and establishing CITES. IUCN provided
secretariat services for CITES until 1984.

• Members of the Foundation for International Environmental Law and
Development (FIELD) act as advisors on government delegations for
governments of the Association of Small Island States (AOSIS) during climate
negotiations.

• The Climate Action Network awards ‘Fossil of the Day’ awards to countries they
perceive to be blocking progress in climate negotiations. The awards act as
an immediate ‘litmus test’ for governments of the likely civil society reactions
to their positions, and have occasionally helped to clarify contradictions and
misalignments within government positions. Winners have been awarded
such prizes as coal briquettes and cactus plants. (www.fossil-of-the-day.org).

• TRAFFIC International monitors trade in endangered species, providing
valuable information to the CITES process.

• The International POPs Elimination Network (IPEN) brought NGOs from around
the globe to develop a POPs Elimination Platform, and to contribute to the
negotiations that led to the development of the Stockholm Convention on
Persistent Organic Pollutants. The network continues to work for ratification
and implementation of Convention.

• The Environmental Investigation Agency conducted an extensive investigation
into the ivory trade, and brought the plight of African elephants to global
public attention. (In the late 1980s, approximately 2,000 elephants were
being killed every week). The EIA then worked with Tanzania, to successfully
propose the listing of elephants in Appendix 1 of CITES.


EXERCISE 2B
1
The following quotes suggest some different opinions of the role of NGOs. What do
you think?

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[A] NGOs are tugboats in [C] …civil society is not just a resting
international channels. place for social movements on their
way to the state. It is meaningful
and sometimes crucial as a site of
political action in its own
right.

[B] social movements take an [D] the rise of the global idiots …
unlikely idea, make it seem any group with a fax machine and a
feasible, and then put it into modem has the potential to distort
practice. public debate.

1 [A] Ann Marie Clark,“Non-Governmental Organizations and their Influence on International Society,” Journal of International
Affairs 48.2 (Winter) (1995): 505-525. [B] Thomas R. Rochon and Daniel A. Mazmanian,“Social Movements and the Policy Process,”
Annals, AAPSS .528 (July) (1993): 75-87. [C] John S. Dryzek et al., Green States and Social Movements: Environmentalism in the
United States, United Kingdom, Germany, and Norway (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2003). [D] P.J. Simmons,“Learning to Live
with NGOs,” Foreign Policy .112 (Fall) (1998): 82-96.

‘Insider’ vs. ‘outsider’ roles

Is it more effective to be inside the meeting rooms, or outside on the
picket line? NGO activities
outside can ‘push’
The decision of whether to operate inside or outside negotiations is negotiations to
a strategic choice that must be made on a case-by-case basis. Both address issues, and
approaches offer different benefits and both are probably necessary to activities inside can
advance NGO ideas. NGO activities outside can ‘push’ negotiations ‘pull’ negotiators
to address issues, and activities inside can ‘pull’ negotiators along along by offering
by offering the kinds of expertise, language and advocacy described expertise, language
and advocacy.
above.


There are lots of reasons why an outside approach can feel more appealing:

n Negotiating processes can often be painfully slow, and negotiators not at all
interested in what NGOs have to say;
n A protest march can feel like a far more direct expression of NGO priorities;
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n NGOs who work ‘inside’ intergovernmental processes can be criticized for
‘selling out’ or propping up an ineffective system;
n Working ‘inside’ can require NGOs to act in a style that is more like their
governmental colleagues than their NGO sisters and brothers;
n ‘Inside’ work can be far harder to see, and often slow to deliver results.

However, the in-the-corridors influence of NGOs can be crucial. NGOs have been able to
instigate, promote and advance significant international agreements through their lobbying
(including CITES and the establishment of the International Criminal Court 11).

Academic studies provide evidence to suggest that the process of The very presence
‘insider’ influence works over long time-frames and requires a lot of of NGOs inside
procedural ground work first12. The very presence of NGOs inside a a negotiation
negotiation introduces new social values to the process, and can in introduces new
social values to the
turn lead to policy changes. In other words, by being ‘inside’, NGOs
process, and can in
are able to build relationships and trust with governments, introduce turn lead to policy
new social values and ideas and, over a longer period of time, effect changes.
change.

Summary

n Terminology around NGOs varies. They are defined by the UN as ‘non-profit
citizens’ voluntary entities organized nationally or internationally.’
n A range of other terms are used almost interchangeably, particularly ‘stakeholders’,
‘civil society’ and ‘major groups’.
n NGOs have been involved in the UN since its inception; the rate of involvement
has grown exponentially. Different agencies of the UN have their own
accreditation arrangements (see Module Seven).
n NGOs bring knowledge and information, new issues and expert advice to
intergovernmental negotiations and can play different roles, including:
n Setting agendas
n Negotiating outcomes (by proposing alternative language and
solutions)

11 See, for example, Matthias Princen and Thomas Finger, eds., Environmental NGOs in World Politics: Linking the Local and the Global
(London: Routledge, 1994) and William R. Pace,“Globalizing Justice,” Harvard International Review 20.2 (Spring) (1998): 26-29.
12 For example, Rochon and Mazmanian, 1993 (op. cit)


n Conferring legitimacy
n Implementing solutions

n Sometimes, a choice has to be made about working ‘inside’ or ‘outside’ official
processes. Both have pro’s and con’s, and the decision needs to be taken
carefully.

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Further information and resources

There is a great deal of analysis of the role of NGOs in MEA negotiations and, more gener-
ally, in intergovernmental processes. The references here are good starting points, and offer
a mixture of practical guidance and critical analysis.

Publications:

n United Nations Environment Programme (2004). Natural Allies: UNEP and Civil
Society. Nairobi: UNEP. Available: http://www.unep.org/PDF/Natural_Allies_en
/Natural_Allies_english_full.pdf [accessed April 2005]
n United Nations General Assembly (2004). Report of the Secretary General
in response to the report of the Panel of Eminent Persons on United Nations-
Civil Society Relations [A/59/354]. Available: http://www.un.org.dpi.ngosection/
cardoso.html [accessed April 2005].
n United Nations General Assembly (2004). We the peoples: civil society, the
United Nations and global governance. Report of the Panel of Eminent persons
on United Nations-Civil Society Relations [A/58/817].
n Ecologic and FIELD (June 2002). Participation of Non-Governmental Organisations
in International Environmental Governance: Legal Basis and Practical Experience.
Berlin: Ecologic. Available: http://www.ecologic.de/downloads/projekte/1850-
1899/1890/report_ngos_en.pdf [accessed April 2005].
n Edwards, M., & Gaventa, J. (Eds.). (2001). Global Citizen Action. Boulder: Lynne
Rienner.
n Foster, J. W., & Anand, A. (Eds.). (1999). Whose World is it Anyway? Civil Society,
the United Nations and the multilateral future. Ottawa: The United Nations
Association in Canada.


Web-sites:

www.un.org/issues/civilsociety UN resources on NGOs and civil society
www.unep.org/DPDL/civil-society/ UN Environment Programme Major Groups
and Stakeholders Branch
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www.un-ngls.org UN Non-Governmental Liaison Service
www.intrac.org International NGO Training and Research
Centre

References in this Module

Caldwell, L. K. (1988). Beyond Environmental Diplomacy: the Changing Institutional
Structure of International Cooperation. In J. E. Carroll (Ed.), International Environmental
Diplomacy: the Management and Resolution of Transfrontier Environmental Problems
(pp. 13-27). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Clark, A. M. (1995). Non-Governmental Organizations and their Influence on International
Society. Journal of International Affairs, 48(2 (Winter)), 505-525.
Dryzek, J. S., Downes, D., Hunold, C., Schlosbery, D., & Hernes, H.-K. (2003). Green
States and Social Movements: Environmentalism in the United States, United Kingdom,
Germany, and Norway. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Edwards, M., & Gaventa, J. (Eds.). (2001). Global Citizen Action. Boulder: Lynne Rienner.
Najam, A. (1996). Understanding the Third Sector: Revisiting the Prince, the Merchant and
the Citizen. Nonprofit Management and Leadership, 7(2), 203-19.
Pace, W. R. (1998). Globalizing Justice. Harvard International Review, 20(2 (Spring)), 26-
29.
Princen, M., & Finger, T. (Eds.). (1994). Environmental NGOs in World Politics: Linking the
Local and the Global. London: Routledge.
Rochon, T. R., & Mazmanian, D. A. (1993). Social Movements and the Policy Process.
Annals, AAPSS(528 (July)), 75-87.
Simmons, P. J. (1998). Learning to Live with NGOs. Foreign Policy (112, Fall), 82-96.
Spiro, P. J. (1995). New global communities: nongovernmental organizations in interna-
tional decision-making institutions. The Washington Quarterly, 18(1, Winter), 45-57.
UNCED. (1992). Rio Declaration on Environment and Development. New York: United
Nations Department of Public Information. Available at: http://www.un.org/esa/sust-
dev/documents/agenda21/english/agenda21toc.htm
UN General Assembly. (1998). Arrangements and practices for the interaction of non-
governmental organizations in all activities of the United Nations system: Report of
the Secretary-General [A/53/170]. New York: United Nations. Available at: http://www.
un.org/documents/ga/docs/53/plenary/a53-170.htm


MODULE III

NATIONAL AND REGIONAL PREPARATIONS FOR
MEA MEETINGS

Na t i o n a l a n d R e g io n a l P re p a ra tio n s fo r ME A Me e tin g s 39

IN THIS MODULE:

• Learn about national and regional preparations for MEA meetings.
• Explore possible roles for NGOs and civil society
• National and regional reporting processes
• Role of civil society
• Advice for effective NGO contributions
Module III

The need for national and regional preparations

MEA international meetings and negotiations can be of several types, the main ones
being:

n First, to determine, establish and negotiate what the MEAs and their various
components will be (that is, for the setting up of accords, protocols, annexes,
etc.); and
n Second, to provide wide-ranging information to the international community as
to how the already approved MEAs are (or are not) being applied nationally or
regionally.

The input to these meetings is based (at least in theory) on agreed national and regional
positions. Depending on the type of meeting, these positions may concern how an MEA
will be developed and what it will address, or – once the MEA is established – how that
country is implementing its requirements.

Moreover, the period of national and regional report preparations is an important strategic
opportunity for civil society groups to, either individually or collectively, input their inter-
ests, points-of-view and knowledge into the MEA process. If contributions are supplied by
non-state actors in the national and regional processes, then it can be easier to advance
on their issues at subsequent intergovernmental meetings.

National preparations regarding MEAs

National preparations are, again in theory, very crucial as to putting forth concerted and
sensible input to the international arena. It is at this point that national interests ought to
be considered and combined. This should occur in order to provide rational and saga-
cious input in building blocks ranging from national to global levels.


National preparations are an essential element of effective civil society input into interna-
tional MEA meetings. Governments will start formulating their positions well in advance
of the final official global meeting. Their preparations will include, inter alia, developing
national policy positions as well as attending and contributing to regional and issue-
focused preparatory meetings. Generally, the earlier different civil society groups can
promote their positions, the greater the chance that governments will give attendance to
them. The opportunities to participate are extremely varied and diverse in each national
situation. In the following sections there are several accounts as to how can civil society
groups participate at national level preparations as to ensure that their interests and points
of view are considered.

Module III
Regional and interest group preparations

Given the intricacies of international negotiations as well as the strength-in-numbers ratio-
nale, a second tier of influence must be acknowledged. This is the regional or interest
group clustering of countries that does take place in many instances before international
assembling. Demonstrative and non-exclusionary examples of these transitional and/or
semi-permanent country groupings can be seen below. These are only illustrations of the
types of ways that countries can come together in international arenas, such as:

n By regional or geographic vicinity (e.g. Regional Group for Latin America and
the Caribbean (GRULAC), Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS),
Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum (APEC), the Andean Community,
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and so on), and/or,
n By sharing same levels of development (e.g. G77, Group of Seven), and/or,
n By responding to some degree of formal political or economic integration
already present in other matters (e.g. the European Union (EU), the Caribbean
Community and Common Market (Caricom), the Commonwealth, African
Union, Southern African Customs Union (SACU), the Southern Common Market
(MERCOSUR) and so on).

These concerted presentations should be taken into account by civil society as building
blocks from the national preparations to the international arena negotiations and confer-
ences. Regional meetings can offer another useful opportunity to present civil society
interests early in the MEA process.

What are the possible roles and input of civil society at these
levels?

National and regional preparations are arguably the most unique and particular arrange-
ments in global MEAs input. There is no agreement as to what specific formats of participa-
tion and preparation are better than others. Many examples around the world abound.

There is also the understanding that what is appropriate public participation needs to bear
in mind the diversities between countries, regions, sub regions and their civil societies


in matters of knowledge, situations, strategies, and so on. Therefore, this assortment of
circumstances and criteria do not leave room for a “one-size-fits-all” recipe but for more
general guidelines to be adapted to different circumstances and diverse initiatives.

Several guiding principles for input to national and regional preparations can be applied.
The different modalities of participation in national as well as regional preparations can
be, for example:

n By having fluid relationships with national executive administration as well as
with regional administrative bodies;
n By participating in national and regional official or non-official committees;
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n By providing individual input of an organization into national and regional
preparations;
n By furnishing technical information to national authorities and regional bodies on
subjects of a particular MEA;
n By providing specific input into drafting of national reports and regional inputs;
and/or,
n By contracting with national governments and regional bodies to generate
national or regional reporting or preparations.

Regardless of the mode of participation, generally the input from civil society is “lobbying”
– either “counterfactual,” or “additional.” That is, groups try to influence decision-making,
provide a different point of view or a different set of data (i.e. counterfactual), or provide
additional information, analysis, research, or knowledge than that presented in national or
regional reporting exercises.

Whether the participation is formal or informal, “insider” or “outsider,” or describable
by any other adjective, it is substantially agreed that some courses of action work better
than others. The following list provides advice based on our experience in contributing to
national as well as regional preparations.


EXERCISE 3A: INSIDER VS. OUTSIDER ROLES

Reflections on the points in favor of and on the disadvantages of “insider” versus
“outsider” ways to participate in MEA processes.
Occasions to take part in MEAs policymaking spaces have proliferated. Being a part of
them (“insider”) participation is but one option that civil society groups have. Some
associations or citizen groups question this type of participation and advocate more
contestive ways of involvement. Yet, both ways are valid.

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Below are different types of activities within the different opposed modalities. Discuss
their pros and cons. Some issues to consider are: visibility of actions, pace in change
being sought; co-opting or not civil society’s agenda, and so on.
• Outsider: Marches in the streets to protest a certain issue or official
position. Pros? Cons?
• Insider: Engaging in policy dialogues with decision-makers. Pros? Cons?
• Outsider: Presenting an alternative/shadow report to an MEA meeting.
Pros? Cons?
• Insider: Lobbying for the insertion of text in declaration/report or other
such documents. Pros? Cons?

Advice for civil society input into national and regional
preparations

Much advice can be given on the input that civil society groups can provide to MEA-
related preparation. Following is some guidance on how input can be more effective in
most circumstances.

n Be focused and targeted. Focusing on any one or combination of targets is key
with respect to the subject or issue being dealt with.
n Offer specific language and proposals. Do not just criticize – make affirmative/
proactive proposals. Although criticism is an acceptable input, this can be put
forth coupled with a proposal or phrased with a proactive suggestion.
n Be clear. Use short comprehensible sentences and avoid jargon. Use active
verbs in preference to passive verbs.
n Time is of the essence. National and regional preparations or inputs must
conform to certain time frames. Although there is never sufficient time to take
part in national or regional preparations, it is essential to ensure your inputs are
made within the prescribed timeframes if they are to have any effect. This requires
significant advance planning.


ß Build your information and knowledge. Be prepared by knowing about or
gathering data on the subject treated in each national or regional preparation.
This is an indispensable need. Inadequate preparation or ignoring the subject(s)
being dealt with can backfire the input process. This is true not only regarding
scientific information; knowledge can and does also originate from experiences,
projects, and practice. While this assertion might seem self-evident, it should be
stressed that knowing the issues and the impacts of different actions related to
MEAs (including actual and potential impacts) is crucial.
ß Coalesce within civil society. If at all possible, creating coalitions, connecting
with other social actors, or simply combining efforts with other civil society
Module III

actors for national preparations is more effective. This is not only more cost-
effective for civil society participants that are generally pursuing and chasing
after short time frames with limited funding, it is also more effective in terms of
avoiding duplication of efforts, attracting public and private attention to national
preparations, or even generating political momentum. Whenever, possible and
relevant, civil society groups should have their own arrangements, especially at
the national level, that allow for coordination among them.
ß Coordinate at the national level. Civil society groups need to be coordinated at
national level. And although they likely will not put forth unison opinions, they
need to be harmonized at the operational level in order for national governments
to consider them and consult with them. This can be generally achieved by
having fluid relationships with national executive administration as well as with
regional administrative bodies.
ß Ensure that national instutional structure permits civil society groups’
participation. In order to ensure participation in national and regional official
or non-official committees civil society groups need to first ensure that national
institutional structures permits them to participate in national committees either
by law or policy or administrative measures.
ß Work with different strata and sectors of government(s). Not all government and
administrative divisions are the same, nor do they reflect the same viewpoints or
represent the same interest groups. Therefore, national and regional preparation
should aim to include different layers and divisions of state actors. Civil society
ought to attempt an interaction with different levels of governments and different
divisions. For instance:

ß Connect with other departments and ministries that have an involvement
with the particular MEA as well as those directly related to the subject
the agreement is dealing with. For instance, as well as working with
environmental divisions, make contact with trade areas, agricultural
divisions, and so on.

ß In addition, a relationship (either direct or indirect, either providing
information or attempting to influence output) could (and should) be


fostered with parliamentary areas. Parliaments after all are also one
of the strategic areas of the state that must deal with implementation,
compliance and monitoring of multilateral agreements’ national
application.

ß Build a relationship with sub-national areas of government. Regional
and provincial parliaments, local authorities, and other sub-national
sections of government can also be significant in the provision of
different sorts of inputs for national preparations. Many of the problems
and solutions for environmental issues take place at this level and
therefore the interaction of civil society with these strata can be useful.

Module III
SHADOW/ALTERNATIVE REPORTS
At times civil society groups do not concur with governmental reporting to
international processes. As a strategy, these groups generate what are called shadow or
alternative reports. They are generally a critique of national reporting, yet sometimes
these are also used as means to provide further information than that generated by
official channels.
Shadow reports can be general or may concentrate on specific points and issues. There
are also an assortment of manners and methods used to generate, draft and deliver
these types of reports:

• Some are prepared by coalitions;
• Some are arranged by individual groups;
• Certain reports concentrate on specific sustainable development indicators;
yet,
• Others take a more general view of the problems at hand.

The overall principle however is that they are independent of government structures
and, by rebuffing official data or by making available auxiliary data, they challenge what
is presented in official reports.


EXERCISE 3B: DEBATE ON DRAFTING ELEMENTS OF A
REPORT OR STANDARDIZED MEA FORMS

There are times when governments and regional bodies must present significantly
standardized forms for different MEAs, in addition to other broader national or regional
reporting.
Below are the web pages for the different national reporting format templates. In order
to practice reporting issues, please analyze:
Module III

• How can national reports be developed in a standard way?
• How are contents developed and put forth in a national report?
• Who is accountable for information gathering for national reports?

For Ramsar Convention: http://www.ramsar.org/index_keys_docs.htm and/or http://www.
ramsar.org/key_ris.htm
For CITES: http://www.cites.org (Note: Different forms are presented for different species
or issues within this website)
For CMS: http://www.cms.int/bodies/COP/cop7/list_of_docs/pdf/en/CP7CF7_06_2_national_
report.pdf
For UNCCD: http://www.unccd.int/
For harmonized national reporting for a cluster of biodiversity-related MEAs: The
United Nations Environment Programme’s World Conservation Monitoring Centre has a
project on this matter. Its site (http://www.unep-wcmc.org) contains guidance for non
– governmental organizations in this particular issue as well as information on a project
to impel harmonization of MEAs reporting.


CASE STUDY: SCENARIO BUILDING

Scenario-building and analysis can be a very useful tool that helps politically to
understand how a situation may evolve and develop strategies to influence it.
About a year before the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) a number of
NGOs convened a small meeting that used the ‘matrix method’ to develop scenarios to
explore the range of potential outcomes of the summit. This information was then used
to develop lobbying strategies to influence the preparatory process of the summit.

Module III
The meeting profiled major stakeholders in the summit process. Who was influential?
What outcomes did they hope from the summit? What was their bottom line? The NGOs
recorded the information in a ‘stakeholder matrix’. As they talked, they started to get a
feel for the various dynamics that might play out in the summit, and the two important
variables that would shape the whole of the summit: (1) the degree of political will (high
or low); and (2) the state of the global economy (growth or recession).
They then used this information to prepare scenarios using the matrix method (where
two variables are identified along axes, and the content of the resulting scenarios are
deduced):

Growth ECONOMY Recession

High - EU approach very positively - EU approaches positively
- US does not block - US is not engaged
- G77 approaches positively - G77 positively engages
- Business engages positively - Business does not block
- NGOs/stakeholders engage - NGOs/stakeholders are
positively apologist

New Deal Delay
POLITICAL - EU approaches less posi- - EU approaches less posi-
WILL tively tively
- US has no interest - US blocks
- G77 gives up on sustainable - G77 replays failures of the
development last ten years
- Business is obstructive - Business not interested
- NGOs/stakeholders slam - NGOs criticize
conference as a failure

Sustainable development Status quo
Low displaced

For further discussion of this scenario, see Dodds and Strauss (2004:17-20).


MEA MEETINGS: A YEAR IN THE MAKING

To help give an idea of a possible timetable for a year for a meeting of a Convention in
December it might look something like this:
January: Contact the international NGO coalition and national government to find
out their timelines. Draw up a list of groups interested in the issue in the
country – this can be wide or focused e.g. other stakeholders or just one
stakeholder group.
Module III

February: Arrange a meeting of the country’s NGOs or stakeholders – set out a
timetable to agree a position and input to international positions.
March: More national meetings to review well prepared and researched
background papers which will be used to force NGO position and submit
to government.
April: More national meetings and informal meetings with national government
to find out their thoughts.
May to July: Input to regional / global coalition positions.
August: Informal meetings with national government.
September: Formal meeting with national government to input to their thoughts
to October Initiate a debate in parliament on the issue.
November: Formal Meetings with national government to input to their thoughts.
December: Meeting of the MEA – NGOs ensure that not only that their input is in
government position but also assist government delegation during the
MEA negotiation to ensure the position is retained and not compromised.

Summary

ß Participation by, and consultation with, non-state actors in national preparations
for MEAs is an issue of rights under Principle 10 of the Rio Declaration on
Environment and Development.
ß Contributions by civil society can provide information, points of view, research
input, and sub-national contributions to the MEA national reporting process.
ß To be effective, ensure your contributions are targeted, timely, and well grounded
by evidence and experience.
ß Working in coalition with other civil society stakeholders, and with a wide range
of government departments can advance the uptake of your positions.
ß Even if divergences in opinion arise (e.g. between government and civil society),
the process of participation should be considered constructive.
ß Civil society input to national preparations can result in more fluid and improved
processes of MEA negotiation and application.



Civil society inputting into MEAs national reporting and submittal process is a type of
action that is more of a hands-on, learn-as-you-go process. Nevertheless, non-govern-
mental organizations can become skilled at this practice through the examination of some
resources and materials on national submittals.

General information on national report formats and contents:
http://www.un.org/esa/sustdev/csd/csd11/background_docs/csd11background3.pdf

Module III
http://www.unep-wcmc.org/conventions/harmonization/reports.htm

Information on preparing national submissions for particular MEAs:
For CITES Annual Reports: http://www.cites.org/eng/notifs/2002/022A.pdf

Reporting for the Aarhus Convention: http://www.unece.org/env/pp/documents/mop1/ece.
mp.pp.2.add.9.e.pdf


MODULE IV

NETWORKING

N e two rk in g 51

IN THIS MODULE:

Consider the value of building networks with NGOs and other stakeholders. Learn how
to develop effective networks.
• Why network?
• Strategic choices: pros and cons of networking
• Multi-stakeholder networks
• When to network?
• Establishing and operating networks
• Existing MEA-related networks
Module IV

Why network?

Networking with other NGOs and stakeholders offers a range of advantages, such as:

ß Sharing information: Working with NGOs from different countries helps you to
stay in touch with developments as they happen.
ß Developing shared policy positions: Joint positions can carry more weight with
governments. The process of agreeing positions can also help to clarify your
priorities, and develop an effective lobbying strategy.
ß Gaining perspective: The process of coming to a common position is itself
an important educational process. Groups that represent NGOs in the UK,
India or Togo will have a different appreciation of an issue. Similarly, different
stakeholders will have different priorities. The discussion is an important learning
process, offering insight into the impacts, challenges and possible solutions that
an issue can have depending on where people come from or the interests you
represent.
ß Credibility (strength in numbers): Being able to demonstrate that others share
your views is an important indicator of the validity of your arguments. This is
particularly the case if your positions are supported by different stakeholders, e.g.
industry.
ß Pooling resources in negotiations: Networks can share funding, expertise, and
human resource. At MEA meetings, the more organizations who can share in the
tasks the better. These include providing ‘floor managers’ within sessions, and
meeting with the 190+ countries (see Module Six).


ß Pooling resources in implementation: Similar benefits can be had in the
implementation phase. For example, preparing region-wide project proposals
can strengthen your case with funders.
ß Capacity building: Networks help bring new participants up to speed, and
introduce different experiences and perspectives to more seasoned participants.
ß Improved leverage and communication with official processes: International
negotiations offer limited space for the active contribution of NGOs and
stakeholders. Working together, stakeholders can make a stronger case for
improved procedural arrangements. For example, there will be very few speaking
slots; commonly developed and presented statements are more likely to be given
time in official proceedings.

CASE STUDY: THE CLIMATE ACTION NETWORK

Module IV
The Climate Action Network (CAN) is a worldwide network of over 340 NGOs working to
limit human-induced climate change to ecologically sustainable levels. It plays a leading
role in coordinating civil society contributions to the processes under the UNFCCC. CAN
works to:

• raise awareness of climate change issues;
• exchange information;
• coordinate and develop NGO policy and strategy;
• monitor and seek to influence climate-related negotiations, policies and
measures at national and international levels.

The network is particularly active during intergovernmental meetings. It works to secure
funding for Southern NGOs, and coordinates NGO contributions to negotiations. CAN
has also played an important role in developing the science and policy arguments about
climate change. For example, members of the network were instrumental in shifting the
policy debate from focusing on population growth to levels of consumption – a critical
shift in negotiations for developing countries1.
Membership of CAN is open to NGOs who subscribe to CAN’s mission and agree to
adhere to regionally-determined codes of conduct. It is not open to organizations
representing business or government. Seven regional offices coordinate efforts in Africa,
Central and Eastern Europe, Europe, Latin America, North America, South Asia, and
Southeast Asia. For more information, including web-links to the regional offices, see
www.climatenetwork.org

1 See Waddell (2003) for detailed discussion of CAN’s contribution to climate change negotiations.

N e two rk in g 53

Strategic choices: pros and cons of networking

Networking can offer lots of advantages. However, it can also take a lot of time and effort
to network effectively, and the loose arrangements of networks can cause headaches.
When making strategic choices about your approach to MEAs, and how you structure your
involvement in various MEA-related networks, you might like to bear the following pros
and cons in mind:

Pros Cons
A loosely knit network can come to- Issues of accountability, credibility and re-
gether as needed sponsibility (especially as networks get larger
and more institutionalized)
High degree of ﬂexibility Less professionalism, consistency, continuity
Module IV

Keeps budgets low and reduces load Often relies on one or two key leaders – but
on individual organizations when they leave, networks can struggle to
continue
Ensures coherence of policy positions Can limit efforts to ‘lowest common denomi-
and approach from network members nator’ consensus

Requires a great deal of consultation Requires a great deal of consultation and
and communication: can enrich your communication: can get bogged down
understanding of issues and create in process, or spend lots of time trying to
new opportunities for implementation convince each other about issues instead of
focussing on decision-makers

Figure 4.1 Pros and Cons of Networking adapted from ‘Whose World Is It Anyway?’ (1999)

EXERCISE 4A

From your own experience working with networks,* what are the pros and cons? How
did you maximise the advantages and minimise the disadvantages of networking?

* You may have valuable insights from working with all kinds of groups to develop and achieve shared objectives, for example
groups in your community or workplace.


Multi-stakeholder networks

A growing trend is to develop networks that include all kinds of non-governmental stake-
holders. The extent of differences between stakeholders can have a significant impact on
how the network operates, for example whether it focuses on developing common posi-
tions, or simply on facilitating access so that a range of positions can be presented (see
box below).

CASE STUDY: PROCESS VS. CONTENT

Two very different kinds of international coalitions were established for the Rio
Earth Summit in 1992. The International Facilitating Committee (IFC) facilitated
the participation of all non-state participants including industry groups, while the
International NGO Forum (INGOF) worked to develop co-ordinated global NGO policy

Module IV
platforms. They illustrate the choice between developing a network or coalition for
logistical/procedural purposes, versus one focussed on substantive issues or content. Both
models offered advantages and disadvantages.
The IFC was organised as ‘a coalition of independent sectors’ to facilitate the participation
of NGOs and other stakeholders, but not to define or represent policy positions.
Because of the range of participants, including such diverse interests as the European
Environmental Bureau, the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions and the
International Chamber of Commerce, it was difficult for the IFC to reach agreement over
policy (this may well have influenced the focus on facilitation rather than representation).
IFC activities included providing information briefings in association with the PrepComs,
and organising the Global Forum – the parallel NGO event located 40km from the
intergovernmental meetings that attracted around 20,000 participants1.
INGOF was an NGO-only international coalition, focussed on common policy development.
Led by ELCI, INGOF developed the Alternative Treaties, intended to be the NGO response
to sustainable development. The 46 Treaties were finalised during the Global Forum, but
did not impact the official negotiations. (Indeed, some NGOs felt that the Alternative
Treaties process detracted from the lobbying of governments2).
The practice of NGO networking has continued to be central to NGO involvement in the
UN Commission on Sustainable Development (the Commission established out of Rio).
The Sustainable Development Issues Network (SDIN) operates as a ‘network of networks
and issue caucuses’, with involvement from 4,000 organisations in over 170 countries. It
aims to improve communications and access to information on sustainable development
issues. See www.sdissues.net

1 Finger, 1995
2 See Finger, 1995, Grubb et al. (1993), (Bigg & Dodds, 1997a) and Brenton (1994) for commentary on the Alternative Treaties
process.

N e two rk in g 55

Establishing and operating networks

Networking is a highly flexible and adaptable approach to working with other NGOs and
stakeholders. Networks frequently evolve out of informal working relationships, and can
remain highly informal. Even so, it is important to establish some ground rules for your
relationships – the principles of effective partnership (below) offer some starting consider-
ations. The level of definition will depend in large part on your objectives for the network,
the range of stakeholders involved, the level of consensus needed, and the accountabilities
(e.g. funding) involved. The nature of arrangements should reflect the intent of the network,
whether formal or informal, ad hoc or permanent.

PRINCIPLES OF EFFECTIVE PARTNERSHIP
Module IV

1. Mutuality
2. Clearly defined expectations, rights and responsibilities
3. Accountability and transparency underpinned by:
trust – respect – integrity – credibility – ownership

(from Mancuso Brehm, 2001)

For those networks based on information sharing, as opposed to policy development, the
accountabilities of a network can remain relatively loose. For example, one NGO may
offer to act as ‘secretariat’ and take on administrative responsibilities. A steering group can
act to provide guidance, and the wider network can contribute content for circulation.

Decision-making processes and accountabilities need to be more clearly defined for
those networks who are interested in coalition building and policy development. Acting
as a concerted voice in MEA negotiations requires great clarity of process, for example,
over how decisions are made, timelines for contribution, and what happens when parties
can’t agree. The Climate Action Network Charter (see www.climatenetwork.org) offers an
example of a more formalized network relationship.

Establishing more formal networks can be a lengthy and complicated process of negotia-
tion (not to mention trial and error), and will need to be shaped in accordance with the
wishes of the network members. In general, the simpler the arrangements, the better.
Some key considerations are listed in the checklist following.


CHECKLIST: SOME KEY STEPS IN ESTABLISHING AN
MEA-RELATED NETWORK
• Identify your own objectives. What do you want to achieve? How could
networking assist this?
• Identify potential network partners.
• Organise a meeting or discussion with potential network partners to identify
common objectives and how you might work together. For countries where
e-mail is commonly used, such discussion can be managed electronically. For
those countries with less reliable communications, use the best available
methods – for example, find a newsletter that goes to the relevant groups,
and prepare an article inviting people to get in touch.
• Pay as much attention to the questions of how as to the questions of what.
This includes details of organisational structure, funding, and network
accountabilities (see discussion below).

Module IV
• Prepare early. Working as part of a network can be slower than acting
independently. Longer lead times to key events will enable the network to
prepare well, and build a momentum around its activities.
• Recognize what you can and cannot achieve through a network approach,
and channel your efforts accordingly. NGOs can end up spending large
amounts of time at intergovernmental meetings fine-tuning the details of
their own arrangements, rather than focussing on the real negotiations that
are underway.

Analysis of NGO coalitions that work on World Bank activities1 suggest there are two key
aspects of coalition organisation:

ß Coalition definition – agreement on fundamental purposes and membership.
ß Organizing mechanisms – arrangements that facilitate effective collective
action.

The following questions may assist in defining the structure and function of networks:

Coalition Definition

ß What objectives do you want to achieve through the network or coalition?
For example, are you organizing for information-sharing, to develop position
statements, or facilitate logistical aspects of NGO involvement in MEAs?
ß What values underpin your approach? What values do you hold in common?

1 Brown and Fox, 1998.

N e two rk in g 57

ß What kinds of activities do you need to undertake? Possible activities include
raising public awareness, media campaigns, advocacy with decision-makers,
information dissemination, research, policy development, monitoring and
implementation.
ß Who is, or needs to be, involved? In what kind of capacity? (e.g. members,
observers, steering group functions) Should eligibility criteria be applied?

Organizing Networks (operational considerations)

ß What kind of approach or structure is necessary to deliver your activities and
meet your objectives? Do governance and secretariat functions need to be
determined?
ß What are the roles and responsibilities of members?
ß How will your approach reflect your shared values? These could be around
Module IV

participation, equity, environmental stewardship, etc. A key example is ensuring
mutual and trustful relationships between NGOs from the North and South.
ß Representation: can people speak or present position statements on behalf of
the coalition? If so, who? What kind of sign-off processes are necessary? (One
option here is to develop a ‘sign-on’ process for position statements. In this
way, organizations are required to make a clear statement of commitment to
a given position, rather than positions being attributed to the entire network or
coalition).
ß Governance and decision-making processes: What kind of decisions are likely to
be required on an ongoing basis? How should they be made?
ß Financial management and accountabilities: how will project funds be raised,
managed and accounted for?
ß How will you address differences of opinion and conflict?

EXERCISE 4B

Drawing on the example of the Climate Action Network, what range of NGOs and
stakeholders would you involve in a national information-sharing network on another
MEA issue (e.g. biodiversity)? How would this differ if you were establishing a regional
advocacy network?


When to network?

If you decide that networking is the appropriate approach, the question of when to network
is an important one. In the past decades NGOs have tried to coordinate their positions the
weekend before a meeting. This is not a productive approach, for two reasons:

ß Most governments have already agreed their positions, so the ability to influence
their policy positions with your own is greatly reduced. The meeting – particularly
for those MEAs that are already established – is the end phase of negotiations and
so the flexibility of positions limited. Most governments work in blocks and so
any change of position needs a huge change in a number of countries.
ß Building relationships and developing commonly agreed positions takes time.
The process for governments is extensive and, whilst NGOs can be somewhat
quicker, it is unrealistic to expect them to deliver robust positions and policy
papers within two days.

Module IV
The 11 months leading up to a meeting are when most of the work needs to be done (see
Module Three). A network pre-meeting in the weekend leading up to an intergovernmental
meeting should be a strategic session to address:

ß Latest information updates;
ß Review of priorities and game-plan for the meeting: allocating tasks, agreeing
processes;
ß Training for new participants.

During MEA meetings, it is important to meet regularly to share information and allocate
tasks. If NGOs have shared areas of interest, or represent common sectors, it can be use-
ful to organize ‘caucus meetings’. However, you should try to keep these meetings to a
minimum, to allow you to spend more time with governments (see Module Six). Good
advance preparation can help facilitate this.

Existing MEA-related networks

There is great value in joining up with existing MEA-related networks. Find out details of
their work programmes, and ensure you are on relevant e-mail lists (e.g. if you wish to
contribute to position papers). There may be network meetings which you should attend.

Below is a list of NGO networks related to the MEAs we are addressing in this Manual.
Networks are variously organized for example to develop common positions or to facili-
tate information exchange. Some networks will also have regional focal points. These
people help to facilitate views from the region, and coordinate regional implementation
efforts (e.g. through the Global Environment Fund or similar means).

Note that this list is intended as a starting point for you to connect with relevant networks,
not as an exhaustive list of NGO and stakeholder networks active on the issues. Also note

N e two rk in g 59

that the different networks’ policy platforms and operating styles may or may not fit with
your objectives. It pays to do some research: look at their web-sites and talk with col-
leagues. Credible networks should provide information regarding their membership, fund-
ing sources and governance and decision-making structures (if any). For some networks,
membership requires making an application, and contributing annual subscription fees.

Existing MEA related Networks
Basel Action Network (www.ban.org)
Based in the US, BAN describes itself as:
• a campaigning organization;
• an investigative and research body;
• a political advocacy group; and
• the definitive clearing house for information on toxic trade.
Climate Action Network (www.climatenetwork.org)
Module IV

See case study above.

Eco-Forum Public Participation Campaign (www.participate.org)
European ECO Forum is a coalition of more than 200 environmental citizens organiza-
tions (ECOs) from countries of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe
(UNECE) region taking part in the “Environment for Europe” process.

The Public Participation Campaign Committee is focussed on the practical implemen-
tation of the Aarhus Convention. It:
• brings ECO positions and expertise into the official Aarhus Convention
process;
• prepares position papers and declarations; and
• runs regular meetings, workshops and communications (e.g. via five thematic
list-servers).
Global Biodiversity Forum (www.gbf.ch)
A multi-stakeholder forum related to the Biodiversity Convention, the GBF provides a
mechanism for dialogue and analysis among a wide range of stakeholders. The GBF
was founded in 1993 by IUCN, WRI, UNEP, and ACTS and includes a number of other
institutions as its convenors. It aims to expand the range of stakeholders involved in
biodiversity issues, and acts as an instrument for exchanging, reﬁning and improv-
ing arguments, for informing governments and for promoting innovation.’ Objectives
include:
• to assist policy making and implementation at all levels;
• to promote complementarity among the sectoral processes relevant to
biodiversity;
• to facilitate partnerships within and/or between sectors of society; and
• to raise awareness and promote the effective participation of stakeholders in
relevant processes.


International POPs Elimination Network (www.ipen.org)
IPEN is comprised of public interest NGOs who support a common platform for the
global elimination of POPs. The Participating Organizations (POs) of IPEN are those
NGOs which have endorsed the POPs Elimination Platform and/or the Stockholm Dec-
laration. Because the network is primarily engaged in facilitating information exchange
and in supporting activities of its constituents, and because the purpose of the network
does not include developing network-wide-policy statements, strategies, or action
plans, a formal decision-making process for the network can be simple, flexible, and
largely administrative in nature.
Pesticide Action Network (www.pan-international.org)
PAN is a network of over 600 participating NGOs, institutions, and individuals in
over 90 countries working to replace the use of hazardous pesticides with ecologically
sound alternatives. Its projects and campaigns are coordinated by five autonomous
Regional Centers.
RIOD – International NGO Network on Desertification

Module IV
A network of regional NGO focal points working on desertification issues. Focal point
contacts are as follows:
AFRICA AUSTRALIA FOE, sbaker@tyndale.apana.
ENDA-Tiera Monde, Senegal, energy2@ org.au
enda.sn
UWTPM, Uganda, uwtpm@infocom. EUROPE
co.ug Both Ends, Netherlands, et@bothends.org
ZERO, Zimbabwe, zero@internet.co.zw
CONGAC, Cameroon, congac@camnet. LATIN AMERICA
cm Proterra, Peru, andaluz@terra.com.pe
NEST, Nigeria, nestnig@nest.org.ng Fundación del Sur, Argentina, jlmerega@
fsur.wamani.apc.org
ASIA CODEFF, Chile, biodiversidad@codeff.cl
YFA, India yfa@hd1.vsnl.net.in
CENESTA, Iran, cathyrazavi@iname.com NORTH AMERICA
OTS, Uzbekistan, ots@physic.uzsci.net SCS, Canada, jocelyneneron@hotmail.
com

Species Survival Network (www.speciessurvivalnetwork.org)
An international coalition of over seventy NGOs committed to the promotion, enhance-
ment, and strict enforcement of CITES. Activities include scientific and legal research,
education and advocacy. SSN supplements the implementation efforts of other organisa-
tions such as TRAFFIC (www.traffic.org). TRAFFIC is the joint wildlife trade monitoring
programme of WWF and IUCN. It monitors and investigates wildlife trade and provides
information to CITES and other stakeholders, and is another useful source for CITES-
related information.

N e two rk in g 61

EXERCISE (4C)

Different networks are organised for different purposes, and have different structures.
How would you characterise the MEA-related networks listed above? Some characteristics
are listed below, as a starting point:

Purposes Structures

lobbying, implementation, policy grassroots, national, regional,
development, co-ordinating global, centralised or diffused
role, information sharing, public management, formal or informal
awareness, research… membership, externally funded…
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Summary

ß Networking with other NGOs and stakeholders offers a range of benefits,
including:
ß Sharing information and resources;
ß Developing shared policy positions;
ß Gaining new perspectives;
ß Establishing credibility and leverage with official processes;
ß Capacity building;
ß Networking can also have disadvantages, particularly around the amount of time
and effort they can require to be effective;
ß Multi-stakeholder networks are a growing trend. The degree of difference between
stakeholders can shape the nature of the network – whether for information,
logistical support or developing common policy platforms;
ß Effective networking takes time, and is best started well in advance of MEA
meetings. This is particularly the case if you plan to develop common policy
positions – not something that can be done well the weekend before the meeting
starts;
ß In establishing or operating a network or coalition, it is important to ensure a
sense of mutuality, clearly define expectations, rights and responsibilities, and
agree accountabilities and responsibilities;


ß Take time to reflect on the objectives and structure of your networks. The
appropriate level of definition will depend on your objectives for the network,
the range of stakeholders involved, the level of consensus needs, and the
accountabilities involved;
ß A number of international, issue-based NGO networks are relevant to the MEAs
discussed in this manual. Depending on your objectives, they are well worth
tapping into.


Annex 1: NGO contact points in UN Agencies and Programmes

Annex 2: Contact points in european Unions DG Environments

Module IV
Bigg, T., & Dodds, F. (1997). The UN Commission on Sustainable Development. In F.
Dodds (Ed.), The Way Forward: Beyond Agenda 21 (pp. 15-36). London: Earthscan.

Brenton, T. (1994). The Greening of Machiavelli. The Evolution of International Environmental
Politics. London: Earthscan.

Finger, M. (1995). Politics of the UNCED Process. In W. Sachs (Ed.), Global Ecology. A
New Arena of Political Conflict. Halifax: Fernwood Publishing.

Fox, J., & Brown L.D. (1998). Accountability within Transnational Coalitions. In Fox &
Brown (Eds.), The Struggle for Accountability: the World Bank, NGOs, and Grassroots
Movements. Cambridge, MA:MIT Press.

Grubb, M., Koch, M., Munson, A., Sullivan, F., & Thomson, K. (1993). The ‘Earth Summit’
Agreements: A Guide and Assessment. An Analysis of the Rio ‘92 UN Conference on
Environment and Development. London: Earthscan.

Mancuso Brehm, V. (2001). Promoting Effective North-South NGO Partnerships: A
Comparative Study of 10 European NGOs. Oxford: INTRAC.

Waddell, S. (2003). The Climate Action Network: Civil Society Tackling Global Negotiations.
Global Action Network. Available at http://www.gan-net/pdfs/can.pdf

N e two rk in g 63

MODULE V

USING THE INTERNET

U sin g th e In te r n e t 65

IN THIS MODULE:

Learn techniques for internet-based research, networking, and communications.
• Networking and communicating via the internet
• Using the internet for information relating to MEAs
• Where to start: websites on MEAs

Using the internet to network and communicate

The internet is an essential tool for global NGO networks. It provides for fast communica-
tion and transfer of information, and allows geographically distant networks to simply stay
in touch.

Using the internet effectively to network requires some planning and effort, but once
systems are developed they are relatively easy to maintain. At the most basic level, you
might consider:
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ß a website
ß an e-mail listserv

If you want to get a --bit more sophisticated, there are options for:

ß a members-only workspace or ‘extranet’ for sharing files, project updates etc.
ß chat-rooms – useful in periods of active discussion
ß on-line conferencing – most effective when run for a fixed time, working to a
pre-announced agenda

The Limits to Technology

Of course, the internet is not a ‘global’ tool – there may well be members of your network
who cannot access the net, or can do so only intermittently. This doesn’t mean their con-
tribution is less relevant. Make the effort to include them in your communications – either
by phone, fax or post. Look for funding to get your members onto the internet (but recog-
nise there are still likely to be problems with power outages and slow connections speeds)
Design your communications with difficult access conditions in mind. Simpler designs and
smaller file sizes can make a world of difference.


Tools for networking and communication

This section introduces different tools that you can use as part of your networking and
communications.

Websites

These days, a website is a relatively essential communications tool. For NGOs working on
Multilateral Environmental Agreements, a website can help to get your message across to
others. It provides a central place to profile your activities and perspectives, and can act
as a ‘library’ for your policy papers, newsletters and so forth.

DESIGNING AN EFFECTIVE WEBSITE: SOME
CONSIDERATIONS FOR NGOS
If you decide to create a website for your organisation or network, there are some
important design questions to consider:
Content: Who is the target audience, and what kind of information should they be able
to find on your site?

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Visibility: How will people find your site? Select and register a suitable domain name
(web address), one that people will be able to remember or even guess. Make sure to
include the address in any materials you distribute. Register the site on internet search
engines.
Access: Will visitors to your site have fast or slow internet connections? Sites with high-
tech features can be more attractive but can also be much slower to download.
Style: The visual style of a website is essential to effective communication. What kind of
‘look’ is appropriate to your message and attractive to your audience? Consider the mix
of graphics and text, and the level of detail that you include, particularly on the front
(home) page.
Navigation: How will you lay out the content? Can people easily find what they’re
looking for? Try to ensure people can reach a particular page within three clicks of the
home page. Depending on the size of the site, consider including a site map and a
search engine.
Maintenance: Who will maintain and update your website? Content should be regularly
reviewed and refreshed to maintain the site’s relevance. What level of technical skill
do you have? Design the site accordingly so that maintenance doesn’t become a
nightmare.
NB: The process of building and maintaining a website is too extensive to cover in any
great detail in this manual. A good starting point for further resources on designing
NGO websites is www.techsoup.org.


E-mail lists and discussion groups

Whilst a website is a great source of information, it is a passive tool because it requires
people to visit the site. E-mail is a more direct, active form of communication.

Subscribing to e-mail lists and discussion groups is a great way to stay informed about the
issues you’re interested in. Creating your own lists can help you to communicate your mes-
sage and build networks. These lists are often called listservs. Listserv is actually a small
computer program that automatically redistributes messages to a list of e-mail addresses.
Other similar programmes include majordomo and lyris. While it’s possible to create a
mailing list using the e-mail software on your own computer, the benefit of using a listserv
is that messages are automatically sent to all the subscribers.

Subscribing to a listserv is usually done by sending an e-mail, or signing up on a website
(see, for example, www.iisd.ca/email/subscribe.htm). It’s a good a idea to save any sign-
up details that you receive, particularly as you may want to unsubscribe from the list at a
future date.

As a listserv member, you are able to send messages to a wide group without needing to
know individuals’ e-mail addresses. Similarly, you can keep up to date with developments
in a certain area of interest without needing to actively seek out information.

If you wish to set up your own e-mail list, there are a few points to think about:
Module V

ß What is the purpose of the list? For example, to communicate with your members
or with a wider network; to discuss a particular project or issue, or to send out
announcements.
ß Who can subscribe to the list? Is subscription restricted or open? Do potential
subscribers need to apply to the moderator?
ß Who will manage the list’s operation? Technically minded people may like to
manage their listserv from their own computer. Others will want to take advantage
of a service, such as groups.yahoo.com. Here you can create your own e-mail
discussion group, and utilise other tools such as internet based archiving and
calendar facilities. Note that the Yahoogroups service is free, but attaches adverts
to the bottom of members’ e-mail messages to the group. Other services charge
a fee, but are advert-free.
ß Who will manage the list’s content? There are two aspects to content management.
The first is moderating the messages that are posted to the list (see box below),
and the second is ensuring the list remains active and useful. This second aspect
requires listserv moderators to act as facilitators – prompting discussion and
keeping it on track. Some groups may be very active, sending multiple messages
every day. Others may be more intermittent. Consider what’s appropriate to the
kind of group you want to communicate with.

For more information on using e-mail lists and discussion groups for advocacy, networking
and information, see www.democracygroups.org/mailinglisthowto.html and www.netac-
tion.org


WHAT TYPE OF MAILING LIST?

Mailing lists can be moderated, unmoderated, or limited to ‘one-way’ announcements.
Unmoderated lists: subscribers’ messages are sent directly to the group. This is good for
small groups, particularly those who wish to discuss a particular issue or project.

Moderated lists: send messages first to a moderator, who screens content to ensure
relevance and prevent overload from too many messages. This is useful for larger groups,
and can help to keep discussions on track. It can, however, be quite a bit of work for
the moderator and can slow discussions down if the moderator is unable to clear their
e-mail regularly.

One-way lists: allow for announcements to be sent out from the list owner, but do not
provide for discussion or responses from subscribers. This is useful for lists that go to
large numbers of people, and for items such as newsletters and announcements.

On-line chat and conferences

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On-line chat allows for real time discussion over the internet. For the geographically scat-
tered NGOs who work on MEAs, chat is a useful tool for keeping in touch. Instant mes-
sengers such as internet quick chat (ICQ) allow you to have an electronic conversation
with colleagues who are on-line. Chat sites (or rooms) are web-based, and allow you to
talk with people who are currently logged into that site.

On-line conferencing is a more structured application of chat, and a usefulway to generate
a focused discussion within a limited period of time. It can be particularly useful in the
lead up to meetings and text negotiations, and can help with defining issues and agreeing
positions. On-line conferencing is becoming increasingly sophisticated, with the ability to
share presentations and papers, manage projects, and hold voice- or video-based inter-
active sessions. A number of commercial services offer conferencing facilities, so shop
around for the service that best suits your needs.

QUICK TIPS

Less is more. Keep messages simple and immediate.
If you’re going to run an internet site or e-mail list, keep it current. Sites and mailing lists
that aren’t regularly updated soon become boring!
E-mail messages should be brief and to the point. Make sure you include your contact
details (usually at the bottom of the message).
Keep file sizes small, especially if they are being sent to places with slow internet
connection speeds.


The Multilateral Agreement on Investment (MAI) is a particularly clear example of how
NGOs can use the internet to mobilize and coordinate their activities.
The OECD began negotiating a treaty on international investment flows in 1995. In
1997, a draft text was leaked to a Washington-based watchdog organization. The text
was immediately circulated via e-mail amongst NGOs, who were disturbed at its content
and the closed process by which it had been developed. Legal experts prepared a plain-
language version and analysis of the text, and distributed it amongst their networks. The
result was an internet campaign that mobilized more than 600 NGOs in 70 countries. The
MAI negotiations concluded unsuccessfully, in large part because of the negative public
attention received as a result of the internet campaign.
For more commentary, see: Katja Tieleman, The Failure of the Multilateral Agreement on
Investment (MAI) and the Absence of a Global Public Policy Network, Firenze: European
University Institute and Harvard University.
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Internet search techniques

The internet can be a great tool for researching a particular MEA. Search engines such as
Google (www.google.com) and AltaVista (www.altavista.com) offer a quick way of finding
information, from a range of official and unofficial sources.

But relying on the internet can lead to two problems:

ß Too much information!
ß Not all of it is credible

Applying some simple search techniques can help you find appropriate information
faster:

ß Formulate the research question and its scope
ß Identify the important concepts within the question
ß Identify search terms to describe those concepts
ß Consider synonyms and variations of those terms
ß Prepare your search logic

The more specific you can make your search terms, the more likely you are to get a use-
ful result. Try using ‘Boolean operators’ (see page 71) to refine your search even further.
Alternatively, choose the ‘advanced search’ option. This allows you to describe how you
want to limit your search without needing to understand the Boolean operators at work.


Quick Reference Chart: Boolean Operators

AND Finds documents containing all of the specified words or
phrases. Biodiversity AND wetlands finds documents with both
the word biodiversity and the word wetlands.
OR Finds documents containing at least one of the specified words
or phrases. Biodiversity OR wetlands finds documents contain-
ing either biodiversity or wetlands. The found documents could
contain both items, but not necessarily.
NOT Excludes documents containing the specified word or phrase.
Biodiversity NOT wetlands finds documents with biodiversity
but not containing wetlands.
“exact phrase” Finds the exact phrase contained within the quote marks. “Aar-
hus Convention” will find pages with that exact phrase.
domain:domain- Finds pages within the specified domain. Use domain:uk to
name find pages from the United Kingdom, or use domain:org to find
pages from non-profit sites.
host:hostname Finds pages on a specific computer. The search host: www.
unep.org would find pages on the computer called unep.org.

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link:URLtext Finds pages with a link to a page with the specified URL text.
Use link: www.unep.org to find all pages linking to unep.org.
title:text Finds pages that contain the specified word or phrase in the
page title (which appears in the title bar of most browsers). The
search title: biodiversity would find pages with biodiversity in
the title.
url:text Finds pages with a specific word or phrase in the URL. Use url:
climate to find all pages on all servers that have the word cli-
mate anywhere in the host name, path, or filename.
Figure 5.1: Advanced Search Operators (adapted from AltaVista)


Sourcing Credible Information from the Internet

CAUTION!

Quantity is not a substitute for quality. Not all information on the internet is going
to be accurate or credible. Always review material sourced from the internet carefully
before using it.

Given the range of information and views publicised on the internet, it is important to
establish the credibility of websites. Looking at these elements may help:

Web address

ß What kind of domain is it? Website addresses follow a set of protocols that make
it simple to understand what kind of website you’re looking at. The last part of
the address (e.g. the ‘.org’ in ‘www.un.org’) is called the ‘top-level domain’.
There are a limited number of these domains (see below), which fall into two
main categories – generic domains describing the type of host organization, and
country code domains.
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Note that the second-level domains can also be useful in learning about a site,
particularly for those that end in country code top-level domains. For example, the
domain name www.cedea.org.ar tells us that this address is for an organization in
Argentina. Generic domains at the second-level can vary from those listed above.
In particular, many countries use ‘.govt’ for government, and ‘.ac’ for academic.

Examples of Country and Code domains
com commercial ca Canada
edu educational mx Mexico
gov (US) government agencies ru Russia
net network uk United Kingdom
org organization zm Zambia

ß Does it sit within a country (e.g., .uk) or is it international?
ß Addresses with a ~ or person’s name may be personal sites, rather than
representing organizations.

Authorship

ß Who wrote the site?
ß Is there an ‘about us’ section?
ß Does it give a sense of the author’s/organization’s credentials and experience?


Reliable information

ß Does the site show when it was last updated?
ß Are sources referenced or linked to?
ß Do the facts appear accurate? (compare with other sources)
ß Is there any obvious bias or interest being advanced through the website?
ß Who is the target audience? (look at the style of writing, and the way the pages
are organized)
ß What do others think of the site and the author? Search for reviews, references
and links to the site/author on other websites. www.alexa.com gives traffic
information, ownership details and user reviews – it’s not absolutely accurate,
but can be useful.

Affiliations

ß Does the website give indications of partners, funders, networks, etc.?
ß What other websites does this site link to?

Ensuring credibility applies equally if you are designing a website for your own NGO.

Module V
Some simple design elements contribute to credibility, so make sure you include:

ß Contact information. E-mail address, office address, phone and fax numbers.
ß Photos. These also contribute to the ‘real world’ identity of your NGO.
ß Expert articles. Demonstrate your knowledge and expertise by including relevant
papers (or links to them).
ß Media coverage. Keep an archive of any media coverage you generate.
ß Links to affiliated organizations. People visiting your website may not be familiar
with your organization, so links to affiliated organizations can help them to place
you in context.

EXERCISE 5A

Dozens of tutorials on effective internet search techniques are available on the internet!
Simply search ‘internet search techniques tutorial’. For starters, you may like to try:
http://www.brightplanet.com/deepcontent/tutorials/search/index.asp
To hone your critical analysis skills, try:
http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/TeachingLib/Guides/Internet/Evaluate.html


Where to start: websites on MEAs

The internet has transformed international negotiations – making it possible to keep up to
date with meetings as they happen. But with so many meetings, and so much information
on the web, where should you start?

Here is a list of key websites, grouped under the following themes:

ß Official websites
ß Reporting
ß NGO websites (including associations of business and workers)

Official websites
United Nations (www.un.org)
Official website for the United Nations. Includes a section on Civil Society-UN rela-
tions.
Non-Governmental Liaison Service (www.un-ngls.org)
Official website for the United Nations agency responsible for strengthening UN-NGO
dialogue and cooperation.
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United Nations Environment Programme (www.unep.org)
Official Website for the United Nations Environment Programme. Includes resources
for civil society participation.
Basel Convention (www.basel.int)
Official website for the Basel Convention on the control of Transboundary Movements
of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal. Includes details of the partnership program
with NGOs.
CITES (www.cites.org)
Official website for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of
Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Aarhus Convention (www.unece.org/env/pp/)
Official website for the UN Economic Commission for Europe, the body responsible
for the Aarhus Convention (Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation
in Decision-making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters).
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (www.unfccc.int)
Official website for the convention. Includes lists of all participating NGOs.
United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (http://www.biodiv.org)
Official website for the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity – (CBD).
UNDP Montreal Protocol Unit (www.undp.org/montrealprotocol/)
UNDP’s Montreal Protocol Unit works with public and private partners in developing
countries to assist them in meeting the targets of the Montreal Protocol on Substances
that Deplete the Ozone Layer.


OzonAction Programme (www.unep.fr/en/branches/ozonaction.htm)
Official Website of UNEP’s Division of Technology, Industry, and Economics. The pro-
gramme seeks to strengthen the capacity of governments and industry in developing
countries to meet the Montreal Protocol.
United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (www.unccd.int)
Official website for the convention. Includes resources for NGOs.
United Nations Division for Oceans Affairs and the Law of the Sea (www.un.org/
Depts/los/)
Official website for the administration of the Law of the Sea.
Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (www.pops.int)
Official website for the convention.
The Rotterdam Convention on Prior Informed Consent (www.pic.int)
Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol (www.unep.org/ozone)
Website of the Ozone Secretariat.
Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals
(www.cms.int)
Official website for the convention (also known as the Bonn Convention).

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The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (www.ramsar.org)
Reporting websites
Linkages and Earth Negotiations Bulletin (www.iisd.org)
Provides the latest news and information from international environmental and sus-
tainable development negotiations.

NGO websites
Stakeholder Forum for Our Common Future (www.stakeholderforum.org)
The primary objective of the Stakeholder Forum is to promote sustainable develop-
ment through facilitating the involvement of major groups and stakeholders in the
policy work of the United Nations and other intergovernmental institutions.
Arab Network for Environment and Development (www.aoye.org/Raed/raed.html)
The objective of the organization is to coordinate between regional community orga-
nizations in the exchange of skills, experiences and information.
Both Ends (www.bothends.org)
The main role of Both ENDS is to be a go-between to support the work of environ-
mental organizations, primarily in the developing countries and the Central and
Eastern European countries.


Consumers International (www.consumersinternational.org)
Consumers International supports, links, and represents consumer groups and agen-
cies all over the world. It strives to promote a fairer society through defending the
rights of all consumers, including poor, marginalized, and disadvantaged people.
Environmental Liaison Centre International (www.elci.org)
The mission of ELCI is to make information a useful tool to improve the environment
measurably.
Friends of the Earth International (www.foei.org)
FoEI works to create networks of environmental, consumer, and human-rights organi-
zations worldwide.
Greenpeace International (www.greenpeace.org)
The mission of Greenpeace is to ensure that our planet can sustain and nurture life
in all its diversity. The website also provides links to the sites of over forty national
Greenpeace offices.
International Chamber of Commerce (www.iccwbo.org)
The largest and most representative business organization in the world.
International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (www.icftu.org)
Works to promote trade union organizing and recruitment. ICFTU has 231 affiliated
organizations in 140 countries and ten territories representing 158 million working
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people in 2003.
Regional Environmental Center for Central and Eastern Europe (www.rec.org)
Assist in solving the environmental problems in Central and Eastern Europe through
the promotion of co-operation among NGOs, governments, businesses, and other
environmental stakeholders, and to promote the free exchange of information and
public participation in environmental decision making.
Society for International Development (www.sidint.org)
SID is a global network of individuals and institutions concerned with participatory,
pluralistic, and sustainable development.
Third World Network (www.twnside.org.sg)
A network of organizations and individuals involved in issues relating to development,
the Third World and North-South issues.
Women’s Environment and Development Organisation (www.wedo.org)
WEDO is an international advocacy organization that seeks to increase the power of
women worldwide as policy makers in governance and in policy-making institutions,
forums, and processes, at all levels, to achieve economic and social justice, a peace-
ful and healthy planet, and human rights for all.
World Business Council for Sustainable Development (www.wbcsd.org)
The WBCSD’s work focuses on defining and elaborating the business case for sustain-
able development.


The World Conservation Union (www.iucn.org)
It is unique in that it is also recognized as an intergovernmental organization within the
UN system. Its members from some 140 countries include 77 States, 114 government
agencies, and 800-plus NGOs. Its Mission is to influence, encourage and assist societies
throughout the world to conserve the integrity and diversity of nature and to ensure that
any use of natural resources is equitable and ecologically sustainable.
World Wide Fund for Nature (www.panda.org)
WWF’s Mission is to stop the degradation of the planet’s natural environment and to
build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature.

Module V


Summary

The Internet is an invaluable tool for:
n networking with other NGOs and stakeholders
n communicating your message
n researching MEAs, and keeping up with the latest developments

To be most effective:

n Sign up to relevant e-mail listservers, and regularly visit key websites
n Keep information on your own website up to date

Remember that not all your colleagues will have access to the internet, or their connection
may be intermittent and slow. Try to:

n Keep file sizes small
n Ensure critical messages are also communicated by fax, phone or post
Module V

When using the internet to research MEAs, remember to critically evaluate the resources
that you find.


MODULE VI

ATTENDING MEA MEETINGS

A tte n d in g ME A Me e tin g s 79

IN THIS MODULE:

Learn how to use your time at MEA meetings as effectively as possible.

• Why attend an MEA meeting
• How meetings operate: meet the actors and learn the jargon
• Preparing for MEA meetings
• Successful lobbying techniques

Why attend an MEA meeting?

So you’ve decided to go to a Multilateral Environmental Negotiation. One of the things
you need to ask yourself is why you want to go? This may seem a silly question but people
go to international meetings for a variety of reasons. All of them may be valid, but require
different approaches. If you are going to maximize your impact, then taking a moment to
think this through can save you an enormous amount of time and frustration.

So why could you be going to a Multilateral Environmental Negotiation? The broad rea-
sons could be group as such:

ß To influence the text that will be negotiated;
ß
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To build and cultivate alliances for future work;
ß To show case studies of successes that your organization has achieved;
ß To learn about how intergovernmental negotiations work;
ß To raise funds for your work.

This workbook deals primarily with the lobbying aspect (that is, influencing the text), but
will aim to cover the other areas as and when it seems appropriate. The module walks you
through the different stages of preparing for and attending an intergovernmental meeting.

IMPORTANT TIP

Influencing negotiations requires a real focus on government negotiators. Too often
NGOs and other stakeholder groups spend too much time talking to each other. A good
rule of thumb is to try and spend no more than 20% of your time with other NGOs.


Before the meeting

Meetings are generally very hectic. Being effective requires you to be as prepared as pos-
sible in advance.

It is very important going into the meeting to prioritize your policy aims. Think about the
following questions:

ß Are your policy aims feasible? It is important to understand the range of
possibilities that might come out of a negotiation and ensure that you are not
asking for the impossible.
ß Are you moving beyond the possible range of outcomes to put down markers for
future campaigns? Then you can aim further.
ß What are your top four or five issues? Concentrate on these.
ß What do you want to achieve? It is often worth aiming for a higher target than
you expect to get – because in negotiations often compromise happens and so
push the boat out further. It is a bit like running a political election campaign.
ß Create a table similar to the one below. This enables you to keep abreast of
developments. But remember that just because a country is in the positive
column for your view they may not stay there or they may not want to be active
on the issue.

Government For Against Not yet Still to be

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declared contacted

If the meeting is being held in a UN Center then plan if possible to come in the previous
week and do a few coffee bar meetings with people from the Missions and the secretariat.
This will help you to find out the latest and also to lobby informally before the sessions
start and get manic. If you have had time to come in 4 or 5 months before as well, you
can often get an idea of how things are starting to come together – possibly more so than
just having meetings with your own governments as you get a feel for both developing and
developed countries views.

Let’s assume you have agreed your position with the coalition of NGOs or stakeholders (see
Module Four) and now you are going to lobby at the meeting. Those months of preparation
will now pay off – many of your colleagues have not done this kind of preparation.


EXERCISE 6A
Discuss with colleagues: What objectives might you have for attending
an MEA meeting? How would you set out to achieve them?

Funding to attend

If you wish to attend an MEA meeting, it is important to start trying to gain funds early1.
There are a number of sources to explore for funding. These include:

ß Your own government who if you are on delegation, may in some cases help with
funding;
ß Developed country NGOs you are a partner with;
ß Developed countries that are active in your country e.g., Denmark, France,
Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, UK, USA;
ß Regional Governments, e.g. Flanders and the Basque Government do support
NGOs from Latin America;
ß UN Agencies and Programmes such as UNDP and UNEP;
ß The UN Non Governmental Liaison Service will sometimes operate with the
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COP or a network of NGOs a travel funding scheme; and
ß Your fellow NGOs – if you pool resources then the person can represent a
coalition of NGOs.

1 See module 10 for more general information on fundraising.


A CHECKLIST: WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU

• Laptop with wireless connection to the internet – and the right conversion
plug to recharge;

• Memory stick;

• Mobile telephone – better to get one or just a SIM card in the country you
come to as it will be cheaper to run;

• If you are in a main UN Centre (e.g. New York, Geneva, Nairobi, or Rome)
then take with you the telephone and addresses of the Missions of the key
countries;

• Business cards – if you hire a mobile put the details on the back of the
card, people are unlikely to telephone you if the number is not local;

• Photo booklet of key negotiators – check Earth Negotiations Bulletin web
site (www.iisd.ca) for photos – download and use to find delegates;

• Digital camera to take photos of key delegates;

• Timetable of the event – your meetings as well as the negotiations;

• Your publications;

• A summary document of your key points that you want governments to
agree to.

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Meet the actors

Bureaus
All Conventions have Bureaus to oversee the running of the meetings. The Bureaus usually
can be made up of five or ten members, one or two from each of the different regional
blocks2. The chair or president of the Bureau will rotate between the different blocks
between meetings of the COPs. The Bureau members will share chairing the sessions of
the negotiations and probably the ad hoc meetings as well. It is very important to create a
relationship with these people particularly the one from your region.

Secretariat
The Secretariat is the permanent body that supports the work of the convention between
meetings and does the logistical and secretariat work for the event and during it. The
Secretariat will have a role that includes:

ß Preparing the background papers
ß Producing or updating a website for the meeting

2 The five regional blocks are Western Europe and Others, Eastern Europe (former Soviet block), Africa, Asia, and Latin America and
the Caribbean


ß Analysing the national reports
ß Producing promotional material for the meeting
ß Producing negotiating text arising from the discussions
ß Making available all official documents
ß Servicing the negotiations
ß Controlling the booking of rooms
ß Accrediting delegates and stakeholders

It is always useful to know the key people in the secretariat:

The NGO or Stakeholder relations person: This person is the immediate contact for NGOs
and stakeholders and deals with accreditation issues, side events, dialogues or round
tables if such things are happening. The person must walk a fine line between encouraging
NGO inputs and upholding UN procedures: don’t assume they are there to enhance the
access of NGOs or stakeholders.

The Executive Director of the Convention: This person is well worth knowing; they have
an enormous ability to help move a convention forward or to hold it back. A good relation-
ship with this person can pay enormous dividends if problems arise during the meeting
(such as loss of NGO speaking rights).

The “fixer”: Not every Convention has one of these, but a good one will. The role of this
person is to micro manage the event. They will know what the negotiating positions of all
the key countries are – this means what they are prepared to give as well as what they say
they are going to give. Many Coalitions miss the role of the fixer and don’t have someone
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keeping an eye on them. Behind the scenes this person can play a critical role either posi-
tively or negatively to your position.

The person in charge of the text section you are interested in: It is likely that the secre-
tariat will have assigned different people to write the initial text when governments make
their initial statements, or to be in charge of collecting amendments and how they will be
presented back to the governments. It is good to find out who this person is and to buy
them a coffee early on. They are at the center of your negotiations and can often give you
insights that you will not otherwise see. Chose your moment and your secretariat member
– they are busy during the negotiations but often need coffee or in the evening some wine
or beer!

Media-Earth Negotiations Bulletin

This is not part of the secretariat but vital to us all. The ENB was set up in 1991 for the
Earth Summit in Rio, and has gone on to cover all negotiations. Run by Kimo Goree it has
developed a methodology of compacting a day’s negotiation into two or four pages. As
ENB reporters are sitting in all the meetings, either tag one of them at the end of the day
to see what you might have missed or pick it up the report first thing the next day. Reports
are also available on the ENB website: http://www.iisd.ca


Eco, Outreach, Taking Issue

Often there will be an NGO or stakeholder publication that will come out daily – this is a
good place to promote your views as well. (see Media Module Eight).

FOSSIL OF THE DAY

The Fossil-of-the-day Award is given to countries that block progress at the United
Nations Climate Change Negotations (see www.fossil-of-the-day.org).

UN Agencies and Programmes
There will be a number of UN Agencies and Programmes at the meeting. They will be
looking for text that will be supporting their work beyond the meeting. If there is a synergy
then it is worth working with them as they will have easier access to people on an ongo-
ing basis than you will.

UNEP or MEAs COP Observers

A number of organizations have observer status at the UNEP and MEAs COP. In different
fora, this includes the Holy See, IUCN, The Red Crescent and Red Cross, the European
Union, African Union, the PLO, Sovereign Military Order of Malta, the IUCN ad the World
Bank.

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Let’s go over the Five Regional Blocks:

African States

For election to UN bodies the African Union acts as a regional grouping and has fifty-
three members: Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon,
Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo (Dem. Rep.), Côte d’Ivoire,
Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, the Gambia, Ghana, Guinea,
Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania,
Mauritius, Morocco Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, São Tomé &
Príncipe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, the Sudan, Swaziland,
Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe. The web site for the African Union
is www.africa-union.org/

Asian States
For election to UN bodies the Asian block consists of forty-three countries Afghanistan,
Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq,
Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Korea, North, Korea, South, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon,
Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Island, Micronesia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Oman,
Pakistan, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Solomon
Islands, Sri Lanka, Syria, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates.

Eastern European States

For election to UN bodies the Eastern European group consists of twenty countries. One
of the discussions in the UN is whether this block makes sense now a number of the
countries are in the European Union. It consists of: Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus,
Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Georgia, Hungary, Latvia,
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Lithuania, Poland, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Slovakia, Slovenia,
The Former Republic of Yugoslavia and Republic of Macedonia, Ukraine.

Latin American and Caribbean States

For election to UN bodies the Latin American and Caribbean States group consists of thirty-
three states: Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil,
Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican republic, Ecuador, El Salvador,
Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama,
Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines,
Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay and Venezuela.

WEOG
Western European and others Groups – this has 30 members and represents Europe,
Canada, the US and most of the other former Western allies. It also now includes Israel.
Countries are: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France,
Germany, Greece, Holy See, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg,
Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Spain,
Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States.


The negotiating Blocks tend to be

European Union
The EU has just grown from 15 countries to 25 and recently to 27 and how this will change
the EU is as yet unknown. One of the criticisms of the EU during the WSSD was that they
spent a lot of time coordinating and not enough time in the corridors pushing their views
– something that you couldn’t accuse the United States of who brought a large delegation
and used it very effectively.

At present the European Union operates on a six month presidency from January until the
end of June and July to the end of December. The role and duties of the EU presidency
involve the:

ß Management and enhancement of cooperation between the members of the
European Council, the Council of Ministers and the Committee of permanent
representatives;
ß Representation of the Council of the European Union in other EU institutions and
organs (especially the European Parliament and the European commission; and,
ß Representation of the EU in international organizations, meeting and fora and its
relations with developing countries.

It is very important to know the European Presidency team and who is leading on which
subject. In the negotiations it will nearly always be the Presidency who is talking.

The Europeans will start their preparation for a negotiation around six months before and
it may be that certain countries act as a lead in certain issues and it is very useful to know
who they are so you can talk to them early enough.

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The European Commission staff also plays a critical role particularly if the Commission
has competence in an area. Developing a good relationship with them and visiting them
in Brussels before the meeting is a very good idea. Often at the meetings or before the
Commission or Presidency will organize a briefing for NGOs.

European member States are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia,
Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia,
Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom. Candidate Countries: Croatia, Macedonia and Turkey.

Group of 77 and China
The Group of 77 (G77) was established on June 15th 1964 by 77 developing countries, all
signatories of the Joint Declaration of the 77 Countries issued at the end of the first session
of the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in Geneva. The Chair of the
G77 rotates through the UN Regions of Africa, Asia, West Asia, and Latin America and the
Caribbean. The position is held for a year, but recently G77 has been developing its own
Troika involving the previous chair, the present chair, and the next chair.


The membership of G77 now includes 135 members, it has retained its name. The mem-
bership is: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas,
Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina,
Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape
Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa
Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Democratic
Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El
Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada,
Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iran
(Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People’s Democratic
Republic, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Madagascar, Malawi,
Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Micronesia
(Federated States of), Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal,
Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Palestine, Panama, Papua New Guinea,
Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Romania, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia,
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal,
Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka,
Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga,
Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United
Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia,
Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

The G77 has a formidable task in coordinating and representing such enormous diverse
interests; people have been forecasting its end for many years. Within the G77 there are
regional groups as well as interest groupings.

China sometimes associates itself with the Group of 77 and sometimes doesn’t. Within
the G77 there are very important regional players in addition to China – these are India,
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Pakistan, Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt, Brazil, Venezuela, Iran and Saudi Arabia. For more
information, see http://www.g77.org.

Other blocks

AOSIS
Alliance of Small Island States consists of 43 members and observers and plays a criti-
cal role particularly in the climate change negotiations as they represent many of the
most vulnerable states. Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Cape Verde,
Comoros, Cook Islands, Cuba, Cyprus, Dominica, Fiji, Federated States of Micronesia,
Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Kiribati, Maldives, Malta, Marshall
Islands, Mauritius, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Singapore, Seychelles,
Sao Tome and Principe, Solomon Islands, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the
Grenadines, Suriname, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Vanuatu. Observers include
American Samoa, the Netherlands Antilles and US Virgin Islands. AOSIS’s first chairman
was Ambassador Robert Van Lierop of Vanuatu (1991-1994), followed by Ambassador
Annette des Iles of Trinidad and Tobago (1994-1997), Ambassador Tuiloma Neroni Slade of
Samoa (1997-2002), Ambassador Jagdish Koonjul of Mauritius (2002-2005), Ambassador
Enele Sopoaga of Tuvalu (acting chairman 2005-2006) and the present chairman
Ambassador Julian R. Hunte of Saint Lucia (elected 10 March 2006). For more information,
see http://www.sidsnet.org/aosis


JUSCANZ
The non-EU industrialized countries meet as a group to discuss various issues. These are
(J-US-C-A-NZ): Japan, the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand. It now includes Iceland,
Mexico, Norway, Switzerland, and the Republic of South Korea may also attend the meet-
ings. This block does not often work as formal negotiating group – more as an ad hoc
group.

Least Developed Countries (LDCs):

The LDCs are defined as countries with: (1) low per capita income, (2) human resource
weakness, and (3) economic vulnerability. They include: Afghanistan, Angola,
Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cape Verde, Central
African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial
Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Kiribati, Lao People’s
Democratic Republic, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania,
Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Niger, Rwanda, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal,
Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Sudan, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tuvalu, Uganda, United
Republic of Tanzania, Vanuatu, Yemen, and Zambia. For more information, see www.
un.org/special-rep/ohrlls/ldc/default.htm

How the meeting will operate

Although each MEA will have its own individual approach there are some general rules
that should apply, particularly around the daily schedule:

8 a.m. Individual Government delegations will usually meet internally

Module VI
to prepare their own country lobbying position and to review the
previous day.
9 a.m. Governments will usually attend meetings of the relevant group-
ings they are members of, e.g., G77 or European Union. NGOs
and other stakeholders will also usually hold their consultations
to prepare for the day.
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Meeting sessions.

1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Lunch time – side events, an opportunity to spend time with gov-
ernment ofﬁcials. Sometimes, if the venue is difﬁcult to access,
NGOs may hold their own consultations over lunch (try to avoid
this if possible).
3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Meeting sessions (additional sessions will be added when they
are needed, often into the night or even through the night).

6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Side Events can also be held at this time.


Sessions

It is important to understand that different types of sessions will take place within any one
meeting – from formal plenaries to informal working groups. The level of NGO access will
differ across these different types of meetings:

Committee of the Whole (COW): the formal sessions of a UNEP or MEA COP meeting,
these are governed by rules of procedure and are simultaneously translated in all of the
six UN languages.

Contact groups: are set up to resolve a particular issue of disagreement. The members of
the group are drawn from the governments who disagree, although they are open to oth-
ers to attend. Sometimes called the Vienna process or “Vienna setting” where much of the
informal negotiations goes on.

Friends of the Chair/President: the meeting can use the Friends of the Chair approach
– this is where the Chair invites a few of the prominent negotiators to form a group called
Friends of the Chair/President to help informally in developing consensus on an issue or
a set of issues.
Informals: are a subsidiary body of the working groups and are set up when there is a set
of critical issues that needs to be addressed.
Working Groups: are subsidiary bodies of the COW. At any one time, usually no more
than two will be meeting. Joint Working Groups come together when there are cross cut-
ting issues the two working groups can be brought together to deal with them.

Rules of procedure and NGO speaking slots
To speak at the UNEP and MEA COPs the process is that a government that wants to speak
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will put its country placard up. Stakeholders will usually have a seat and be able to put
theirs up too. The secretary to the Chair will keep note and countries will usually be called
in order of their placards going up.

Note that opportunities for NGOs to speak are more limited. Speaking slots for NGOs
within meetings will vary from meeting to meeting – subject to a host of factors. The only
meetings where NGOs have rights to speak are those where the rules of the convention
or meeting specifically say they can. An example of this would be the Convention on
Biological Diversity (see Annex 2).

Usually procedures are kept informal so that the Chair can give and take away depending
on the mood of the meeting or the sensitivity of the subject.

If you are on government delegation

The practice of including NGOs on government delegations is one of the byproducts of
the Rio Conference in 1992. Before that NGOs were excluded from informal meetings.
The UK Government was the first government to put NGOs and other stakeholders on
delegation; many others have done so since. The role that NGOs on delegation can play


WHAT NOT TO DO (AT A MEETING)

Some NGOs have at times forgotten where they are and done things that not only
impacted on them but also on their NGO colleagues. So a few things not to do at the
meeting:

• Do not go up to a government when they are speaking

• Do not sit in a government seat – unless you are on that government’s
delegation

• Do not interrupt the meeting

• Do not target a government in your intervention

• Do not wear inappropriate clothes

• Do not deviate from your message when you are speaking as a
representative of the caucus

is different from other NGO roles. The insider and outsider role an NGO can play (see
Module Two) is very important – outside lobbying, inside moulding!

Why go on a delegation?

ß You will have access to the brief of your country;

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ß You may be able to sit in on delegation meetings within blocks;
ß You may be able to sit in on delegation meetings between blocks;
ß You will be able to push for the NGO or stakeholder position during the
appropriate meetings of the delegation;
ß You can be asked to act as the intermediary between the NGOs and the
government;
ß You will be aware of where there is possible movement in a negotiation and may
be asked to draft text for your delegation to put forward;
ß You will be able to cultivate relationships with the delegation for future work.

The downside of being on a delegation:

ß If you do join a government delegation you will lose some independence. Some
governments will require NGOs on a delegation to sign an official document
saying they will not divulge what they have heard in delegation meetings;
ß You will have limited time available for being with other NGOs if you are an
active member of the delegation;
ß You may be seen as the doorkeeper for NGOs with the delegation;


ß You may be viewed as having ‘switched sides’ and joined the government team
more than what is expected;
ß You may not be allowed to speak publicly on a position – if you find this
something that you can not agree to do not join a delegation or resign when it
becomes difficult for you. Some delegations allow their NGOs to speak but they
just have to first ask the Head of delegations permission.

Getting your message across

English: It is very important that you have an understanding of English as sessions below
working groups can often only be in English. It is also likely that NGO meetings will be in
English. If you find English difficult, it may limit your ability to impact delegates who are
not in your language group. If this is the case, then link together with someone who does
speak English and do lobbying together.

Your publications: Many groups produce publications on their positions and the work they
are doing. There will be tables full of such documents at the meeting. It is fair to say that
the best produced will be picked up and looked at – but probably back in capital after the
meeting. Groups should try and produce material at least in Spanish and French as well as
English. The extra effort of doing this pays a lot of dividends with the countries that speak
those languages.

Written Statements: If your coalition has agreed a statement then try and keep it short, to
the point – never more than two sides – and well presented. It is useful to use bold font or
some other way to highlight key issues of concern.
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Oral Statements: If you are allowed to make an intervention then it will probably be rep-
resenting a coalition of NGOs. Check with the secretary to the session how many copies
she will require to distribute to the governments and interpreters. You should keep your
statement brief. A rule of thumb is to try and keep to two minutes – if you do then it is
likely that there will be more opportunities to make statements as the meeting progresses.
Note that it is unusual for governments to take up an idea that NGOS have put forward
if they were not already taking it up themselves, although it does happen occasionally.
Too often NGOs will spend a disproportionate time agreeing the wording in a common
oral statement when they would be better to spend the time in the corridors talking with
government delegates on the agreed position.

Previous agreed text: Ensure that you have copies of all the previously agreed text this
might be from other for a as well as the one you are active in.

Keep it simple: When proposing change keep the text simple and if it builds off old agreed
language footnote where from.

Rules of Procedures: Make sure you know them, keep copies with you in case you need
them. The rules of procedure such as motions, points of order and also include the agenda,
the date and location of the meetings, the role of observers in the MEA, participation, and
the election of the Bureau to run the meetings.


Some useful techniques that can be used

As already noted, influencing negotiations requires a real focus on government negotia-
tors. Here are some approaches you can use:

Coffee bar: In every conference there is the equivalent of the Vienna Coffee bar in New
York. This is where you will bring the government delegate you are hoping to influence.
When you do, remember to not start immediately on text changes but rather get to know
them. Most government delegates care as much about the issue as you do but are limited
on what they can and cannot do by the government line. This may have come from other
Ministries such as trade or finance – it is important to know where any blockage is. If it is
with another Ministry then you can always get colleagues back in capital to put pressure
on from there.

Dinners: Organizing dinners with key governments can be a useful way of influencing
meetings. There are a number of reasons that dinners can be used and it depends on the
stage of the negotiations. If it is at the first stage then organizing dinners for a number of
key governments can ensure that you play a critical role in framing the initial positions.
This only works at the very beginning. Once negotiations have started then dinners can be
used for airing differences between governments in a very informal way where the NGO
or stakeholder is playing a facilitating role rather than a campaigning role.

Floor Managers: If you are in a coalition, then it is useful to have floor managers in the
negotiations. These people maintain a watching brief on sessions, and can keep you
informed as to where the negotiations are, who is saying what, and who is informally talk-
ing to each other (if the floor manager has the photo booklet of the negotiators then they
can identify this easily).

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Informal meetings: It is not only governments that can call informal meetings – not used
much by NGOs or stakeholders but if you have built a good relationship with a number
of governments then they may appreciate you facilitating space for informal discussion
– either on an issue you are pushing which allows the chance to explain it better or on an
issue of difference where the space can be used to try and get movement.

Photo booklet: Mentioned as something you should bring with you. Once there with a
digital camera you should try and get photos of the other key delegates so that everyone
can focus on who to talk to.

Receptions: There will be receptions organized by different countries try and ensure you
get an invitation and use the relaxed atmosphere carefully to lobby the governments you
need to.


Side Events: Most meetings now have space for organizing side events. The Secretariat will
have a system for requesting rooms to organize side events and now will probably charge
for the use of the room and any other equipment that is needed. Side events can be used
for a multitude of activities. These can be:

ß To promote the work you are doing
ß To highlight an issue that is in the negotiations
ß To highlight an issue that should be in the negotiations
ß To draw attention to linkages between processes
ß To organize training for people in aspects of the implementation of the
Convention

Support for small states: Often NGOs and stakeholders have acted as advisors to small
states that do not have the financial capacity to bring in large delegations or the expertise
in a particular issue. For the negotiations for the Climate Convention, the NGO FIELD
(Foundation for International Environmental Law and Development) acted as the advisors
to AOSIS – at times being the actual negotiating team.

Talking with your own government daily: Daily, it is very important to touch base with
members of your government’s delegation. This is to ensure either they are keeping on
track with the stated position they have or if there is a chance to change their minds allow
your input. As you are able to put pressure back home they are probably most willing to
hear you, whatever block they are in.

Targeted countries: It is important to have someone assigned to each of the key countries,
i.e. all the G8, the chairs of G77, the Troika of the European Union (present Presidency,
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past presidency and future presidency), the non-aligned countries eg, Norway, New
Zealand, Japan, Korea, China, and all bureau countries. This isn’t to say others shouldn’t
lobby these countries, but one person should try to develop close and continual contact
with the country so that they can build up a real picture of what they are saying and
doing.

Learn the language I: the world of brackets

As the negotiations progress, the text becomes cluttered with brackets. These represent
what has not yet been agreed. If you are involved with the negotiations it is very important
to understand that there are many different types of brackets. They are not, however, pre-
sented differently in order to help anyone to understand what is happening! The different
types include the following:

ß Alternative brackets comprise alternative text for the same issue and may revolve
around a substantive disagreement, but tend to be similar wording for the same
issue.
ß Contentious brackets are there because of fundamental disagreement over a
particular section.


ß Suspicious brackets are used when one group thinks the other is up to something
with a section or a phrase and therefore the brackets are put in until it becomes
clearer.
ß Tactical or trading brackets may be put in by one country to enable them to trade
with another bracket in another section or in another area. It is important to
understand what might be traded in order to unlock these brackets.
ß Uncertain brackets are put where no one was quite sure what the proposed text
meant or why the brackets were placed there in the first place.
ß Waiting brackets are inserted when governments are waiting for instructions from
the capital on what to do.
ß Weary brackets are usually included when negotiations go on into the early
morning and when people get too tired to negotiate effectively.

Understanding the use of brackets is critical during a negotiation. Many stakeholder
groups have not appreciated this in their preparations for a meeting or as the negotiating
text goes through different revisions. Some guidance here might include:

ß Who put the bracket in?
ß When you know who put it forward, ask why.
ß The ‘why’ may not be clear to other delegations and you can play an important
role in highlighting the ‘why’ in your lobbying.
ß Depending upon the answer to ‘why ’, there may be different actions. These might
include:

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ß If it was because they are waiting for instructions from the capital, then
phone your colleagues in the capital and get them to raise the issue
with relevant civil servants or ministers. This only works if you are
completely on top of the negotiations and can act immediately.
ß If it involves trading brackets with somewhere else in the text, then you
need to be able to work with the stakeholders who are trying to lobby
on that section.
ß If it is because of exhaustion brackets, then make some text suggestions.
This can be a very opportunistic time as officials are tired and looking
for a way through the darkness – or even to go home for the night!
ß If there are suspicious brackets, then it is important to work out why and
try to help build trust.


Learn the language II: document symbols

The UN produces a lot of documents and so has developed a way of easily (!) identifying
them. The symbols can at first seem like a foreign language. But with a bit of practice,
they become a useful shorthand for understanding what kind of document is being talked
about. For example:

The issuing body is the UN This is document number 1
Environment Programme

UNEP/GC.22/1/Add.1/Rev.2 Revision number 2

The meeting is the 22nd session
of the Governing Council Addendum number 1

Documents also have titles (in this case: ‘Annotated Provisional Agenda and Organization
of Work), but they are often referred to by their number.

The general rule is that the first symbol reflects the main body issuing the document:

A/- General Assembly
S/- Security Council
E/- ECOSOC
ST/- Secretariat
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Subsidiary bodies have their own symbols:

UNEP/- UN Environment Programme
FCCC/- Framework Convention on Climate Change

MEA-specific symbols include:

FCCC/SBI Framework Convention on Climate Change, Subsidiary Body for
Implementation
FCCC/SBSTA Framework Convention on Climate Change, Subsidiary Body for
Scientific and Technical Advice
UNEP/CBD/ Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biodiversity
COP/
UNEP/CHW.7/ Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control
of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their
Disposal (seventh meeting)
UNEP/POPS/ Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention on
COP.1/ Persistent Organic Pollutants (first meeting)


Secondary and tertiary components indicate subsidiary bodies:

-/AC…/ ad hoc committee
-/C…/ standing, permanent or main committee
-/CN…/ Commission
-/CONF…/ Conference
-/GC…/ Governing Council
-/PC…/ preparatory committee
-/SC…/ Subcommittee
-/Sub…/ sub commission
-/WG…/ working group

There are also additional letters that reflect the nature of a document:

-/INF/ information series
-/L… limited distribution, generally of draft documents
-/NGO/ statements by NGOs
-/PET/ petitions
-/PV… verbatim records of meetings
-/R… restricted distribution
-/RES/ resolutions
-/SR… summary of meetings
-/TP… technical papers
-/WP… working papers

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The final letters indicate the number sequence 1,2,3 etc or a modification of the docu-
ment:

-/Add… addendum
-/Amend… amendment to the document
-/Corr… corrigendum (i.e., an error to be corrected or reorganization of the
text)
-/Rev… revision (supersedes a previously issued document)

‘Non-papers’ will also be distributed informally during sessions to facilitate negotiations.
These usually contain proposed text amendments from government negotiators.


EXERCISE 6B

‘Translate’ these document titles. Who issued them? What kind of document are they?
(Answers are at the end of the module)
(1) FCCC/SBSTA/2005/INF.2
(2) UNEP/POPS/COP.1/3
(3) UNEP/CBD/COP/7/21

Summary

Being effective at an MEA meeting requires:
ß Being well-prepared:
- What policy priorities are you taking to the meeting?
- Do you have the necessary documentation, equipment and
information?
ß Understanding how intergovernmental meetings work:
- Who are the different actors, and what are their positions?
- How is the meeting organised, what opportunities are there for NGO
input?
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- Learning the language of intergovernmental negotiations.
ß Effective lobbying:
- Finding opportunities to talk to government delegates.
- Sharing resources and information with other NGOs.

ANSWERS TO EXERCISE 6B:
(1) Framework Convention on Climate Change/Subsidiary Body for
Scientific and Technical Advice/2005/Information note number two (title:
‘Information on greenhouse gas emissions from international aviation and
maritime transport. Note by the secretariat’, published 5 April 2005).
(2) United Nations Environment Programme/Stockholm Convention on
Persistent Organic Pollutants/Conference of the Parties, first meeting/
document three (title: ‘DDT register and possible format for reporting by
Parties that use DDT. Note by the secretariat’, published 6 January 2005).
(3) United Nations Environment Programme/Convention on Biological
Diversity/Conference of the Parties/Seventh meeting/document 21 (title:
‘Report of the seventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the
Convention on Biological Diversity’, published 13 April 2004).



Annex 2: Rules of Procedure

Background Reading:

Benedick, R.E. (1991). Ozone Diplomacy: New Directions in Safeguarding the Planet.
Cambridge MA: Harvard University Press.

Chasek, P. (2001). Earth Negotiations: Analyzing Thirty Years of Environmental Diplomacy.
New York: United Nations University Press.

Dodds, F., & Strauss, M. (2004). How to Lobby at Intergovernmental Meetings. London:
Earthscan.

Dupont, C. & Faure, G.O. (1991). ‘The Negotiating Process’ in International Negotiations:
Analysis Approaches, Issues. Edited by Victor Kremenyuk. San Francisco: Jossey Bass.

Edwards, M., & Gaventa, J. (Eds.). (2001). Global Citizen Action. Boulder: Lynne Rienner.

Lipnack, J. & Stamps, J. (1986). The Networking Book. London: Routledge and Kegan
Paul.

McConnell, F. (1996). The Biodiversity Convention A Negotiating History. London: Kluwer
Law International.

Montreal International Forum (1998 to 2004). FIM Reports. Montreal:FIM. Available at
http://fimcivilsociety.org.

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New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (published annually). United Nations
Handbook. Auckland: New Zealand Government

Stokke, O. Thommessen, O., G. Parmann, & H. Bergesen (2004). Yearbook of International
Cooperation on Environment and Development. London: The Fridtjof Nansen Institute
and Earthscan.

Susskind, L. (1994). Environmental Diplomacy. New York: Oxford University Press.

United Nations (2004a). Basic Facts about the UN. New York: United Nations

United Nations (2004b). UN Telephone Directory. UN: New York.

UN Non-Government Liaison Service (2003a). Guide to the UN System for NGOs. New
York and Geneva: United Nations.

UN Non-Government Liaison Service (2003b). Intergovernmental Negotiations and
Decision Making at the UN: A Guide. New York and Geneva: United Nations.

UN Non-Government Liaison Service and UNIFEM (1996). Putting Gender on the Agenda
– A Guide to Participating in UN World Conferences. UNIFEM and NGLS: New York.


UNEP (2007). Glossary of Terms for Negotiators of Multilateral Environmental Agreements,
UNEP: Nairobi

UNEP (2007). Guide for Negotiators of Multilateral Environmental Agreements, UNEP:
Nairobi

UNEP/University of Joensuu/Canada (2006). MEAs Negotiators Handbook, University of
Joensuu, UNEP Couse Series 3, Joensuu: Finland

Relevant Web sites

All convention web-sites (see modules one and five).
www.earthsummit2002.org
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MODULE VII

GAINING ACCESS TO MEA NEGOTIATIONS AND
SECRETARIATS

Ga i n i n g Ac ce ss to ME A N e g o tia tio n s a n d S e cre ta ria ts 101

IN THIS MODULE:

• Learn how to gain access to MEA negotiations and secretariats
• Obtaining accreditation
• Obtaining official documents
• NGO documents and verbal presentations

Gaining access to MEA negotiations and secretariats

The issue of gaining civil society access to the global environmental arena can be seen at
times as a rather mechanical (and to some non-state actors even a tedious or unimport-
ant) aspect of participation. However, the reality is that exercising the right to actually
participate is a vital first step for stakeholders wanting to work on MEAs. Without access
there can be no participation.

Civil society organisations can decide to work with just one MEA (or even one component
of an MEA). They can also participate at just one MEA meeting, or can seek more wide-
ranging access throughout the course and changes that MEAs go through.

Accreditation and other kinds of steps to achieve access to multilateral environmental
agreements’ processes follow definite sets of rules and procedures set by relevant bod-
ies within the United Nations. They are also subject to evolving resolutions, reflecting
changes to the role of non-state actors with regard to international institutions.

The following sections provide a general background as to the broad rules to obtain par-
ticipation rights in international environment-related meetings. As stated in other sections,
these are general policies directly relevant to the better-known MEAs. These same types
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of policies can be applicable to other sorts of similar instruments not highlighted here
(such as other international agreements or even in regional environmental agreements).
However, it is important to research the specific provisions of each MEA as required.

Obtaining accreditation

Obtaining accreditation is the first step needed for civil society participation in the multi-
lateral arena. Accreditation is the recognized process that permits civil society groups to
take part, attend, or gain opportunities to interact vis-à-vis official UN events.

Official recognition can allow for several different actions and arrangements in respect of
UN meetings and other such events. It can allow for entry into the physical spaces where
events are taking place (either headquarters or other places when events occur outside
head offices). It can permit civil society groups to obtain official documentation or to


involve themselves in more specific ways, such as presenting written and/or oral presenta-
tions.

Accreditation can also be crucial for obtaining access to delegations. Once they are
accredited, civil society organizations and individuals can share some of the physical
spaces where delegations interact. Sharing meeting rooms (formal interactions) and hall-
ways (informal interactions) are key ways to come face-to-face with government delega-
tions and let non-governmental information and points-of-view be known to officials from
different countries and blocks.

In general, it is agreed that accreditation is of two types:

ß ongoing accreditation (also known as consultative status); and
ß temporary accreditation (also known as conference accreditation).

Ongoing (or consultative status)

This is the accreditation process that non-state actors follow in order to exercise a continu-
ing attendance and an enduring relation with the United Nations and its relevant bodies
(including MEAs and their respective secretariats). Ongoing status allows civil society
groups to broadly contribute to events and other proceedings of UN work without having
to seek accreditation each and every time they want to play a part in multilateral issues.

Ongoing status can be obtained for:

ß Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). In order to obtain this sort of
accreditation civil society groups must establish their functioning dedication
to social and economic issues as they relate to the UN Council’s mandate.
Obtaining ECOSOC accreditation involves presenting relevant documentation
and an application obtainable from the UN’s Department of Economic and Social
Affairs. Completed information is then submitted to a committee made-up of
member states, which meets every other year. ECOSOC consultative status is
of three types: general, special or roster. Each of these types of status portrays

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different levels of organizational interest in ECOSOC’s activities, and comes with
different participation modes or privileges. For ECOSOC, information and the
steps to follow in order to obtain application forms as well as other information
on accreditation are hosted on: www.un.org/esa/coordination/ngo.
ß Agencies or programmes. Different UN agencies, programmes, departments,
funds, offices and organizations allow for accreditation to non-governmental
groups working in subjects related to the different bodies. These accreditations
reflect the different rapport and “culture” that each of the UN bodies has with
regard to non-state actors. Some agencies and programmes accredit civil society
members as enduring associates. Other agencies engage and accredit non-state
actors only for their periodical meetings. Each, therefore, has different formal or
non-formal rules and procedures for accreditation.


Information on accreditation and relations with civil society can be found on the websites
of the respective agencies or programmes. For example:

- The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
identifies its on-going accreditation as observer status. Civil society organizations
seeking this standing are required to submit answers to a specially prepared
questionnaire. Based on the evaluation of this information, non-governmental
groups can be granted observer category. This entitles them to automatically
receive official notifications inviting them to participate in and contribute to the
debate and discussions of expert meetings, sessions of the Commissions of the
UNCTAD Trade and Development Board, as well as UNCTAD’s quadrennial
sessions. More details can be found in the web page www.unctad.org.

- The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has over
200 partner organizations accredited. Accreditation is granted to organizations
if they meet in some key criteria:

ß Congruence with FAO’s mandate
ß Mutual interests and objectives
ß Transparency
ß Accountability

The following section on FAO’s web page makes available detailed information
on this concept and on process www.fao.org/tc/NGO/index_en.asp.
- The UN’s Department of Public Information has an accreditation process for
non-governmental organizations that wish to benefit from its information sharing
and UN liaison activities. NGOs that wish to apply must:
ß Support and respect the principles of the Charter of the UN and have a
clear mission statement that is consistent with those principles;
ß
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Be recognized nationally or internationally;
ß Operate solely on a non-for-profit basis and have tax-exempt status,
ß Have commitment and means to conduct effective information
programmes;
ß Have an established record of continuity of work for a minimum of
three years as well as a satisfactory record; and,
ß Provide proof of their legal status (through an audited annual financial
statement as well as statutes and by-laws).
Applications can be made by submitting an official letter of request to be
associated with DPI and by providing a brief description of the organization and
at least six samples of recent information materials. Further information is found
on: www.un.org/dpi/ngosection/brochure.htm.


ACCREDITATION TO THE UNITED NATIONS
ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME
Particularly relevant for work with MEAs is engaging in a relationship with UNEP. Civil
society organizations are engaged across all levels of UNEP’s work programme, from
policy development to implementation, globally and regionally.
Non-governmental organizations can apply for consultative status with UNEP’s principal
decision-making body, the Governing Council/Global Ministerial Environment Forum
(GC/GMEF). Formally, organizations with consultative status can provide written inputs
and statements for the Governing Council’s working documents. Of course, other
benefits of engaging with UNEP on a formal manner are also part of the consultative
status, such as interaction with UNEP and Governing Council during its sessions, sitting as
an observer in Council meetings; as well as circulating written statements on the matters
included in the GC’s agenda.
Organizations interested in obtaining consultative status with UNEP should provide the
following documentation:
(a) Proof of international work;
(b) Confirmation of interest in the environmental field;
(c) Proof of non-profit status.

The material should be submitted to civil.society@unep.org. The civil society branch
reviews it and requests additional material if needed. When all the criteria are met, the
Secretariat for Governing Bodies (SGB) grants and notifies the organization. Additional
information is available at: www.unep.org/civil_society/index.asp

Temporary (or conference accreditation)

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This type of official recognition is provisional and granted on a case-by-case basis for
specific events. That is, major summits, conferences, special sessions or conferences of
parties open a window to apply for momentary official recognition to participate in that
particular event. The process to apply is more simplified than for permanent accredita-
tion but the presentation of relevant documents to the pertinent Secretariat must still take
place well in advance of the actual event. Rules also vary from event to event, reflecting
the different conditions in place. Generally, however, criteria for accreditation fall into
two broad areas:

ß relevance to the event; and
ß legal status.


The list of examples of temporary or conference accreditation is quite extensive and vari-
able. As a rule, the following events are those that sanction participation on an event-by-
event basis:

ß Multilateral Environmental Agreements Meetings. For each different MEA,
the particular secretariat will make arrangements for civil society participation
in each of its meetings. Information on accreditation to these events will be
provided by each secretariat and can be found in their web pages or (at times).
ß Multilateral Development Banks and World Trade Organization. Global and
regional development banks as well as the World Trade Organization (WTO) will
endorse participation by non-state actors for their periodic meetings, ministerial
conferences, and so on. These organizations will implement an accreditation
procedure for that particular event some time in advance of the event.

CONSULTATION VS. PARTICIPATION

Article 71 of the Charter of the United Nations establishes an important distinction
between NGOs and other non-members such as specialised agencies of the UN and states
who are not members of the Economic and Social Council. Whereas agencies and other
states may participate without voting rights in ECOSOC’s deliberations (Articles 69 and
70), NGOs may only be consulted.
A review of provisions for NGO accreditation in 1998 (A/53/170) retained this distinction,
however welcomed the active participation of NGOs in UN Conferences. While stopping
short of allowing NGOs a negotiating role, this is a strong concession that the nature of
Conferences has evolved differently and more openly than the regular proceedings of
the UN.
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ACCREDITATION ISSUES

Although accreditation processes might seem straightforward at first glance, some
requirements can be problematic, especially for smaller or more remote NGOs.
For example some concerns for non-State actors are:
Language: For many accreditation processes only certain languages are accepted (for
instance, ECOSOC or UN/DPI accreditation requires that applications and supporting
documents be submitted only in the UN Secretariat’s working languages, i.e. English
or French). Organizations that do not function in these languages can see some of the
accreditation processes hindered or delayed.
Costs: Smaller and not well-funded organizations might have problems absorbing costs
associated with accreditation processes if they are too complex and price-consuming
(for example, costs of translation, dispatching, and/or preparation of financial or
other statements required that are not readily available to the organization can imply
incurring into high expenditures for some organizations).
Time: Accreditation processes (particularly for temporary accreditation) can often take
place in a brief timeframe. It can be difficult for organizations who are far away or who
have limited resources to manage the presentation of required documents within this
short window of opportunity.

WORD OF ADVICE

Obtaining accreditation can be a barrier to participation, to the extent that some smaller
organizations settle on not participating in UN or MEA related events when they cannot

Module VII
obtain this.
In such cases, it is worthwhile exploring whether the organization has affiliations to
larger “umbrella” organizations that are accredited to a particular event or with on-
going official recognition. If this is the case, individuals can be accredited as members
of the “umbrella” group.

Obtaining official documents

Accreditation, of course, is the very first step. Without accreditation of some sort, obviously
there is no way that an organization can take part in official proceedings. Nevertheless,
simply ensuring access to a meeting is not the only preparation that needs to take place.
Official documents in paper form are the groundwork for the event. Obtaining those,
preferably with enough time to be able to study them and react to them, is a key element
for efficient and knowledgeable input.


Official documents are an invaluable asset for obtaining background information and
developing strategies for non-governmental actors. They not only include information
on negotiating positions but also information on the advancement on implementation of
multilateral accords. Official papers comprise an innumerable source of formats, from
governmental statements to country reports to text already negotiated.

Obtaining these documents (preferably ahead of time) can be achieved either by being
placed on relevant mailing lists (electronic mailing lists are being used more and more
by Secretariats and other relevant bodies of the U.N.) or by downloading directly from
Internet. Internet posting has made document access a more swift and democratic endeav-
our.

Gaining opportunities to present texts and verbal statements by
non-governmental stakeholders

To some civil society actors simply being present at a meeting, conference, summit, or
international event is part of their goal. Many non-governmental stakeholders also want
to be “heard.” For this, there are several formats and opportunities to present text and/or
verbal statements.

Text and verbal statements can be presented by non-governmental actors in unofficial dis-
cussions, round tables, or other such events of the hundreds that occur at UN meetings.
Written position papers, research reports or any such statements can be presented in unof-
ficial formats just by leaving them on documentation tables’ set-up just for this purpose
(see Module Six for advice on presentation of such papers).

Non-governmental actors can also make verbal statements and present text within official
meetings. Here, as in most other areas of civil society participation, there are rules and
procedures to follow. Secretariats of events manage the opportunities to speak at formal
or open meetings. Therefore, this matter should be co-ordinated with them.

Some general guidelines on speaking at international events are as follows. In general:
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ß It is preferred that formal or informal coalitions speak as a group in order to allow
for a more efficient manner of presentation and to better use the scarce time
allotted for speaking at events.
ß Time restrictions exist for all speakers, and certainly for non-governmental
speakers; it is paramount to keep within these limits.
ß In order to use time efficiently, simple and to-the-point language should be
utilized. This does not mean that input should be inconsequential, just that it
should be expressed forcefully in order to get the message intended across.


Summary

There are some simple rules to follow regarding accreditation and access. First, under-
standing that these processes, although varied from event to event, from division to divi-
sion of the UN, do follow some sort of rules of procedure. Understanding those rules is
an important element of successful participation. Second, timeliness is of the essence.
Submitting information required on time, for example for accreditation or requests to
speak, will enable NGOs to participate in the many forms that are nowadays possible
within the UN system.


Background reading:

NGLS (2003). Guide to the UN System for NGOs. New York and Geneva: United
Nations.

NGLS (2003). Intergovernmental Negotiations and Decision Making at the UN: A Guide.
New York and Geneva: United Nations.

Relevant web sites:

Numerous websites can and should be used for accreditation and other participation
process, as well as to obtain information and documentation for MEA processes. These
are MEAs web pages, agencies’ websites, as well as sites that are more general. Some of
the more general or institutional resources web pages containing information on this are
as follows:

ß www.fao.org
ß www.un.org/depts/dhlresguide

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ß www.un.org/desa
ß www.un.org/dpi
ß www.unep.org/civil_society/index.asp
ß www.unsystem.org/ngls
ß www.wto.org
ß www.unctad.org


MODULE VIII

COMMUNICATING TO NEWS MEDIA

C o mmu n ica tin g to N e ws Me d ia 111

IN THIS MODULE:

Learn how to effectively work to gain media coverage of your issues by mainstream news
media. Understand logistics and strategies for:
• Approaching and communicating with journalists
• Communicating through and with local and national media
• Accessing international media at MEA meetings
• Organizing press conferences
• Setting broader communications strategies

Why work with Media at UN or MEA negotiations?

The primary objectives of NGO media activities in MEA processes are to increase public
awareness of:

ß The issues – and how these affect nations, economies and individuals
ß The positions of NGOs
ß The activities of NGOs in the field

Gaining media coverage by major news organizations can help NGOs to:

ß Increase pressure on political leaders to support effective policies at home

ß Influence the positions of governments during negotiations

ß Build active public constituencies that support continued action within countries
and regions

Who the Media are?
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The press corps that reports on intergovernmental conferences and from each of the major
UN venues represents a tremendous potential communications resource. In New York:

ß There are more than 200 correspondents regularly covering the UN
ß They report for over 100 major newspapers, magazines, news agencies, television
networks and radio stations
ß These serve virtually every country and geographical region


These correspondents are often supplemented by local journalists, freelancers and aca-
demics, and issue specialists who are assigned to cover stories at major international
negotiations. The numbers are similar in Geneva and Vienna – and to a lesser degree in
Nairobi.

How to contact them?

In New York, the UN journalists’ offices are primarily clustered on three floors, in a section
of the UN Secretariat and Conference Buildings. This press area is technically restricted
to those with UN press credentials, and, as with all things these days, security checks are
stricter.

Nevertheless, journalists themselves are usually fairly relaxed about NGOs visiting their
section – provided that those visitors are respectful and discrete. This means, for example,
that an individual can usually place media advisories or press
Gaining media coverage at releases in the reporters’ post-boxes (in New York, on the
the UN is possible, and it can fourth floor), or go to a scheduled interview with a particular
be extremely beneficial – but reporter. However, roaming the press offices is not advised
it is not easy. and posting notices of any type on the walls is definitely not
appreciated.

Gaining media coverage for environmental issues at the UN is possible, and it can be
extremely beneficial – but it is not easy. A fast look at the media post-boxes will reveal
that each reporter receives 40 or 50 items per day – press releases, advisories, newsletters
and background documents. Most of these are competing for the same very-limited print
or broadcast space.

Attempting to reach journalists at the UN should be done with an understanding that most
reporters are not specialists in your field. They therefore require a clear explanation of your
issues. However, their time is extremely limited. Remember, these are the same journalists
who are reporting on issues such as war, peace, drought, refugees and famine. Usually,
your issue will at best occupy a one- or two- day ‘diversion’ from their regular work.

So explanations must be clear, concise and complete. The most important rule is to make
sure that your statement identifies issues that are newsworthy and presents them in a clear,
focused way. Module VIII

What to give the press?

Background materials that can be distributed to journalists at,
or outside of, a press conference range from a 1-page media Make sure that your
advisory to a multi-page, multi–color, multimedia press kit. statement identifies issues
Regardless of their size or complexity, certain basic require- that are news-worthy, and
presents them in a clear,
ments for press materials remain the same. These are several
focused way.
of the standard formats for gaining the media’s attention.


Media Advisories

Announce your event on one page, or less, and in only a few words that explain what it
is, who is involved and when it is taking place. Identify who is sponsoring the event. Let
the press know if credentials are required (at the UN they are; outside press must apply for
accreditation from the Department of Public Information, in advance).

Press Releases

An effective press release will present a clear, focused description of an event or action. Try
to frame your issue in a style and context that news organizations and their audience will
understand. A journalist’s requirements are very specific. A press release should be:

ß Complete: It should inform what the activity is, when and where it is taking place,
who is involved, and why it is significant. It should include some provocative
quotes.
ß Clearly written and comprehensible: It should explain information in a direct
style, much like a news article. It should not sound like an academic dissertation
or a political treatise. It should also not use much scientific, political or technical
jargon. Sentences should be declarative – relatively short and clear. Verbs
should be active, not passive. The presence of more than one semicolon in a
document is a sign of serious danger.
ß Concise: Two pages should be the most for a press release, written in a readable
font (12 or 11 point Times is standard). The page should be well spaced, without
too many fancy graphics. If it needs to have graphs or charts, put them on a
background document. The press release should clearly state the sponsoring
organization or organizations. It is also very important that you provide the name
of a contact person, office telephone number, mobile phone number, and email
address.
ß Current: Describe what is actually taking place in the field, in the political
negotiations, and in the various national capitols. Don’t be afraid to state which
governments are supporting your position, and which are opposing it. Predict
how the success – or failure – of the negotiations will play out in practice, and
affect the environment and people’s lives.
ß Correct: It should be based on accurate, relevant facts. There is no better
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way to earn the trust of reporters as a reputable source than to show you are
knowledgeable and able to cite verifiable statistics, quotes and experts. And
there is no better way to lose credibility than to include erroneous or exaggerated
information.


Where to present it?

Press Conferences

The most comprehensive way to convey a message to the press is at a full news confer-
ence. These allow for a broad framing of an issue, statements by expert speakers, and
direct questions by journalists. Yet it is often difficult to attract reporters (especially New
York reporters) to most NGO press conferences regarding the UN.

Over the past decades, NGOs active on a variety of issues at the UN have realized that by
organizing press conferences and media activities in coalition, they can be far more effec-
tive at gaining the press’s attention than by trying to compete with each other or approach
journalists on their own. Press conferences that present speakers from a Northern and
Southern NGO, an environment and a social or development organization, a major NGO
and a local one have been able to reach a broader potential journalistic audience.

If these press conferences can be held at one of the venues close to the UN press corps
offices, they have a far greater chance of succeeding. There are two such venues in New
York: the official UN Press Conference Room and the lounge of the UN Correspondents
Association (UNCA). Each of these requires special permission and, if audio-visual equip-
ment or provision of food and beverages is involved, payment of a fee is required. Events
at both venues are best organized with a coalition of NGOs and the assistance of an
experienced media coordinator.

If the negotiations or Conference is taking place at a venue away from the permanent
U.N. offices, NGOs should try to obtain use of the ‘official’ Press Center used for press
conferences by governments and U.N. agencies. If this is not available or possible, NGOs
should try to obtain a venue that is symbolically significant or visually colorful, but still is
accessible to journalists covering the official meetings.

Press Kits, or Media Packages

If there is sufficient time and publishing resources, NGOs can produce and distribute a
complete media package or press kit. These press kits can be distributed at, and prior to,
a press conference conducted during an MEA meeting. Press kits add to the quantity of
information communicated, and, if well put together, can add to the quality and resulting
interest. Many of the items in the press kit can also serve additional functions: placed on
your website, sent to your members, distributed to universities, or used for fundraising.
Module VIII

Any of the following can be elements of a media package:

ß The press release (and perhaps a previous release on a relevant subject)
ß Charts or diagrams showing relevant statistics
ß Edited quotes from background documents or NGO statements
ß Biographies of the leading NGOs and press conference speakers
ß Copies of previous news articles


ß Photos of lead individuals or of scenes illustrating the problem or possible
strategies for resolving it
ß A chronology explaining the substance and politics of the issue
ß Contact information for your coalition organizations and other relevant
organizations, offices, resources and websites

Whom to send it to?

Once you’ve produced effective media materials, you need to send them to as many of
those journalists as possible who might be interested in your issue area.

Numerous databases and directories are available that catalogue all news organizations in
a geographic region, and for each specialized area, all of their current journalists. The fee
for these directories can often be expensive – although it is often the only way to obtain
comprehensive data, particularly in major media centers where there are many news orga-
nizations and reporters frequently shift jobs.

Sometimes, professional journalists associations will provide a list of their members
– though they are often likely to consider those private information.

Even if you cannot afford these references to news organizations, there are methods for
communicating with and tracking journalists that can still help you reach a large percent-
age of those who might cover your issue.

ß News calendars – Each of the major international news services (AP, UPI, Reuters,
AFP) produces a daily calendar of high-level speeches, government meetings,
official announcements and press conferences. Locate the closest office of at
least one of those agencies, and fax them the scheduling information from your
Media Advisory.
ß The major news organizations – Check the addresses, phones and e-mails of the
leading newspapers, magazines, television and radio networks in your region.
Read recent publications and websites to determine the journalists who would
be assigned to your issue.
ß A call list – Utilizing the above resources, start to assemble your organization’s
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‘call list’ of the most influential news organizations, or those most likely to
cover your story. Use a database format to set up a document that includes the
addresses, phones and e-mails of the journalists and their news organizations,
and allows you track what materials you’ve faxed, phoned or posted to each.

You should try not annoy any journalist or news organization with repeated calls – but you
should assure that each has been advised, and reminded, of the schedule for your event
before it takes place.


EXERCISE 8A

During the workshop, you will see a video of selected press conferences, backgrounders
and news reports. Discuss: What were some of your own positive or negative experiences
with media?

Selecting the message

Either before you arrive, or after you have returned home, having completed the specific
tasks of drafting and advocacy at an MEA meeting, it might be useful taking some time to
focus on the broader tasks of NGO media coordination – writing coherent messages that
can attract the public, and planning ongoing media campaigns that effectively utilize the
press.

Many advertising techniques that work for selling candidates or products can, in fact,
also work for ‘selling’ the campaigns or messages of NGOs. The primary difference is that
the strategy of an NGO campaign must not only invent colorful ways to communicate
that people will remember, but must also contain useful information that constructively
helps people understand the world and empowers them to act. The challenge always is to
include both style and substance. An effective corporate media coordinator only has to
have the former. An effective NGO has to achieve both.

It can be worthwhile to consult with communications professionals on how to draw up
such campaigns and messages. Ask a local university communications department to pro-
vide advice as part of an advanced internship. Inquire whether a public relations company
will donate any of its services. Or talk to a funder about hiring a media consultant or plac-
ing a full- or part-time communications director on staff.

Responding to criticism

Among the primary responsibilities of NGO media coordination is preparing and issuing
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responses to outside criticism, questions and attacks. Such challenges can range from well-
meaning corrections of fact, to philosophical disagreements over policy or tactics, to all
-out attacks on your organization’s actions, goals and motivations.

Ironically, the more successful an NGO’s communications efforts are, and the higher it
raises its public profile, the more likely it is that it will become the focus of honest – and
not-so-honest – questioning about the issues and the organization itself.

Suggestions on how to deal with such situations can and have filled many books
– from textbooks on reading lists for Public Relations 101, to working casebooks on the
desks of the chief executives of national governments and multinational corporations.
Learning about public relations techniques can be useful – not only to suggest strategies


that might help NGOs, but also to illustrate the types of tactics that might be used against
them.

To vastly over-simplify the possible strategies for a response when being challenged, NGOs
should try to:

ß Carefully check and re-check all facts before your initial or rebuttal statements
are sent out.
ß Strategically analyze your statements and try to anticipate any potential lines of
attack against you. Then prepare a response to each potential vulnerability.
ß If you are attacked, stay calm, and focus on the issue. See if you have anticipated
the attack – and utilize your response.
ß Address any factual mistakes – if you’ve made an error, acknowledge it quickly
and gracefully.
ß Communicate with friends and allies in the NGO, governmental, academic and
media communities immediately, to request advice and build support. Check
with former representatives of your organization, and with previous statements,
to maintain consistency in the content and tone of your communications.
ß Be aware of any economic or political motivation of those attacking, and prepare
to point those out to journalists. But try to address them calmly and confidently,
not in an overtly hostile or vindictive way.
ß Utilize your response to re state your position. Shift the conversation back to
your strengths. Don’t be overly focused on the criticism – it should not be a
diversion.

Remember that solid information, a creative presentation, and a relaxed sense of humor
can be the most effective means of defense.

Providing day-to-day materials to news organizations
In addition to the materials sent to media in preparation for a major Press Conference or at
an intergovernmental negotiation, there are several other modes of information NGOs can
utilize to communicate through newspapers, magazines, television and radio.
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Such forms of regular ‘content’ provided by NGOs to news media can include:

ß Letters to the editor – responding to a previous news story, or addressing a
specific event or issue.
ß Opinion articles – usually signed by your organization’s director or chair.
ß Information or educational material – for articles that might be included in a
regular Youth, Science or Culture section.
ß Announcements – of scheduled events that could be of interest to the public.
ß Paid advertisements – that explain your positions and advocate actions by
governments, businesses or individuals.


It’s worthwhile to send out regular information to news organizations. Don’t be too dis-
couraged if you continue to send out press releases, statements or backgrounders to jour-
nalists who don’t ever seem to cover your issues or report on your activities. The results
from these press communications are cumulative. As they see more of your materials and
positions, as they realize that your group has substantive expertise on specific issues, news
organizations should start to afford you more respect. At some point, they may start to call
you when they need information, or a quote or comment for a news story.

The key to achieving such respect, however, is credibility. It is, obviously, important that
NGOs take positions that are clear, strong and colorful. But it is equally important that
those positions can be supported by citing facts, documents and statistics that are accu-
rate. If you want journalists to report on your issues and give emphasis to your position,
you have to have gained their confidence. Remember, their own professional reputation
is on the line every time they file a report.

What’s the priority? Answer: It’s the issue

ß There are several mutually reinforcing functions that NGO media activity can
help achieve: provide factual information that the public wouldn’t ordinarily
obtain.
ß Help ‘frame’ or interpret the facts so that journalists and their audiences can see
how those should lead them to support or oppose specific policies or actions.
ß Build broad based public and political support for positive environmental, social
or economic policies.
ß Encourage individuals to effect action in their own daily lives.
ß Publicize your own organization or its leaders so that they gain the stature to
influence future policy debates.

Each of these goals is important, but arguably the least important is the last – promoting
one’s own organization. Ironically though, this is also the media function towards which
many NGOs expend much of their energy. NGOs should not become obsessed with gain-
ing citations, called ‘mentions’, or quotes by their staffers in news stories. It is much more
valuable to quietly influence the tone and content of an entire news article than it is to
have the name of one NGO appear at the end of the story.
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Focusing only on self-promotion can cause journalists to suspect your seriousness, and
interfere with achieving even that. The job of persuading a news media and the public
that your issue is serious and your position is valid is by far the most critical challenge. In
the end, effectively focusing on the substance of the issue will gain an organization more
respect, and with it, an increased ability to influence those who can support your issue
– and your organization.


Working in coalitions

Especially at major conferences and summits, the plethora of NGO voices – all competing
for media attention – often have the effect of cancelling each other out. NGOs can be far
more effective when presenting their issues to the press as a coalition. The more that lead-
ing NGOs can work together on strategies for reaching media, on activities such as press
conferences, and on their actual positions, the more likely they are to achieve a maximum
level of media coverage at meetings.

Media Coordinators and consultants

Making use of an overall media coordinator who is experienced working with interna-
tional NGOs can significantly strengthen the organization of media activities and improve
results for coalitions active at an intergovernmental negotiation. Such a coordinator can
be a current media staff person working for one of the NGOs in the coalition, or an inde-
pendent media consultant. A media coordinator can advise NGOs on how to promote
their positions on policy issues, organize media events, and publicize national and global
activities.

An effective Media Coordinator or media consultant:

ß Should be comfortable and have experience working with NGOs and
coalitions.
ß Should be ready to work closely with NGOs at a conference and at its preparatory
meetings.
ß Should be sufficiently competent on the substance of the issue that he or she can
be fluent and effective in talking to the press.
ß Should be sufficiently knowledgeable about the conference or governmental
process so as to add to – and not detract from – NGOs’ ability to navigate the
system.
ß Should be able to cooperate with the conference secretariat and with the UN
Department of Public Information (DPI) to obtain optimal access for NGOs to
official media facilities and to the UN press corps.
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Actions and Outputs

Working together, NGO coalitions and their media coordinator can:

ß Organize news conferences and background briefings by NGO experts on active
MEA issues and their political status, while the negotiations are taking place.

ß Help produce press releases and media kits covering all relevant issues, utilizing
materials from, and promoting a broad range of the active international, national
and local NGOs.


ß Arrange interviews of NGO experts in specific issue areas and representing all
geographical regions.
ß Provide relevant websites, calendars and media advisories.
ß Suggest story ideas to journalists and seek cooperation with individual news
organizations on coordinating special events.
ß Help plan and produce video news releases [VNRs] or background footage
(b-rolls).
ß Continue to work on an ongoing basis to develop ideas for media strategies and
public campaigns.

EXERCISE 8B - 8G

Follow-up Activity
After talking about the primary skills for reaching media during the workshop, the best
way to learn those skills is to practice using them. The following activities can prepare
press materials and help build skills that can be used at, or after, the official MEA
meeting.

8B Prepare a Press Release
• Form a Media Working Group with other workshop participants and NGOs
who volunteer to promote the issues at this conference.
• Each of you suggest an aspect of an issue you’d like to promote.
• Select the most significant issue to promote together.
• Discuss and formulate a specific media strategy for this meeting.
• Working in a subgroup, draft a press release, utilizing quotes from key
NGOs.
• Gain the approval of any NGOs quoted or cited in the press release.
• Copy, distribute, and promote the press release to journalists.
8C Try to arrange interviews for issue experts and representatives of your
NGO coalition
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• With international journalists present at the MEA meeting.
• With national and local journalists either by phone, or after you return
home.
8D Conduct practice sessions
• How to conduct a phone call to interest journalists in a story?
• How to respond in an interview?
• How to speak at a press conference?

Try to anticipate journalists’ questions at a press conference – particularly challenging
questions – and practice answering them effectively.


8E Form an ongoing Media Strategy Working Group
ß For any NGOs working on your issue.
ß For all interested organizations in your geographic region.
8F Track local and national media coverage on your issue

8G Compile national databases or (‘call lists’) of relevant journalists and
news organizations to contact on various issues

Summary

Communicating NGO messages through the world’s major news organizations can be a
critically effective tool in increasing public awareness and mobilizing action by govern-
ments to approve and implement environmental and sustainable development policies.
Journalists and NGOs often perform naturally complementary functions: one wants to
broadcast new and interesting information, and the other has new and information it
wants to have broadcasted. The challenge for NGOs is to reach out to those journalists in
a way that both gains their attention and is substantively useful. Selecting effective media
strategies and formulating useful documents can play a tremendously significant role in
attracting the type of media coverage that can bring an NGO’s issue to the forefront in an
extremely saturated political environment.


Annex1: NGO contact points in UN Agencies

Reference Books

Larry Tye (2002). The Father of Spin: Edward L. Bernays and the Birth of Public Relations
- Owl Books, 320 pages, ISBN: 0805067892

Dejan Vercic (2003). The Global Public Relations Handbook: Theory, Research, and
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Practice, Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 576 pages, ISBN: 0805839232

Larissa A. Grunig, James E. Grunig, David M. Dozier (2002). Excellent Public Relations
and Effective Organizations: A Study of Communication Management, Lawrence
Erlbaum Associates, 350 pages, ISBN: 0805818189

Anne Gregory (2003). Public Relations in Practice, Kogan Page publisher, 210 pages,
ISBN: 0749433817


Media Websites

Planet Ark: Daily environmental news articles from Reuters at www.planetark.org/
searchhome.cfm

Planet’s Voice: www.planets-voice.org/

World Environmental Journalists An international listserv for journalists covering green
issues, based in Sri Lanka. Will post press releases on NGO issues at www.environmen-
taljournalists.lk

The Environment News Network: A media network for online environmental news and
information at www.enn.com

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MODULE IX

IMPLEMENTATION, MONITORING AND COMPLIANCE
OF MEAs

I m p l e m e n t atio n , Mo n ito rin g a n d C o mp lia n ce o f ME A s 125

IN THIS MODULE:

• Learn what happens once MEAs are agreed and ratified
• Implementation and enforcement efforts
• Some definitions: compliance and enforcement
• Examples of civil society roles in implementation and enforcement

From adoption to implementation and enforcement: the path of
MEAs

As was described in Module One, there is no doubt that the last few years have witnessed
a proliferation of multilateral treaties that deal with environmental issues. On the other
hand, however, there is a general coincidence that this proliferation in instruments has
not been adequately reflected in the application of the norms agreed upon internationally.
Many sectors in the international community have expressed concern about this and con-
cur that there is a need for a strong impulse in order to move towards better implementa-
tion and enforcement of these instruments.

Governments and regional organizations have taken on a series of international commit-
ments by signing and ratifying MEAs. Yet, purely adopting an MEA is not sufficient. Efforts
need to be made to apply these norms and to employ practices that catalyse environmen-
tal improvements. Currently there is a call to effectively implement, apply, and enforce
the international environmental governance instruments that countries have negotiated
and adopted in the last few years.

Civil society has a strong role to play in this matter at all levels: locally, nationally, region-
ally and internationally. This Module provides basic information for MEAs compliance
and enforcement steps. In addition, this section offers information on practices and cases
where civil society has aided with very diverse strategies in implementation processes.

Implementation and enforcement

Once a country becomes a party to a multilateral environmental agreement, it should
commence implementation and enforcement efforts. These are of two broad types:

ß Substantive: moving toward employing specific measures that improve the
Module IX

particular environmental issue committed to in a particular MEA; and,
ß Procedural: meeting with the procedures established by the MEA, such as, for
example, reporting on the status of national implementation.


Often, the implementation of MEAs indicates that nations must approve relevant national
laws and policies as well as adapt or adopt national institutions and standards. It is in this
arena that implementation and compliance factors come into play.

Note that this module focuses on the actions and strategies that NGOs can take, rather
than implementation or compliance by States per se.

For guidance on national implementation and enforcement, refer to UNEP’s Manual on
Compliance with and Enforcement of Multilateral Environmental Agreements. The docu-
ment thoroughly discusses a series of means, measures, and courses of action that nations
can adopt to streamline compliance with and enforcement of MEAs. A major purpose
of the Manual is also to make available facts, methods, and experiences to be used for
compliance and enforcement plans (available free of charge at www.unep.org/DEC/docs/
UNEP_Manual.pdf).

Some definitions: compliance and enforcement

According to the UNEP Guidelines on Compliance with and Enforcement of Multilateral
Environmental Agreements, compliance and enforcement are defined in this fashion:

ß “Compliance” means the state of conformity with obligations, imposed by a
State, its competent authorities, and agencies on the regulated community,
whether directly or through conditions and requirements in permits, licences and
authorizations, in implementing multilateral environmental agreements; and,
ß “Enforcement” means the range of procedures and actions employed by a
State, its competent authorities, and agencies to ensure that organizations or
persons, potentially failing to comply with environmental laws or regulations
implementing multilateral environmental agreements, can be brought or returned
into compliance and/or punished through civil, administrative, or criminal
action.

In general, then, compliance is brought into play in the international framework while
enforcement is a concept to be used in national perspectives.
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Roles of non-governmental actors in implementation and
compliance with MEAs

As seen in different sections of this Manual, the role of non-state actors in the international
arena has been fortified in recent times, in particular after the watershed event that was
the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) of 1992. Yet,
in the end, whilst MEAs are international commitments, they are operative mainly at the
national level.

Civil society should and does have roles to play at the national levels with relation to
MEAs. These roles vary from country to country, from situation to situation. Nevertheless,
there are tasks and responsibilities by stakeholders that can be agreed upon or used as
relevant examples.

In fact, all the tactics and strategies already mentioned in other sections are applicable at
the national levels. Some examples of activities that civil society groups use around the
globe regarding national implementation issues and MEAs include:

ß Developing national campaigns to promote adoption of a certain multilateral
accord;
ß Providing research to relevant state actors on the MEA and its implementation;
ß Providing information to relevant state actors on the MEA and its
implementation;
ß Training relevant stakeholders and decision-makers in implementation and
enforcement practices;
ß Taking part in expert groups related to multilateral environmental accords;
ß Participating in consultations for the establishment of national implementation
plans or strategies;
ß Using international agreements a country is party to as leverage for domestic
application of norms;
ß Providing informed opinions regarding implementation of MEAs at the national
level, articulating domestic limitations and priorities.

Furthermore, many civil society groups act as facilitators
in the implementation and compliance field, working with The key word is engagement
parliaments and the judiciary (as well as other branches of … non-state actors have
governments), providing training to decision-makers in content a myriad of possible
and form of multilateral environmental issues, and facilitating opportunities, instances, and
implementation processes. strategies for encouraging
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implementation of and
In fact, some of the specific UNEP Guidelines for implementa- compliance with MEAs.
tion of MEAs specifically deal with the role of non-state actors
(for example, Guideline number 27). As is typical with regard to non-governmental
engagement in the global environmental field, the opportunities and strategies are count-
less. When strategizing at the national level, these need to be adopted not only to each


particular MEA but also to each particular national situation. Yet, it can be concluded
that the key word is engagement, implying that non-state actors have a myriad of possible
opportunities, examples, and strategies for encouraging implementation of and compli-
ance with MEAs.

UNEP GUIDELINES ON COMPLIANCE WITH AND
ENFORCEMENT OF MULTILATERAL ENVIRONMENTAL
AGREEMENTS
Section E - National implementation - Guideline 28
Major stakeholders: Major stakeholders including private sector, non-governmental
organizations, etc., can be consulted when developing national implementation plans,
in the definition of environmental priorities, disseminating information and specialized
knowledge and monitoring. Cooperation of the major stakeholders might be needed
for enhancing capacity for compliance through information, training and technical
assistance.

Steps in MEAs implementation processes: compliance

Although countries, regional blocks, and the international community have productively
negotiated and generated mechanisms, such as MEAs, that confront international envi-
ronmental issues, their successful instrumentation, and application is still a slow process
matter. Countries do have to cogently apply a series of steps; many at the domestic level,
in order to ensure that MEAs are complied with by establishing a set of rules and to further
ensure that these rules are enforced where relevant. Compliance with MEAs is achieved
through the establishment of norms, laws, permits, licenses, authorizations, and national
plans imposed for implementing multilateral environmental agreements. Following are
some instances of mechanisms to be developed in order to implement MEAs and the pos-
sible roles of different stakeholders in each one of them.
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National Action Plans or National Strategies UNEP Guideline 14(b):
National implementation
One early step that can be taken for MEA implementation plans could be required in a
is the development of national action or strategy plans. The multilateral environmental
agreement, which could
national implementation plans or strategies can:
potentially include
environmental effects
ß take stock of the issue at the national arenas, involving
monitoring and evaluation in
all relevant sectors of the state and stakeholders; order to determine whether
ß express how a state will meet its MEA-related a multilateral environmental
agreement is resulting in
requirements; environmental improvement;
ß recognize which are the gaps present in national
policies or domestic situations that can forestall the
application of multilateral treaties; and
ß generate consciousness; engender collaboration and exchange between different
relevant areas of the State dealing with a subject, and to bring in stakeholders’
opinions, knowledge, and diagnostics in early stages of plan’s development.

WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE STAKEHOLDER ROLES IN
DEVELOPING NATIONAL STRATEGIES? TAKING PART IN
OR LEADING NATIONAL PLANS.

A very first step for all national strategies and plans is to identify and involve
stakeholders.
Furthermore, there are many examples of national strategies where civil society groups
have taken a leading role in developing them. An assessment of the GEF-funded
enabling activities for the implementation of the Convention on Biodiversity found
several best practices whose key was stakeholders’ lead. For example, for Egypt, the
success of establishing the national biodiversity strategy and action plan was, according
to the assessment, due to civil society involvement:
“Where the academic community is strong, the selection of universities as lead in local
consultations had several advantages. This is the experience of Egypt, where universities
are regarded as centres of knowledge, have very high credibility, and the word of a
university President is ‘heard.’ If the lead to such consultations is given to politically
powerful local leaders, there is the potential disadvantage that when they issue
invitations, people would come because they were ‘obliged.’ With universities inviting,
people came voluntarily.”
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Source: Establishment of guidelines for the Second National Reports, including indicators
and incentive measures: An interim assessment of biodiversity enabling activities:
national biodiversity strategies and action plans: a study for the Global Environment
Facility, UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/5/INF/9, 13 December 1999.


Reporting, monitoring, and verification

In order to comply with MEAs it is not enough to just abide by the set requirements.
States must also report, monitor, and verify these conditions. These so-called compliance
information systems include the generation of databases with relevant information as well
national reporting to COPs. MEA secretariats gather this information and play an active
role in generating and standardizing reporting methodology and format, as well as advanc-
ing (with other agencies) the support of report funding for developing countries.

A significant element in reporting, monitoring, and verification activities is that it allows
stakeholders, governmental administrations, and the international community to gauge
what have been the accomplishments in MEA application and how to steer this further. Is
not only an instance to give an account but also an opportunity to take stock of situations
and identify gaps and deficiencies.

By generating and managing these reports, all those involved also tangentially fulfil other
mandates. Not only do the statements, data gathering and verification exercises explicitly
accomplish reporting requisites, they also can and are used as a means for access to infor-
mation by the most diverse stakeholders.

UNEP GUIDELINE 14 (C)

Reporting, monitoring and verification: multilateral environmental agreements can
include provisions for reporting, monitoring and verification of the information obtained
on compliance. These provisions can help promote compliance by, inter alia, potentially
increasing public awareness. Care should be taken to ensure that data collection and
reporting requirements are not too onerous and are coordinated with those of other
multilateral environmental agreements. Multilateral environmental agreements can
include the following requirements:
• Reporting (. . .);
• Monitoring (. . .); and,
• Verification (. . .). Module IX


WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE STAKEHOLDER ROLES
IN REPORTING, MONITORING, AND VERIFICATION
PROCEEDINGS? DEVELOPING PARALLEL REPORTS OR
INPUTTING INTO NATIONAL REPORTS
Civil society groups can play many parts in reporting and verification activities related
to MEAs. Certainly, they can provide expert advice and information on the many
and complex aspects involved in these activities. Although some countries only use
official data for national reporting, many nations also include stakeholder-generated
information (for example, from academics, from the private sector and so on).
Furthermore, when civil society groups do not agree with situations as presented in
official reports, they can (and do) present alternative reports in formal or semi-formal
circumstances. These alternative reports can provide additional or divergent data than
that presented in official statements.
Some MEAs have imbedded mechanisms for specific stakeholder participation in
reporting procedures. For example:
• The Aarhus Convention requests that national reporting be conducted
through a “transparent and consultative process involving the public.” The
national reports themselves have to detail how the public was consulted
and how the outcome of the public consultation was taken into account
for preparing the statements. Further information on this is available at
www.unece.org/env/pp/documents/mop1/ece.mp.pp.2.add.9.e.pdf
• For CITES, information and data from non – governmental organizations can
also be accepted as part of the reporting processes. Further information on
this is available at www.cites.org

Implementing laws, regulations and national policies

Although the international domain in multilateral agreements is of course of utmost impor-
tance, it must be clear that implementation and enforcement is a domestic issue in most
cases. It is at the national level that much activity needs to still be carried out to improve
compliance with and enforcement of international environmental accords.

A key step is the normative framework that must be in place nationally to meet with inter-
national environmental commitments. The development and adoption of germane and
comprehensive rules as well as robust institutions is a juncture that many countries face
Module IX

with difficulty.


On the other hand, it has been pointed out repeat-
edly that, in a great deal of cases, MEAs are the UNEP Guideline 20:
Law and regulatory framework. According
sole source of domestic norms. That is, rules
to their respective national legal
regarding a particular environmental issue do not frameworks, States should enact laws and
exist and are only adopted as a result of a country regulations to enable implementation of
being party to an MEA, in a sort of benign “trickling multilateral environmental agreements
down” effect of the global norm to the national where such measures are necessary for
sphere. compliance. Laws and regulations should
be regularly reviewed in the context of the
relevant international obligations and the
national situations.

IMPLEMENTING NORMS AND POLICIES? PROVIDING
TRAINING AND CAPACITY BUILDING FOR THE
DEVELOPMENT OF DOMESTIC NORMS

The need for capacity building is high, particularly in developing countries, in the
areas of developing rules, enabling legislation, and policies related to environmental
international accords. There are numerous examples of projects where academics and
research-oriented non-governmental organizations provide training for decision-makers
in this theme. For example, the Chilean Centro de Derecho Ambiental of the University of
Chile together with FIELD of the UK have completed a project for creating institutional
capacity in norms and policies related to biosafety issues with special considerations to
the international commitments Chile has taken on recently in this subject.
Civil society groups of all types engage in campaigns and information dissemination to
apply pressure on countries to adopt and implement MEAs. Information dissemination
is one of the ways that non-state actors try to sway public opinion to press the case for
implementation of MEAs by decision-makers.
Stakeholders around the world hold countless numbers of events (seminars, workshops,
etc.) where the different technical and policy aspects of MEA enforcement are debated.
These events are also a way to move forward the debate, increase public awareness
regarding norms and institutions, and to some extent steer domestic implementation
processes.
Module IX


Soft law and normative frameworks at the national level

As seen in Module One, soft law is also a driver in domestic policy-setting and legal
framework implementation regarding various sustainable development issues and related
matters. Principle 10 of the Rio Declaration (see box), for example, has permeated into
national norms in most, if not all, regions of the world1.

RIO DECLARATION ON ENVIRONMENT AND
DEVELOPMENT
PRINCIPLE 10
Environmental issues are best handled with the participation of all concerned citizens,
at the relevant level. At the national level, each individual shall have appropriate
access to information concerning the environment that is held by public authorities,
including information on hazardous materials and activities in their communities, and
the opportunity to participate in decision-making processes. States shall facilitate and
encourage public awareness and participation by making information widely available.
Effective access to judicial and administrative proceedings, including redress and remedy,
shall be provided.

EXERCISE 9A

Identify norms that have been incorporated into national legislation due to a particular
country’s adoption of an international environmental agreement.

Steps in MEAs’ implementation processes: enforcement

Adopting the right norms and policies for MEA application is a first step for the applica-
tion of an international agreement. Although adoption of norms is of course a necessary
and imperative stage in the implementation process, in and of itself is insufficient for the
thorough application of an international agreement. This is so given that domestic policy
should also be oriented to enforcement of these norms.
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1 For analysis of Principle 10’s incorporation into relevant national legislation, with particular focus on its regional and global implica-
tions, see Carl Bruch, ed., The New “Public” – the Globalization of Public Participation (Washington, DC: Environmental Law Institute,
2002). Available at www.eli.org. Also see www.accessinitiative.org


WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE STAKEHOLDER ROLES
INMEA ENFORCEMENT? RIGHT TO STAND APPEALING
TO MEAS
The right to stand in national courts and to argue a case based on MEAs is a rising
course of action for many civil society groups. This is what is meant when “leverage” of
multilateral agreements in domestic legal systems is invoked. Stakeholders (as part of
interest groups or as concerned organizations) play an active role and invoke MEAs in
enforcement proceedings. Some cases are as follows:
• An Indian NGO brought – and won – a public interest case to determine
that the export of ‘shahtoosh’ (wool from the underbelly of the endangered
Tibetan antelope) from Jammu and Kashmir is indeed a violation of India’s
CITES laws, and required that State to amend its laws accordingly.
• Groups in Brazil have accessed courts to challenge the safety of Genetically
Modified Organisms, following principles in Article 23 of the Cartagena
Protocol on Biosafety. This section of the Protocol (called Public awareness
and Participation) indicates that the Parties shall: (a) “Promote and facilitate
public awareness, education and participation concerning the safe transfer,
handling and use of living modified organisms in relation to the conservation
and sustainable use of biological diversity, taking also into account risks
to human health. . .”. These groups, through this action, have achieved
moratoria in the use of GMOs until their safety is considered. They have also
used legal actions to pressure for more public participation in the national
policy-making debate on the production of GMOs.

MEA ENFORCEMENT? RESEARCH AND TRAINING
PROVIDED BY CIVIL SOCIETY
MEA enforcement requires a range of mechanisms, many of them new and innovative.
Civil society groups (among them academics and research-oriented non-governmental
organizations) play a fundamental role in carrying out original policy-oriented research
in MEA enforcement.
Moreover, civil society groups also work at making these new enforcement measures
operational. This is vital for many nations where laws resulting from multilateral
agreements are pioneering in the normative configuration of a country. Countless
universities and professional groups around the world assume the task of training in
Module IX

these areas. For example, the organization Centro de Estudios Ambientales (CEDEA)
of Argentina carried out training together with the Unión de Empleados de la Justicia
of that country (union of justice department workers) for the enforcement of new
norms in that national legal system. The training for workers and judges in the justice
branch aimed at enforcing new norms, many of them arising out of international
commitments with MEAs.


There are innumerable instances where a norm that has been adopted by a country to meet
with an MEA is not imposed at the national level. The enforcement of national instruments,
and by correlation the international agreement that a national law in theory applies, is
done by combating violations to the norms. This is basically what is meant by enforce-
ment in this respect.

Dispute settlement mechanisms

Although it might be an unwanted by- UNEP Guideline 7:
product, conflict is accepted, but always Dispute settlement provisions in principle, provisions
avoided, as a given in the enforcement for settlement of disputes complement the provisions
aimed at compliance with an agreement. The
arena. Putting dispute settlement mecha-
appropriate form of dispute settlement mechanism
nisms into operation can help to deal can depend upon the specific provisions contained
preventatively with this issue, and ensure in a multilateral environmental agreement and the
a better implementation process for nature of the dispute. A range of procedures could
MEAs. Dispute settlement machineries be considered, including good offices, mediation,
that effectively attempt to settle disputes conciliation, fact-finding commissions, dispute
do so through an array of elements resolution panels, arbitration and other possible
(mediation, conciliation, panels, etc.). judicial arrangements which might be reached between
concerned parties to the dispute..

WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE ROLES OF STAKEHOLDERS IN
MEA DISPUTE RESOLUTION MECHANISMS? AMICUS
BRIEFS AND GRIEVANCES

Here also civil society groups have been playing roles that are more visible over time.
Growingly, dispute resolution bodies allow for intercessions by different stakeholders
in disputes being settled. These take the forms of amicus briefs. That is, submissions
by what are perceived as “friends of the court” (amicus curiae). Some mechanisms also
recognize grievances presented by stakeholders.
Module IX


CASE STUDY: USE OF MEAS DISPUTE RESOLUTION
MECHANISM IN THE DANUBE DELTA CASE
The Government of Ukraine, with a German-based company, plans to dig a deep
navigational canal through the Ukrainian section of the Danube Delta. The Ukraine’s
delta is part of a Bilateral Biosphere Reserve. This planned canalisation would have,
according to several assessments, profound negative environmental impacts beyond the
Ukrainian borders, affecting other countries in Europe, the Mediterranean basin, and
Africa.
A Ukrainian environmental law firm (Ecopravo-Lviv-EPL) objected to this intervention and
(invoking the many agreements that Ukraine has signed) challenged the canalisation.
The firm has filed legal complaints with a number of international bodies that are
responsible for administering international law affecting the Danube Delta Bilateral
Biosphere Reserve. Among these are dispute resolution procedures.
Below is a brief list of bodies where EPL has filed formal complaints thus far. Besides these,
the firm has also presented the case before UNESCO and the Ramsar Convention.

• Presented before the Compliance Committee of the Aarhus Convention (on
access to information, public participation in decision-making and access to
justice in environmental matters);

• Presented before the Implementation Committee of the Espoo Convention
(on EIA in a transboundary context);

• Presented a Letter of Emergency Notification filed with the Secretariat on
the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS);

• Filed an Emergency Complaint to the Permanent Secretariat of the
International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River; and

• Presented a Letter of Notification with the Secretariat of the African-
Eurasian Waterbird Agreement (AEWA).

Module IX


RELEVANT WEB-SITES

Besides the already mentioned MEA Secretariats and official links, there are large
numbers of organizations dealing with MEAs that include information on the application,
compliance, monitoring and scientific aspects of MEAs on their web sites. Some of them
are included in this box.
• CGIAR Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research www.cgiar.
org

• CI Conservation International www.conservation.org

• DIVERSITAS International program of biodiversity science www.diversitas-
international.org

• GEF Global Environment Facility www.gefweb.org

• IUCN International Union for the Conservation of Nature & Natural
Resources (World Conservation Union) www.iucn.org

• MEA Millennium Ecosystem Assessment www.millenniumassessment.org

• SEI Stockholm Environment Institute www.sei.se

Sources: Wilson Institute and others

Summary

ß After a State becomes party to an MEA, it is obligated to fulfil formal and
substantive aspects of the agreement at the domestic level and before the
international community.
ß Civil society groups exercise a series of rights and carry out activities related to
the application of the MEAs.
ß Stakeholders have roles in the implementation of local instruments as well as
in the global grounds where there is interaction with MEA compliance and
enforcement.
ß Monitoring of application is also an activity for civil society groups,
Module IX

often using the MEA itself as international leverage for national policy.



Annex 4: UNEP’s Guidelines on Compliance with and Enforcement of Multilatera
Environmental Agreements

References in this Module

Taneja, B. (2002). Implementation of Multilateral Environmental Agreements by India
– Legislative Harmonisation: Meeting the Requirements of the CBD and other multi-
lateral environmental agreements. Available at www.field.org.uk/files/india.pdf.

IDS (January 2003). Public Participation and the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety: A review
for DFID and GEF Part I: The main report, Brighton, U.K University of Sussex, January
2003.

Gálvez, A. (2002) ‘Mexico’. In Christoph Bail, Robert Falkner and Helen Marquard,
Eds., The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety: Reconciling Trade in Biotechnology with
Environment and Development? London: RIIA/Earthscan.

Greenpeace México, Harsant, M. and E. Kalafatelis (2001). La respuesta ciudadana a la
contaminación del maíz transgénico. Presented at the International Seminar on the
Impacts of Free Trade, Pesticides and Transgenics in the Agriculture of Latin America,
Chapingo, Mexico, 1-2 August 2002.

Module IX


MODULE X

OBTAINING FUNDING FOR MEA-RELATED PROJECTS

O bta in in g Fu n d in g fo r ME A - R e la te d P ro je cts 141

IN THIS MODULE:

Learn how best to approach funders to support MEA-related projects.
• Understanding timelines and at times priorities for funders Vs NGO
priorities
• Creating relationships with funders
• Submitting funding proposals
• Specific potential funders

Sourcing funds for MEA-related projects

Working on MEAs can be an expensive undertaking for NGOs. This module provides an
idea of where to try for funding, along with general advice on how to make an effective
application. It is not a definitive book on fundraising, more a teaser on the subject. It will
look in particular at how to approach funders and give some practical advice on where to
find more information.

Understanding timelines and conditions (priorities) for funders

Different funding agencies work to different timelines. Often, there are several stages to the
application process. For example the UK Department for International Development uses
a concept paper stage (see box below). This enables them to quickly review the organiza-
tion, its competence and if the project is of interest. A lot of other funders are moving to
introduce similar processes.

The funding process can be slow, so you need to plan well in advance. Using the DfID
example again, it can take up to ten months (or more) to obtain funds:

Early June: Concept notes have to be submitted to DfID (you can submit as many
as you like but they have to be at least four weeks apart). You will
receive a reply with a reference number within 2 days.
June/July: Within four weeks, the applicant will have a decision on whether
DﬁD would like to see a full proposal. Getting through to the full
proposal stage does not mean you are going to get funds. Probably
around one in three is eventually funded.
31 July: All full proposals are due.
July – Jan: DfID may then come back asking for more information.
Early Feb: The relevant committee in DfID will meet.
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Mid Feb: Applicants will be given a decision.
1 April: Funds will be released.

Other funders are quicker and have staff who have discretion under a certain level to make
relatively quick decisions. A good rule of thumb for a US Foundation would be under
$100,000 level grant could be made by the Fund Officer.

CONCEPT NOTES AND FULL PROPOSALS

A concept note typically will be around two or three pages covering:
• information on the organization,

• information on the project, and

• a preliminary logical framework for the project.

We have enclosed an example by Stakeholder Forum for you to look at.
The full proposal often will be ten pages long with a format that includes:
Section I: Basic Data Sheet/Summary

Section II: Project Rationale

Section III: Project Approach

Section IV: Project Management and Implementation

Section V: Project Monitoring, Learning and Dissemination

Section VI: Risks

Section V: Project Budget

Section VI: A full logical framework
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SOME TIPS ON FUNDRAISING

Here is a checklist to help ensure that you maximise your chances of success with funding
applications:

• Are you eligible to apply? For example, does the funder require you to be a
charity, registered in the US, or other criteria that may make it unlikely that
they would fund you?

• Have you identified the right timelines to apply?

• Who is the person that will review your project application? Have you spoken
to them?

• Does your project meet some or all of the priorities set down by the funder?
Are these priorities clearly reflected in the application?

• Do you need to identify project partners? If yes, have you approached
them?

• Are you able to meet the financial management requirements?

• Pay close attention to the specific requests or requirements set forth by
a potential funder. Failure to comply with specific lengths, language, or
elements can result in automatic rejection of the proposal on technical
grounds.

• Is this the right funder or funders’ line? Sometimes your project might fit into
two or more places within a funders’. If you are unsure, it is best to telephone
and find out which one is most appropriate.

• Does the funder provide funding up-front, or after you produce receipts?
If the second, can your financial situation cope with this? It is not unusual
for governments to take up to six months to pay – up to a year in extreme
cases.

• Are matching funds required? Does in kind voluntary contribution count? Or
do you need to source additional funding?

• Have you calculated your budget in the right currency?
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Creating relationships with funders

It used to be much more common for Foundations and other funders to publish the names
of the relevant funding officers on the web or in their Annual Reports. There has been a
move over recent years to change this, in order to make the application process more
neutral.

This has both positive and negative repercussions. The positive is it makes the process
seem fairer. The negative, particularly for new people trying to get funding, is that appli-
cants don’t have a good Foundation Officer to help them through the design phase and
gain valuable experience in the application process.

We suggest that you actively seek out relevant officers to guide your application. Research
the Foundation on the web. If it has named your area as something they will fund, and you
think you meet their criteria, the next job is to find the right person. If you do not know
the name of the relevant person then:

ß Search the Foundation’s own web site.
ß In the US the environmental Foundations have formed the Environmental Grant
association. Search their web site (http://www.ega.org/) for more information on
the Foundation you are interested in and see if there are named people associated
with the area you are seeking.
ß If you still haven’t got the right information then do an internet search (google) on
the topic area and the Foundation.
ß When you have the name of the person do another search looking for their
email.
ß It is also worth searching what they have done before so you have an idea
what their profile is. If they have published (such as Michael Edwards at Ford
Foundation) read what they say. It will help later in putting together your
application.
ß If you are coming to the country where the funder is based, email and ask to meet
to discuss your work.
ß If you can’t do that, ask if you can have a chat on the telephone. This is a good
way of finding out if they might be interested. It saves time and also offers a
chance for their input.
ß If you can engage officers in helping to design the project, they will then help
you to take it further through the system in the Foundation or Government.
ß Try to build a personal relationship with the funder. Are they married? What do
they do in their spare time? Do they have any projects they are really proud of
funding?
ß Keep a record of what you learn so that everyone in your organization can benefit
from some knowledge management.
Module X


Meeting with funders at UN meetings

If you are attending UN meetings then this is a great chance to meet a number of potential
funders. It is worth bringing a number of concept notes with you to these meetings, but
don’t just sit down with the funders and bring out the notes. Again, try to get to know them
as people first.

If you can, drop them an email before hand saying you want to meet and discuss your
programme of work, including a few bullet points on what those conversations might
cover. If you don’t know the right person then go to the previous meeting of the UN body
and seek out the list of participants. This will give you names and then search the web for
telephone numbers and email addresses.

Potential Funders

A number of potential funders exist, depending on what you are trying to find funds for and
the policy of your NGO (for example some NGOs do not accept funds from the private
sector). One of the most important things that you can do is set aside a week and research
possible funders in depth. This will help you determine who is most likely to support your
application, before you send anything to one or another funder.

In broad categories, potential funders include:
ß National governments
ß Regional and local governments
ß UN agencies and other intergovernmental bodies
ß The UN Foundation
ß The European Union
ß Foundations
ß Lotteries
ß Companies
ß Other NGOs

National Governments

The major governmental donor community is in the north but not exclusively. If you are
from a developing country, your government many have funds available or be able to help
with in kind contributions at times.

There are many government departments from which you might find funding. Departments
or Ministries that are worth looking at include:
ß Development
ß Environment
Module X


ß Foreign Affairs
ß Trade and Industry

Some of these will have clear published guidelines for applying for funds and can easily
be developed into a matrix. For others it is a matter of research and their requirements may
change from year to year.

EXERCISE 10A

At the end of this module is a UK Department for International Development Concept
Note structure. Also find an example already completed to give you an idea of how to
do this. On the enclosed disk you will find the structure ready to use. As an exercise, fill
in the Concept Note on the topic of “Creating a National Network to Build Capacity on
Lobbying for MEAs.”

Regional and Local Government

Over the past few years, regional government and large local governments have emerged
as funders. Examples include the Basque, Catalonian, Quebec and Flanders regions, and
the Cities of London and Montreal. In fact, Belgium no longer has a national Minister for
environmental issues – it is rotated among the regional governments. These are not major
funders but are well worth approaching for travel and small projects.

UN Agencies and other intergovernmental bodies

Many different UN Agencies and intergovernmental bodies give grants and support proj-
ects. Some that might support work in the area of MEAs include:

ß GEF
ß Development Banks
ß European Union
ß FAO
ß UNDP
ß UNEP
ß UN Institute for Training and Research
ß UN Regional Commissions
ß World Health Organization
ß World Bank
Module X


Details of the NGO contact persons for the various UN Agencies are listed in Appendix
One.

In addition to the UN itself there is the UN Foundation set up by the enormously gener-
ous donation of Ted Turner. To access the UN Foundation’s funds you need to partner with
one of the UN agencies. This can be both a rewarding and a confusing experience. The
process of agreeing and submitting an application can be prolonged, and understanding
UN agency processes can be difficult. The process is also rewarding because the project
should be a partnership with the UN Agency and the chance to access their enormous
knowledge and experience can not be underlined enough.

The Foundation meets four times a year, and it can take quite some time for applications
to be determined and funds released via the UN agency. The reasons are to ensure proper
safeguards within the UN agency and with the dispersal of the funds. If you are interested
in developing a proposal and putting it through the UN Foundation then allow nine
months to a year for it to go through and – if successful – for funds to be dispersed.

European Union

Although the European Union is a labyrinth, there are only a small number of possible
places for funding around MEAs. These are:

ß DG Environment
ß DG Development

Foundations

Many of the well known foundations are from the United States. For example, the Ford,
Rockefeller and Soros Foundations are major institutions and have offices around the
world. There are also international foundations from other countries such as German,
Dutch, Norwegian, and Swedish Foundations. Many of these countries now have
Foundation Centres which allow you access to a comprehensive database of relevant
foundations (note that some of these Centres charge for this service). Large foundations
may have regional offices which you can contact. Below is a list of Foundations you might
like to consider:

Carnegie Foundation Soros Foundation
www.carnegiefoundation.org www.soros.org
Ford Foundation Rockefeller Brothers
320 East 43rd Street 437 Madison Avenue, 37th Floor
New York, New York 10017 New York, New York 10022-7001
Tel: 212-573-5000 Fax: 212-490-7168 Tel: 212-812-4200 Fax: 212-812-4299
www.fordfound.org www.rbf.org
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Global Wallace Foundation Rockefeller Foundation
1990 M Street, N.W., Suite 250 437 Madison Avenue, 37th Floor
Washington, District of Columbia 20036 New York, New York 10022-7001
Tel: 202-452-1530 Fax: 202-452-0922 Tel: 212-812-4252 Fax: 212-812-4299
www.wgf.org www.rffund.org
Heinrich Boll Foundation Tinker Foundation
W. Alton Jones Foundation, Inc. 55 East 59th Street
232 East High Street New York, New York 10022
Charlottesville, Virginia 22902-5178 Tel: 212-421-6858 Fax: 212-223-3326
Tel: 804-295-2134 Fax: 804-295-1648 www.fdncenter.org/grantmaker/tinker
www.wajones.org
Mott Foundation Foundation Center United States
1200 Mott Foundation Building The Foundation Center
503 South Saginaw Street 79 Fifth Avenue/16th Street
Flint, Michigan 48502-1851 New York, NY 10003-3076
Tel: 810-238-5651 Fax: 810-766-1753 Tel: (212) 620-4230 or (800) 424-9836
www.mott.org Fax: (212) 807-3677
www.fdncenter.org
MacArthur’s Foundation The European Foundation Centre
140 S. Dearborn Street, European Foundation Centre
Chicago, IL 60603-5285 USA 51 rue de la Concorde
Tel: (312) 726-8000 Fax: (312) 920-6285 1050 Brussels
www.macfound.org Belgium
tel.: +32.2.512.8938
fax: +32.2.512.3265
www.efc.be
Pew Foundation
One Commerce Square
2005 Market Street, Suite 1700
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103-7077
Tel: 215-575-4740 Fax: 215-575-4888
www.pewtrusts.com

Lotteries

A number of countries operate lotteries with some funds going to charitable work.

Companies

A large number of companies offer funding. Some of them may benefit from your cam-
paigning and some will most likely be against your position. See if you can identify com-
panies that would support your position. For example, renewable energy companies may
be prepared to help fund NGOs campaigning on climate change, as tough CO2 targets
would be in their interest.
Module X


You might source funding from a number of places in a company, including:

ß Their foundation
ß The external affairs department
ß The marketing department

Like with other funders, find out the names of the key people and telephone and chat with
them about what possibilities exist.

Other NGOs

Many of the development NGOs such as Oxfam, Action Aid, Norwegian Churches, and
Christian Aid, have small or medium sized grants that they will give out in addition to
funding partners. The NGOs listed here don’t tend to be involved with MEAs, but it is
worth approaching them if you can make the case for your work being a development
priority.

Summary

Funding sources for MEA-related projects exist nationally and internationally, through gov-
ernments, foundations, businesses and even other NGOs. In general, applying for funding
requires timeliness and a good understanding of the funders’ interests and decision-mak-
ing processes. If at all possible, try to build a relationship with the funding officer – they
can be helpful in guiding you through the application process.


Annex 1: NGO contact points in UN Agencies

Annex 2: Contact points in the European Union’s DG Environment

Annex 5: Illustrative formats used for funding applications
Module X


ANNEXES

Annexes

Annexes 151

Annex 1: NGO contact points in UN Agencies and Programmes

UNOG - NGO LIAISON OFFICE IN GENEVA
Mr. Ricardo ESPINOSA
Room 153 - Palais des Nations
1211 Geneva 10
Tel: (41-22) 917 2127
Fax: (41-22) 917-0583
E-mail: ungeneva.ngoliaison@unog.ch
Website: www.unog.ch/ESS_Mission_services/ngo/liaison.htm

UNOV - NGO LIAISON OFFICE AT VIENNA
Mr. Nyron SEQUEIRA
Room E1416
Vienna International Centre
1400 Vienna
Austria
Tel: (43-1) 26060-4499
Fax: (43-1) 26060-5929
E-mail: protocol@unvienna.org
Website: www.unvinnea.org/unov/index.html

NGLS - NON-GOVERNMENTAL LIAISON SERVICE
Mr. Tony HILL
Coordinator
CH-1211, Palais des Nations
Geneva 10, Switzerland
Tel: (22) 917-2076
Fax: (22) 917-0432
E-mail: ngls@unctad.org

Ms. Elisa PETER
1 UN Plaza. Room DC1-1106
United Nations
New York, NY 10017
Tel: (212) 963-3125
Fax: (212) 963-8712
E-mail: ngls@un.org
Website: www.un-ngls.org

DPI - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC INFORMATION
Mr, Paul HOEFFEL
Chief, NGO Section
Department of Public Information
Room S-1070L
United Nations, New York, N.Y. 10017
Tel: (212) 963-6842
Fax: (212) 963-6914/2819
Annexes


DPI/NGO Resource Center:
Room L-1B-31
United Nations, New York, N.Y. 10017
Tel: (212) 963-7233
Fax: (212) 963-2819
E-mail: dpingo@un.org
Website: www.un.org/dpi/ngosection/index.asp

ADVANCEMENT OF WOMEN
Ms. Tsu-Wei CHANG
Division for the Advancement of Women
Room DC2-1204
United Nations New York, NY 10017
Tel: (212) 963 8370
Fax: (212) 963 3463
E-mail: csw49@un.org

AFRICA
Ms. Ruth ENGO
Room DC1-1048
United Nations New York, NY 10017
Tel: (212) 963 4780
Fax: (212)963 3892
E-mail: engo@un.org

HUMAN RIGHTS
Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, New York Office
Room S-2914, United Nations
New York, NY 10017
Tel: (212) 963-5930
Fax: (212) 963-4097
Website: www.unhchr.ch

INDIGENOUS POPULATIONS
Ms. Elsa STAMATOPOULOU
Acting Chief
Secretariat of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
Division for Social Policy and Development, DESA
Room DC2-1772, United Nations
New York, NY 10017
Tel: (212) 963-2775
Fax: (212) 963-5102
Website: www.un.org/esa/socdev
Annexes

Annexes 153

PALESTINIAN RIGHTS
Mr. Worlfgang GRIEGER
Division for Palestinian Rights
NGO Liaison Office, Department of Political Affairs (DPA), United Nations
Room S-3362F, New York, NY 10017
Tel: (212) 963-1800
Fax: (212) 963-4199
E-mail: grieger@un.org
Website: www.un.org/Depts/dpa/ngo

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT -
Mr. Yao N’GORAN
Follow up to the World Summit for Social Development
Division for Social Policy and Development, DESA
United Nations Room DC2-1360,
New York, NY 10017
Tel: (212) 963-3175
Fax: (212) 963-3062
E-mail: ngoran@un.org
Website: www.un.org/esa/socdev

PUBLIC INQUIRIES
Public Inquiries Unit
Room GA-058, United Nations
New York, NY 10017
E-mail: inquiries@un.org

DISARMAMENT
Mr. Gary DEROSA
Department for Disarmament Affairs
Room S-3151D, United Nations
New York, NY 10017
Tel: (212) 963-8199
Fax: (212) 963-1121

HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS
Ms. Phyllis LEE
Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Rights
Advocacy and External Relations Unit (AERU),
Office for the Coordination of Humanitariun Affairs
Room S-3600B, United Nations
New York, NY 10017
Tel: (212) 963-4832
Fax: (212) 963-9489/1312
E-mail: leep@un.org
Annexes


SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Ms. Federica PIETRACCI
Major Groups Focal Point,
Division for Sustainable Development
DESA
New York, NY 10017
Tel.: (212) 963-8497
Fax: (212) 963-4260
E-mail: pietracci@un.org

FINANCING FOR DEVELOPMENT
Mr. Daniel PLATZ
Financing for Development Office
Two UN Plaza, DC2-2380
New York, NY 10017
Tel: (212) 963 3664
Fax: (212) 963 0443
E-mail: platz@un.org

UNIFEM - UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT FUND FOR WOMEN
Ms. Barbara ADAMS
Strategic Partnership and Communiation
304 East 45th St., FF-1535
New York, NY 10017
Tel: (212) 906 6420
Fax: (212) 906-6705
E-mail: barbara.adams@undp.org
Website: www.unifem.undp.org

UNICEF - UNITED NATIONS CHILDREN’S FUND
Mr. Peter CROWLEY
Senior Adviser, Office of Public Partnership
UNICEF House, H-4A
New York, NY 10017
Tel: (212) 326-7303
Fax: (212) 303-7992
E-mail: pcrowley@unicef.org

WHO - WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION
Dr. Susan HOLCK
Government, Civil Society and Private Sector
External Relations and Governing Bodies
20, Avenue Appia
CH-1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland
Tel: +41-22-791-2790/3637
Fax: +41-22-791-1380
E-mail: holcks@who.ch
Annexes

Annexes 155

PAHO - PAN AMERICAN HEALTH ORGANIZATION
Dr. Irene KLINGER,
Chief
Office of External Relations
525 23rd Street, NW
Washington, DC 20037-2895
Tel: (202) 974-3194
Fax: (202) 974-3607
E-mail: klingeri@paho.org

UNDP - UN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
Mr Thierno KANE
NGO Section
New York, NY 10017
Tel: (212) 906-5906
Fax:(212) 906-5313
E-mail: thierno.kane@undp.org

UNESCO - UNITED NATIONS EDUCATIONAL, SCIENTIFIC AND CULTURAL
Mr. Michael MILLWARD
Section of NGOs and Foundations
UNESCO House
7, place de Fontenoy
75700 Paris, France
Tel: (331) 4568-1731
Fax: (331) 4567-1690

Mr. Andrew RADOLF
UNESCO Liaison Office
Room DC2-0900
Two United Nations Plaza
New York, NY 10017
Tel: (212) 963-5974
Fax: (212) 963-8014

UNEP - UNITED NATION ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME ORGANIZATION
Mr. Olivier DELEUZE
Chief
Major Groups and Stakeholders Branch
Division of Regional Cooperation
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
P.O. Box 30552 - 00100
Nairobi, Kenya
Tel: (254-20) 762 4686
Fax: (254-20) 762 5010
Room T-329
E-mail: olivier.deleuze@unep.org
Annexes


UNPFA - UNITED NATIONS POPULATION FUND
Ms. Diana Lee LANGSTON
Senior Technical Officer and Manager, NGO Theme Group
Room 17th floor
220 East 42 Street
New York, NY
Tel: (212) 297-5143
Fax: (212) 297-4915
E-mail: langston@unfpa.org

UNITED NATIONS OFFICE FOR DRUG CONTROL AND CRIME PREVENTION
Ms. Mirella FRAHI
NGOs and Civil Society
Vienna International Centre
P.O. Box 500, A-1400 Vienna, Austria
Tel: (+43-1) 26060-5583
Fax: (+43-1) 26060-5931
E-mail: mirella.frahi@unodc.org
Web site: www.unodc.org

Ms. Simone MONASEBIAN
Representative, New York Office
DC1-0618, United Nations
New York, NY 10017
Tel: (212) 963-5631
Fax: (212) 963-4185
E-mail: monasebian@un.org

IFAD - INTERNATIONAL FUND FOR AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT
Ms. Maria Teresa RUBIN DE CERVIN
External Relations Division
107, Via del Serafico
I-00142 Rome, Italy
Tel: (+39-06) 54591
Fax: (+39-06) 504 3463

FAO - FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL ORGANIZATION
Ms. Nora Mc KEON
Office for External Relations
Vialle delle Terme di Caracalla
I-00100 Rome, Italy
Tel: (+39-06) 570 53852
Fax: (+39-06) 570 55175

WFP - WORLD FOOD PROGRAMME
Ms. Jutta NEITZEL
NGO Unit / Division of External Relations
Via Cesare Giulio Viola, 68
Parco de Medici, Rome 00148, Italy
Tel: +39-06-6513-2068
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ILO - INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANIZATION
Mrs. Maria DUCCI,
Chief
Office for Inter-Organization Relations
4 route des Morillons
CH-1211 Geneva 22
Switzerland
Tel: (+41-22) 799 7148
Fax: (+41-22) 799 7289

UNHCR - UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES
Ms. Maureen CONNOLLY
NGO Coordinator, Division of External Relations, CP 2500
CH-1211 Geneva 2 dÇpìt
Switzerland
Tel: (+41-22) 739 8985
Fax: (+41-22) 739 7302

HUMAN SETTLEMENTS
Mr. Subramonia ANANTHAKRISHNAN
Chief,
Partners and Youth Section
P.O. Box 30030, Nairobi, Kenya
Tel: (+254-2) 762-3870
Fax: (+254-2) 762-4588
E-mail: ngounit@unhabitat.org
Website: www.unhabitat.org

New York Liaison Office
Room DC2-0944
Two United Nations Plaza
New York, NY 10017
Tel: (212) 963-4200
Fax: (212) 963-8721

IAEA - INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY
Ms. Tracy C. BROWN
1 United Nations Plaza
Room DC1-1155
New York, N.Y. 10017
Tel: (212) 963-6011
Fax: (212) 751-4117
E-mail: brown@un.org
Annexes


UN VOLUNTEERS
Mr. Edward MISHAUD
UN Volunteers, Communications Unit
Postfach 260 111
D-53153 Bonn, Germany
Tel: (+49 228) 815 2511
Fax: (+49 228) 815 2001
E-mail: edward.mishaud@unvolunteers.org
Website: www.unvolunteers.org

Representation Office in North America
1 United Nations Plaza
New York, NY 10017
Tel: (212) 906-3639
Fax: (212) 906-3659
E-mail: rona@unvolunteers.org

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Annexes 159

Annex 2: Contact points in the European Union DG
Environment1
The Commissioner for the Environment DG is Stavros Dimas

Ofﬁce of the Director-General
Director-General Mogens Peter CARL tel 322 299.22.05
Assistant to the Malachy HARGADON tel 322 296.84.50
Director-General
Advisor Nicolas THERY tel 322 298.42.40

Directly attached to the Director-General:
ENV.1 Strategic Planning and Nicholas BANFIELD tel 32 2 296.87.61
Evaluation
ENV.2 Legislation and other Paulus BROUWER tel 322 295.41.25
Inter-Institutional activities
ENV.3 Internal Audit Jan Julius GROENENDAAL tel 322 299.22.71

Directorate A: Communication, Legal Affairs & Civil Protection
Director Pia BUCELLA tel 322 295.70.99
A1. Communication & Nicholas HANLEY tel 322 296.87.03
Governance
Deputy Head of Unit Carina VOPEL tel 322 296.91.75
A2. Infringements Julio GARCIA BURGUES tel 322 296.87.63
Deputy Head of Unit Marie-Claude BLIN tel 322 295.02.70
A3. Civil Protection Hervé MARTIN tel 322 296.54.44
Deputy Head of Unit Hans DAS tel 322 299.04.36

Directorate B: Protecting the Natural Environment
Director Ladislav MIKO tel 322 298.72.37
Advisor Robert FLIES tel 322 295.79.79
B1. Agriculture, Forests & Soil Michael HAMELL tel 322 295.98.26
Deputy Head of Unit Anna BARNETT tel 322 296.73.89
B2. Nature & Bio-diversity Patrick MURPHY tel 322 299.83.39
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1 As of May 2007


Deputy Head of Unit Anastasios NYCHAS tel 322 296.87.16
B3. Biotechnology, Pesticides Chantal BRUETSCHY tel 322 296.23.62
& Health
Deputy Head of Unit Leena YLA-MONONEN tel 322 299 35 30

Directorate C: Climate Change & Air
Director Jos DELBEKE tel 322 296.88.04
C1. Climate Strategy, interna- Artur RUNGE-METZGER tel 322 295.68.98
tional negotiation and moni-
toring of EU action
C2. Market based instruments Jos DELBEKE (acting) tel 322 296.88.04
including Greenhouse gas
emissions trading
Deputy Head of Unit Damien MEADOWS tel 322 299.63.19
C3. Clean Air & Transport Marianne KLINGBEIL tel 322 296.04.93
C4. Industrial Emissions & Pro- Marianne WENNING tel 322 295.59.43
tection of the ozone layer
Deputy Head of Unit Laurence GRAFF tel 322 296.05.18
C5. Energy & Environment Piotr TULEJ tel 322 299.97.32
Deputy Head of Unit Matti VAINIO tel 322 299.61.38

Directorate D: Water, Chemicals & Cohesion
Director David Grant LAWRENCE tel 322 295.35.37
Advisor Eva HELLSTEN tel 322 299.67.65
D1. Chemicals Yvon SLINGENBERG tel 322 299.20.36
Deputy Head of Unit Bjorn HANSEN tel 322 296.50.15
D2. Protection of Water & Peter GAMMELTOFT tel 322 296.86.95
Marine Environment
Deputy Head of Unit Helmut BLOECH tel 322 299.06.72
D3. Cohesion Policy & Envi- George KREMLIS tel 322 296.65.26
ronmental Impact Assessments
Deputy Head of Unit Javier RUIZ-TOMAS Y PARA- tel 322 299.10.58
JON
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Annexes 161

Directorate E: International affairs & LIFE
Director Soledad BLANCO tel 322 299.51.82
Advisor Jill HANNA tel. 322 295.32.32
E1. International Relations, Astrid SCHOMAKER tel 322 296.96.41
Governance & Development
Deputy Head of Unit John DUNN tel 322 296.13.17
E2. Environmental agreements Hugo-Maria SCHALLY tel 322 295.85.69
& Trade
E3. Enlargement & Neighbour- Claude ROUAM tel 322 295.79.94
ing Countries
Deputy Head of Unit Anne BURRILL tel 322 295.43.88
E4. LIFE Philip OWEN tel 322 296.55.62
Deputy Head of Unit Joaquim CAPITAO tel 322 295.93.28

Directorate F: Resources
Director Viola GROEBNER tel 322 299.00.78
F.1 Human resources Hans DE JONG tel 322 295.13.47
Deputy Head of Unit Leon MIDSON tel 322 299.01.00
F.2 Finance François CASANA tel 322 295.19.78
Deputy Head of Unit Anne BOILLOT tel 322 295.28.62
F.3 Information Technology Martin GRITSCH tel 322 295.94.67
F.4 Financial Processing and Angelo SALSI tel 322 296.93.76
Assistance

Directorate G: Sustainable Development & Integration
Director Timo MÄKELÄ tel 322 296.26.34
Advisor Herbert AICHINGER tel 322 296.69.54
G.1 Sustainable Development Robin MIEGE tel 322 295.80.43
& Economic Analysis
Deputy Head of Unit Manfred ROSENSTOCK tel 322 295.48.87
G.2 Environment & Industry Pavel MISIGA tel 322 299.44.20
Deputy Head of Unit Gilles VINCENT tel 322 296.95.14
G.3 Research, Science & In- Ian CLARK tel 322 296.90.94
novation
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Deputy Head of Unit Henk KALFSBEEK tel 322 295.36.77
G.4 Sustainable Production Klaus KOEGLER tel 322 296.23.79
& Consumption

Environment DG’s offices are at the following location:
Avenue de Beaulieu 5
1160 Brussels
Belgium

Postal address is:
Environment Directorate-General
European Commission
B-1049 Brussels
Belgium

If you want to send an e-mail to a specific person in the Commission, please use the fol-
lowing e-mail addressing format: firstname.lastname@ec.europa.eu

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Annexes 163

Annex 3: Rules of Procedure for Meetings of the Conference of
the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity
(see Annex to Decision I/1 and Decision V/20)

OBSERVERS

Rule 6

1. The Secretariat shall notify the United Nations, its specialized agencies and the
International

Atomic Energy Agency as well as any State not Party to the Convention of meetings of the
Conference of the Parties so that they may be represented as observers.

2. Such observers may, upon invitation of the President, participate without the right to
vote in the proceedings of any meeting unless at least one third of the Parties present at
the meeting object.

Rule 7

1. The Secretariat shall notify any body or agency, whether governmental or non-govern-
mental, qualified in fields relating to the conservation and sustainable use of biological
diversity, which has informed the Secretariat of its wish to be represented, of meetings of
the Conference of the Parties so that they may be represented as observers unless at least
one third of the Parties present at the meeting object.

2. Such observers may, upon invitation of the President, participate without the right to
vote in the proceedings of any meeting in matters of direct concern to the body or agency
they represent unless at least one third of the Parties present at the meeting object.
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Annex 4: UNEP’s Guidelines on Compliance with and Enforcement
of MEAs of MEAs

1. In its decision 21/27, dated 9 February 2001, the Governing Council of the United
Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), recalling the Nairobi Declaration on
the Role and Mandate of the United Nations Environment Programme and the
Malmö Ministerial Declaration, requested the Executive Director “to continue the
preparation of the draft guidelines on compliance with multilateral environmental
agreements and on the capacity-strengthening, effective national environmental
enforcement, in support of the ongoing developments of compliance regimes within
the framework of international agreements and in consultation with Governments
and relevant international organizations.”
2. Pursuant to that decision, draft guidelines were prepared for submission to the UNEP
Governing Council special session for review and adoption. They were adopted in
decision SS.VII/4.
3. The guidelines are advisory. They provide approaches for enhancing compliance
with multilateral environmental agreements and strengthening the enforcement of
laws implementing those agreements. It is recognized that parties to the agreements
are best situated to choose and determine useful approaches in the context of specific
obligations contained in the agreements. Although the guidelines may inform and
affect how parties implement their obligations under the agreements, they are non-
binding and do not in any manner alter these obligations.
4. The guidelines are presented in two chapters: the first chapter deals with enhancing
compliance with multilateral environmental agreements and the second chapter deals
with national enforcement, and international cooperation in combating violations, of
laws implementing multilateral environmental agreements.

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I. GUIDELINES FOR ENHANCING COMPLIANCE WITH
MULTILATERAL ENVIRONMENTAL AGREEMENTS

Introduction
5. Strengthening of compliance with multilateral environmental agreements has
been identified as a key issue. These guidelines provide approaches to enhance
compliance, recognizing that each agreement has been negotiated in a unique
way and enjoys its own independent legal status. The guidelines acknowledge
that compliance mechanisms and procedures should take account of the particular
characteristics of the agreement in question.

A. Purpose
6. The purpose of these guidelines is to assist Governments and secretariats of
multilateral environmental agreements, relevant international, regional and
subregional organizations, non-governmental organizations, private sector and all
other relevant stakeholders in enhancing and supporting compliance with multilateral
environmental agreements.

B. Scope
7. These guidelines are relevant to present and future multilateral environmental
agreements, covering a broad range of environmental issues, including global
environmental protection, management of hazardous substances and chemicals,
prevention and control of pollution, desertification, management and conservation
of natural resources, biodiversity, wildlife, and environmental safety and health, in
particular human health.
8. The guidelines are intended to facilitate consideration of compliance issues at the
design and negotiation stages and also after the entry into force of the multilateral
environmental agreements, at conferences and meetings of the parties. The
guidelines encourage effective approaches to compliance, outline strategies and
measures to strengthen implementation of multilateral environmental agreements,
through relevant laws and regulations, policies and other measures at the national
level and guide subregional, regional and international cooperation in this regard.
C. Definitions
9. For the purpose of this chapter of these guidelines:
(a) “Compliance” means the fulfilment by the contracting parties of their obligations
under a multilateral environmental agreement and any amendments to the
multilateral environmental agreement1;
(b) “Implementation” refers to, inter alia, all relevant laws, regulations, policies,
1 Acknowledging that the term compliance has distinct relevance within the respective fields covered by both chapters and is a term
well known and understood by those involved in both fields, albeit with a different understanding, it was decided to use two differ-
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ent definitions for this term in these guidelines, one for each chapter.


and other measures and initiatives, that contracting parties adopt and/or take
to meet their obligations under a multilateral environmental agreement and its
amendments, if any.

D. Compliance considerations
1. Preparatory work for negotiations
10. To facilitate compliance with multilateral environmental agreements, preparatory
work for negotiations may be assisted by the following actions:
(a) Regular exchange of information among States, including through the establishment
of forums, on environmental issues that are the subject of negotiations and the
ability of the States to address those issues;
(b) Consultations in between negotiating sessions on issues that could affect
compliance among States;
(c) Workshops on compliance arranged by negotiating States or relevant multilateral
environmental agreement secretariats that cover compliance provisions and
experiences from other agreements with participation of Governments, non-
governmental organizations, the private sector and relevant international,
regional and subregional organizations;
(d) Coordination at the national level among ministries, relevant agencies and
stakeholders, as appropriate for the development of national positions;
(e) Consideration of the need to avoid overlaps and encourage synergies with
existing multilateral environmental agreements when considering any new
legally binding instrument.

2. Effective participation in negotiations
11. To facilitate wide and effective participation by States in negotiations, the following
actions may be considered:
(a) Assessment of whether the issue to be addressed is global, regional or subregional,
keeping in mind that, where appropriate, States could collaborate in regional and
subregional efforts to promote implementation of multilateral environmental
agreements;
(b) Identification of countries for which addressing an environmental problem may
be particularly relevant;
(c) Establishment of special funds and other appropriate mechanisms to facilitate
participation in negotiations by delegates from countries requiring financial
assistance;
(d) Where deemed appropriate by States, approaches to encourage participation
in a multilateral environmental agreement, such as common but differentiated
responsibilities, framework agreements (with the content of the initial agreement
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Annexes 167

to be further elaborated by specific commitments in protocols), and/or limiting
the scope of a proposed multilateral environmental agreement to subject areas in
which there is likelihood of agreement;
(e) Transparency and a participatory, open-ended process.

3. Assessment of domestic capabilities during negotiations
12. Participating States could, in order to support their efforts to negotiate a multilateral
environmental agreement and determine whether they would be able to comply
with its provisions, assess their domestic capabilities for implementing the agreement
under negotiation.

4. Compliance considerations in multilateral environmental agreements
13. The competent body of a multilateral environmental agreement could, where
authorized to do so, regularly review the overall implementation of obligations
under the multilateral environmental agreement and examine specific difficulties of
compliance and consider measures aimed at improving compliance.
14. States are best placed to choose the approaches that are useful and appropriate for
enhancing compliance with multilateral environmental agreements. The following
considerations may be kept in view:
(a) Clarity: To assist in the assessment and ascertainment of compliance, the
obligations of parties to multilateral environmental agreements should be stated
clearly;
(b) National implementation plans could be required in a multilateral environmental
agreement, which could potentially include environmental effects monitoring
and evaluation in order to determine whether a multilateral environmental
agreement is resulting in environmental improvement;
(c) Reporting, monitoring and verification: multilateral environmental agreements
can include provisions for reporting, monitoring and verification of the
information obtained on compliance. These provisions can help promote
compliance by, inter alia, potentially increasing public awareness. Care should
be taken to ensure that data collection and reporting requirements are not too
onerous and are coordinated with those of other multilateral environmental
agreements. Multilateral environmental agreements can include the following
requirements:
(i) Reporting: Parties may be required to make regular, timely reports
on compliance, using an appropriate common format. Simple and
brief formats could be designed to ensure consistency, efficiency and
convenience in order to enable reporting on specific obligations.
Multilateral environmental agreement secretariats can consolidate
responses received to assist in the assessment of compliance. Reporting
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on non-compliance can also be considered, and the parties can provide
for timely review of such reports;
(ii) Monitoring: Monitoring involves the collection of data and in accordance
with the provisions of a multilateral environmental agreement can be
used to assess compliance with an agreement, identify compliance
problems and indicate solutions. States that are negotiating provisions
regarding monitoring in multilateral environmental agreements could
consider the provisions in other multilateral environmental agreements
related to monitoring;
(iii) Verification: This may involve verification of data and technical
information in order to assist in ascertaining whether a party is in
compliance and, in the event of non-compliance, the degree, type and
frequency of non-compliance. The principal source of verification might
be national reports. Consistent with the provisions in the multilateral
environmental agreement and in accordance with any modalities that
might be set by the conferences of the parties, technical verification
could involve independent sources for corroborating national data and
information.

(d) Non-compliance mechanisms: States can consider the inclusion of non-
compliance provisions in a multilateral environmental agreement, with a view
to assisting parties having compliance problems and addressing individual cases
of non-compliance, taking into account the importance of tailoring compliance
provisions and mechanisms to the agreement’s specific obligations. The following
considerations could be kept in view:

(i) The parties can consider the establishment of a body, such as a
compliance committee, to address compliance issues. Members of such
a body could be party representatives or party-nominated experts, with
appropriate expertise on the relevant subject matter;
(ii) Non-compliance mechanisms could be used by the contracting parties
to provide a vehicle to identify possible situations of non-compliance
at an early stage and the causes of non-compliance, and to formulate
appropriate responses including, addressing and/or correcting the state
of non-compliance without delay. These responses can be adjusted
to meet varying requirements of cases of non-compliance, and may
include both facilitative and stronger measures as appropriate and
consistent with applicable international law;
(iii) In order to promote, facilitate and secure compliance, non-compliance
mechanisms can be non-adversarial and include procedural safeguards
for those involved. In addition, non-compliance mechanisms can
provide a means to clarify the content, to promote the application
of the provisions of the agreement and thus lead significantly to the
prevention of disputes;
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Annexes 169

(iv) The final determination of non-compliance of a party with respect to
an agreement might be made through the conference of the parties
of the relevant multilateral environmental agreement or another body
under that agreement, if so mandated by the conference of the parties,
consistent with the respective multilateral environmental agreement.

5. Review of effectiveness
15. The conference of the parties of a multilateral environmental agreement could
regularly review the overall effectiveness of the agreement in meeting its objectives,
and consider how the effectiveness of a multilateral environmental agreement might
be improved.

6. Compliance mechanisms after a multilateral environmental agreement has come
into effect
16. Compliance mechanisms or procedures could be introduced or enhanced after
a multilateral environmental agreement has come into effect, provided such
mechanisms or procedures have been authorised by the multilateral environmental
agreement, subsequent amendment, or conference of the parties decision, as
appropriate, and consistent with applicable international law.

7. Dispute settlement provisions
17. In principle, provisions for settlement of disputes complement the provisions aimed
at compliance with an agreement. The appropriate form of dispute settlement
mechanism can depend upon the specific provisions contained in a multilateral
environmental agreement and the nature of the dispute. A range of procedures
could be considered, including good offices, mediation, conciliation, fact-finding
commissions, dispute resolution panels, arbitration and other possible judicial
arrangements which might be reached between concerned parties to the dispute.

E. National implementation
1. National measures
18. Compliance assessment: Prior to ratification of a multilateral environmental
agreement, a State should assess its preparedness to comply with the obligations
of that agreement. If areas of potential non-compliance are identified, that State
should take appropriate measures to address them before becoming a party to that
agreement.
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19. Compliance plan: If a State, once it becomes a party to a specific multilateral
environmental agreement, subsequently identifies compliance problems, it may
consider developing a compliance plan consistent with that agreements obligations
and inform the concerned secretariat accordingly. The plan may address compliance
with different types of obligations in the agreement and measures for ensuring
compliance. The plan may include benchmarks, to the extent that this is consistent
with the agreement that would facilitate monitoring compliance.
20. Law and regulatory framework: According to their respective national legal
frameworks, States should enact laws and regulations to enable implementation
of multilateral environmental agreements where such measures are necessary for
compliance. Laws and regulations should be regularly reviewed in the context of
the relevant international obligations and the national situations.
21. National implementation plans: the elaboration of national implementation
plans referred to in paragraph 14 (b) for implementing multilateral environmental
agreements can assist in integrating multilateral environmental agreement obligations
into domestic planning, policies and programmes and related activities. Reliable data
collection systems can assist in monitoring compliance.
22. Enforcement: States can prepare and establish enforcement frameworks
and programmes and take measures to implement obligations in multilateral
environmental agreements (chapter 2 contains guidelines for national environmental
law enforcement, and international cooperation in combating violations of laws
implementing multilateral environmental agreements).
23. Economic instruments: In conformity with their obligations under applicable
international agreements, parties can consider use of economic instruments to
facilitate efficient implementation of multilateral environmental agreements.
24. National focal points: Parties may identify national authorities as focal points on
matters related to specific multilateral environmental agreements and inform the
concerned secretariat accordingly.
25. National coordination: Coordination among departments and agencies at different
levels of government, as appropriate, can be undertaken when preparing and
implementing national plans and programmes for implementation of multilateral
26. Efficacy of national institutions: The institutions concerned with implementation
of multilateral environmental agreements can be established or strengthened
appropriately in order to increase their capacity for enhancing compliance. This
can be done by strengthening enabling laws and regulations, information and
communication networks, technical skills and scientific facilities.
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27. Major stakeholders: Major stakeholders including private sector, non-governmental
organizations, etc., can be consulted when developing national implementation
plans, in the definition of environmental priorities, disseminating information and
specialized knowledge and monitoring. Cooperation of the major stakeholders might
be needed for enhancing capacity for compliance through information, training and
technical assistance.
28. Local communities: As appropriate, parties can promote dialogue with local
communities about the implementation of environmental obligations in order to
ensure compliance in conformity with the purpose of an agreement. This may
help develop local capacity and assess the impact of measures under multilateral
environmental agreements, including environmental effects on local communities.
29. Women and youth: The key role of women and youth and their organizations in
sustainable development can be recognized in national plans and programmes for
implementing multilateral environmental agreements.
30. Media: The national media including newspapers, journals, radio, television and
the Internet as well as traditional channels of communication, could disseminate
information about multilateral environmental agreements, the obligations in them,
and measures that could be taken by organizations, associations and individuals.
Information could be conveyed about the measures that other parties, particularly
those in their respective regions, might have taken to implement multilateral
31. Public awareness: To promote compliance, parties could support efforts to foster
public awareness about the rights and obligations under each agreement and
create awareness about the measures needed for their implementation, indicating
the potential role of the public in the performance of a multilateral environmental
agreement.
32. Access to administrative and judicial proceedings: Rights of access to administrative
and judicial proceedings according to the respective national legal frameworks could
support implementation and compliance with international obligations.

2. Capacity-building and technology transfer
33. The building and strengthening of capacities may be needed for developing countries
that are parties to a multilateral environmental agreements, particularly the least
developed countries, as well as parties with economies in transition to assist such
countries in meeting their obligations under a multilateral environmental agreements.
In this regard:
(a) Financial and technical assistance can be provided for building and strengthening
organizational and institutional capacities for managing the environment with
a view to carrying forward the implementation of multilateral environmental
agreements;
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(b) Capacity-building and technology transfer should be consistent with the needs,
strategies and priorities of the country concerned and can build upon similar
activities already undertaken by national institutions or with support from
multilateral or bilateral organizations;
(c) Participation of a wide range of stakeholders can be promoted, taking into
consideration the need for developing institutional strengths and decision-
making capabilities and upgrading the technical skills of parties for enhancing
compliance and meeting their training and material requirements;
(d) Various funding sources could be mobilized to finance capacity-building activities
aimed at enhancing compliance with multilateral environmental agreements,
including funding that may be available from the Global Environment Facility,
in accordance with the Global Environment Facility mandate, and multilateral
development banks, special funds attached to multilateral environmental
agreements or bilateral, intergovernmental or private funding;
(e) Where appropriate, capacity-building and technology transfer activities and
initiatives could be undertaken at regional and subregional levels;
(f) Parties to multilateral environmental agreements could consider requesting their
respective secretariats to coordinate their capacity-building and technology
transfer initiatives or undertake joint activities where there are cross-cutting issues
for cost-effectiveness and to avoid duplication of efforts.

F. International cooperation
34. There is a recognized need for a commitment by all countries to the global process
of protecting and improving the environment. This may be furthered by the United
Nations and other relevant international organizations, as well as through multilateral
and bilateral initiatives for facilitating compliance. In this regard, steps can be taken
for:
(a) Generating information for assessing the status of compliance with multilateral
environmental agreements and defining ways and means through consultations
for promotion and enhancement of compliance;
(b) Building and strengthening capacities of, and transferring technologies to,
developing countries, particularly the least-developed countries, and countries
with economies in transition;
(c) Sharing national, regional and subregional experiences in environmental
management;
(d) Evaluating by conferences of the parties, in the context of their overall review
of the effectiveness of their respective multilateral environmental agreement, the
effectiveness of mechanisms constituted under such multilateral environmental
agreements for the transfer of technology and financial resources;
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Annexes 173

(e) Assisting in formulating guidance materials which may include model multilateral
environmental agreement implementing legislation for enhancing compliance;
(f) Developing regional or subregional environmental action plans or strategies to
assist in the implementation of multilateral environmental agreements;
(g) Fostering awareness among non-parties about the rights, benefits and obligations
of becoming a party to a multilateral environmental agreement and inviting non-
parties as observers to meetings of decision-making bodies under multilateral
environmental agreements to enhance their knowledge and understanding of the
agreements;
(h) Enhancing cooperation among multilateral environmental agreement secretariats,
if so requested by the parties to the respective multilateral environmental
agreements.
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II. GUIDELINES FOR NATIONAL ENFORCEMENT, AND
INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION IN COMBATING VIOLATIONS,
OF LAWS IMPLEMENTING MULTILATERAL ENVIRONMENTAL
AGREEMENTS

Introduction
35. These guidelines recognize the need for national enforcement of laws to implement
multilateral environmental agreements. Enforcement is essential to secure the benefits
of these laws, protect the environment, public health and safety, deter violations,
and encourage improved performance. These guidelines also recognize the need
for international cooperation and coordination to facilitate and assist enforcement
arising from the implementation of multilateral environmental agreements and help
to establish an international level playing field.

A. Purpose
36. These guidelines outline actions, initiatives and measures for States to consider for
strengthening national enforcement and international cooperation in combating
violations of laws implementing multilateral environmental agreements. The
guidelines can assist Governments, its competent authorities, enforcement agencies,
secretariats of multilateral environmental agreements, where appropriate, and other
relevant international and regional organizations in developing tools, mechanisms
and techniques in this regard.

B. Scope
37. The guidelines address enforcement of national laws and regulations implementing
multilateral environmental agreements in a broad context, under which States,
consistent with their obligations under such agreements, develop laws and institutions
that support effective enforcement and pursue actions that deter and respond to
environmental law violations and crimes. Approaches include the promotion of
appropriate and effective laws and regulations for responding appropriately to
environmental law violations and crimes. These guidelines accord significance to
the development of institutional capacities through cooperation and coordination
among international organizations for increasing the effectiveness of enforcement.
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Annexes 175

C. Definitions
38. For the purpose of this chapter of these guidelines:
(a) “Compliance” means the state of conformity with obligations, imposed by
a State, its competent authorities and agencies on the regulated community,
whether directly or through conditions and requirements in permits, licences and
authorizations, in implementing multilateral environmental agreements2;
(c) “Environmental law violation” means the contravention of national environmental
laws and regulations implementing multilateral environmental agreements;
(c) “Environmental crime” means the violations or breaches of national environmental
laws and regulations that a State determines to be subject to criminal penalties
under its national laws and regulations;
(d) “Enforcement” means the range of procedures and actions employed by a
State, its competent authorities and agencies to ensure that organizations or
persons, potentially failing to comply with environmental laws or regulations
implementing multilateral environmental agreements, can be brought or returned
into compliance and/or punished through civil, administrative or criminal
action.

D. National enforcement
39. Each State is free to design the implementation and enforcement measures that are
most appropriate to its own legal system and related social, cultural and economic
circumstances. In this context, national enforcement of environmental and
related laws for the purpose of these guidelines can be facilitated by the following
considerations.

1. National laws and regulations
40. The laws and regulations should be:
(a) Clearly stated with well-defined objectives, giving fair notice to the appropriate
community of requirements and relevant sanctions and enabling effective
implementation of multilateral environmental agreements;
(b) Technically, economically and socially feasible to implement, monitor and
enforce effectively and provide standards that are objectively quantifiable to
ensure consistency, transparency and fairness in enforcement;

2 Acknowledging that the term compliance has distinct relevance within the respective fields covered by both chapters and is a term
well known and understood by those involved in both fields, albeit with a different understanding, it was decided to use two differ-
ent definitions for this term in these guidelines, one for each chapter.
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(c) Comprehensive with appropriate and proportionate penalties for environmental
law violations. These would encourage compliance by raising the cost of non-
compliance above that of compliance. For environmental crime, additional
deterrent effect can be obtained through sanctions such as imprisonment, fines,
confiscation of equipment and other materials, disbarment from practice or trade
and confiscation of the proceeds of environmental crime. Remedial costs should
be imposed such as those for redressing environmental damage, loss of use of
natural resources and harm from pollution and recovery of costs of remediation,
restoration or mitigation.

2. Institutional framework
41. States should consider an institutional framework that promotes:
(a) Designation of responsibilities to agencies for:
(i) Enforcement of laws and regulations;
(ii) Monitoring and evaluation of implementation;
(iii) Collection, reporting and analysis of data, including its qualitative
and quantitative verification and provision of information about
investigations;
(iv) Awareness raising and publicity, in particular for the regulated
community, and education for the general public;
(v) Assistance to courts, tribunals and other related agencies, where
appropriate, which may be supported by relevant information and
data.
(b) Control of the import and export of substances and endangered species, including
the tracking of shipments, inspection and other enforcement activities at border
crossings, ports and other areas of known or suspected illegal activity;
(c) Clear authority for enforcement agencies and others involved in enforcement
activities to:
(i) Obtain information on relevant aspects of implementation;
(ii) Have access to relevant facilities including ports and border crossings;
(iii) Monitor and verify compliance with national laws and regulations;
(iv) Order action to prevent and remedy environmental law violations;
(v) Coordinate with other agencies;
(vi) Impose sanctions including penalties for environmental law violations
and non-compliance.
(d) Policies and procedures that ensure fair and consistent enforcement and
imposition of penalties based on established criteria and sentencing guidelines
that, for example, credibly reflect the relative severity of harm, history of non-
compliance or environmental law violations, remedial costs and illegal profits;
(e) Criteria for enforcement priorities that may be based on harm caused or risk
of harm to the environment, type or severity of environmental law violation or
geographic area;
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Annexes 177

(f) Establishing or strengthening national environmental crime units to complement
civil and administrative enforcement programmes;
(g) Use of economic instruments, including user fees, pollution fees and other
measures promoting economically efficient compliance;
(h) Certification systems;
(i) Access of the public and civil society to administrative and judicial procedures
to challenge acts and omissions by public authorities and corporate persons
that contravene national environmental laws and regulations, including support
for public access to justice with due regard to differences in legal systems and
circumstances;
(j) Public access to environmental information held by Governments and relevant
agencies in conformity with national and applicable international law concerning
access, transparency and appropriate handling of confidential or protected
information;
(k) Responsibilities and processes for participation of the appropriate community
and non-governmental organizations in processes contributing to the protection
of the environment;
(l) Informing legislative, executive and other public bodies of the environmental
actions taken and results achieved;
(m) Use of the media to publicize environmental law violations and enforcement
actions, while highlighting examples of positive environmental achievements;
(n) Periodic review of the adequacy of existing laws, regulations and policies in
terms of fulfilment of their environmental objectives;
(o) Provision of courts which can impose appropriate penalties for violations of
environmental laws and regulations, as well as other consequences.

3. National coordination
42. Coordination among relevant authorities and agencies can assist national enforcement,
including:
(a) Coordination among various enforcement agencies, environmental authorities,
tax, customs and other relevant officials at different levels of government, as well
as linkages at the field level among cross-agency task forces and liaison points,
which may include formal agreements such as memoranda of understanding and
rules of procedure for communication, as well as formulation of guidelines;
(b) Coordination by government agencies with non-governmental organizations and
the private sector.
(c) Coordination among the authorities responsible for promoting licensing systems
to regulate and control the importation and exportation of illicit substances and
hazardous materials, including regulated chemicals and wastes.
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4. Training for enhancing enforcement capabilities
43. Training activities for enhancing enforcement capabilities can comprise of:
(a) Programmes to build awareness in enforcement agencies about their role and
significance in enforcing environmental laws and regulations;
(b) Training for public prosecutors, magistrates, environmental enforcement
personnel, customs officials and others pertaining to civil, criminal and
administrative matters, including instruction in various forms of evidence, case
development and prosecution, and guidance about imposition of appropriate
penalties;
(c) Training for judges, magistrates and judicial auxilliaries regarding issues
concerning the nature and enforcement of environmental laws and regulations,
as well as environmental harm and costs posed by violations of such laws and
regulations;
(d) Training that assists in creating common understanding among regulators,
environmental enforcement personnel, prosecutors and judges, thereby enabling
all components of the process to understand the role of each other;
(e) Training of environmental enforcement personnel including practical training on
inspection techniques, advanced training in investigation techniques including
surveillance, crime scene management and forensic analysis;
(f) Development of capabilities to coordinate action among agencies domestically
and internationally, share data and strengthen capabilities to use information
technology for promoting enforcement;
(g) Development of capabilities to design and use economic instruments effectively
for enhancing compliance;
(h) Development of innovative means for securing, raising and maintaining human
and financial resources to strengthen enforcement;
(i) Application of analytical intelligence techniques to grade and analyse data and
provide information to assist in targeting resources on environmental criminals.

5. Public environmental awareness and education
44. Public environmental awareness and education can be increased by the following
actions:
(a) Generating public awareness and environmental education, particularly among
targeted groups, about relevant laws and regulations and about their rights,
interests, duties and responsibilities, as well as about the social, environmental
and economic consequences of non-compliance;
(b) Promoting responsible action in the community through the media by involving
key public players, decision-makers and opinion-builders in such campaigns;
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Annexes 179

(c) Organizing campaigns for fostering environmental awareness among communities,
non-governmental organizations, the private sector and industrial and trade
associations,;
(d) Inclusion of awareness and environmental educational programmes in schools
and other educational establishments as part of education;
(e) Organizing campaigns for fostering environmental awareness and environmental
educational programmes for women and youth;
(f) Organizing campaigns for encouraging public involvement in monitoring of
compliance.

E. International cooperation and coordination
45. Consistent with relevant provisions in multilateral environmental agreements, national
enforcement of laws and regulations implementing multilateral environmental
agreements could be supported through international cooperation and coordination
that can be facilitated by, inter alia, UNEP. The following considerations could be
kept in view.

1. Consistency in laws and regulations
46. States, within their national jurisdictions, can consider developing consistent
definitions and actions such as penalties and court orders, with a view to promoting
a common approach to environmental law violations and environmental crimes, and
enhance international cooperation and coordination, for environmental crimes with
transboundary aspects. This may be facilitated by:
(a) Environmental laws and regulations that provide appropriate deterrent measures,
including penalties, environmental restitution and procedures for confiscation of
equipment, goods and contraband, and for disposal of confiscated materials;
(b) Adoption of laws and regulations, implemented and applied in a manner that is
consistent with the enacting state’s international obligations, that make illegal the
importation, trafficking or acquisition of goods, wastes and any other materials in
violation of the environmental law and regulations;
(c) Appropriate authority to make environmental crime punishable by criminal
sanctions that take into account the nature of the environmental law violation.

2. Cooperation in judicial proceedings
47. Cooperation between and amongst states in judicial proceedings may be facilitated
by:
(a) Cooperation in judicial proceedings and procedures related to testimony,
evidence and similar matters, including exchange of information, mutual legal
assistance and other co-operative arrangements agreed between the concerned
countries;
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(b) Developing appropriate channels of communication with due respect for the
various systems in place in different states, for timely exchange of information
relevant to the detection of environmental law violations as well as pertaining to
the judicial process.

3. Institutional framework
48. States can consider the strengthening of institutional frameworks and programmes to
facilitate international cooperation and coordination in the following ways:
(a) Designation and establishment of channels of communication and information
exchange among UNEP, the secretariats of multilateral environmental agreements,
the World Customs Organization and relevant intergovernmental entities,
research institutes and non-governmental organizations, and international law
enforcement agencies such as the International Criminal Police Organization
(Interpol) especially through its “Green Interpol” activities;
(b) Strengthening measures to facilitate information exchange, mutual legal assistance
and joint investigations with other enforcement entities with the objective of
strengthening and promoting greater consistency in laws and practices;
(c) Development of infrastructure needed to control borders and protect against
illegal trade under multilateral environmental agreements, including tracking
and information systems, customs codes and related arrangements, as well
as measures that could help lead to identification of illegal shipments and
prosecution of offenders;
(d) Development of technology and expertise to track suspect shipments, accompanied
by information on specific production sources, the import and export of regulated
chemicals and wastes, licensing systems, customs and enforcement data;
(e) Strengthening mechanisms to facilitate information exchange regarding verification
of illegal shipments and coordinating procedures for storing, processing and
returning or destroying confiscated illegal shipments, as well as development of
confidential channels, subject to domestic laws, for communicating information
regarding illegal shipments;
(f) Designation of appropriate national and international points of contact to be
forwarded to the UNEP enforcement database;
(g) Facilitation of transborder communications between agencies, considering that
States may designate responsibility on the same subject to different agencies,
such as customs, police or wildlife officials;
(h) Establishment of regional and subregional programmes providing opportunities
for sharing information and strengthening training for detecting and prosecuting
environmental crimes;
(i) Allocation of adequate resources to support the effective enforcement and
effective implementation of policies.
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Annexes 181

4. Capacity-building and strengthening
49. Developing countries, particularly the least developed countries, and countries
with economies in transition, require the building and strengthening of capacities
for enforcement. It is recognized that environmental enforcement may be affected
by conditions of poverty and governance that need to be addressed through
appropriate programmes. The following measures can be considered for building
and strengthening capacities for enforcement:
(a) Coordinated technical and financial assistance to formulate effective laws and
regulations and to develop and maintain institutions, programmes and action
plans for enforcement, monitoring and evaluation of national laws implementing
multilateral environmental agreements;
(b) Development of specific guidelines with reference to particular agreements for
law enforcement officers to conduct operations, investigations and inspections,
and procedures for reporting and processing information nationally and
internationally;
(c) Formulation of programmes for coordinating compliance and enforcement
actions including compliance promotion, with other States;
(d) Use of regional and sub-regional centres and workshops to provide opportunities
for sharing information and experiences and for cost-effective and long-term
training programmes;
(e) Participation in international meetings, courses and training programmes, as well
as in regional and global networks to facilitate sharing information and access to
implementation and training materials.
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Annex 5: Illustrative format used for funding applications

Project Name

Background and project rationale

Give the background to the project and why it is important.

Objectives

The aims or goals of the project

Outcomes

The results or consequences of the project

Eg sustainable development is advanced

Activities

Actions taken by the project

Eg workshop, conference, newsletter produced

Outputs

What will you produce eg newsletter, web site

Expected Outputs Planned Activities 2008
List all activities to
be undertaken to-
wards stated outputs
Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

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Annexes 183

Monitoring and Evaluation

What plans do you have to monitor and review the implementation of the project and
assess its impact?

How have you made arrangements to involve beneficiaries and other stakeholders in
monitoring and evaluation?

What plans do you have to share the experience of this initiative for you and your
partner(s), internally and externally, during the project and at its end?

What publications will you produce, communications and media will you use to promote
the project?

Risks

What do you think are the main risks that could affect the project’s success?

How likely are these to happen and how serious the consequence to the project if they
occur?

What are you planning to do to minimise or mitigate potential risks?

Budget

Outline costs which might include:

Staff
Consultants
Office costs
Tel, fax
Postage
Web costs
Travel international
Travel local
Office hardware
Computer software
Audit fee
Banking and exchange costs
Management fee (particularly if it is a multi-organisation project)
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Logical framework

Logical framework matrix (taken from UK DfID website)

Project Measurable Means of Important
summary indicators verification assumptions
The evidence (quan- (Goal to super goal)
Goal: Sources of informa-
titative / qualitative) Main external fac-
Overall goal which tion / data which
which will be used to tors necessary to
this project will will be used to as-
measure / judge the sustain objectives in
help to achieve sess the indicator(s)
achievement of goal the long run
Purpose:
Immediate impact The evidence (quan- (Purpose to goal)
on the project area titative / qualitative) Sources of informa- Main external fac-
or target group, which will be used to tion / data which tors necessary if
that is, the change measure / judge the will be used to as- project purpose is to
or benefit to be achievement of the sess the indicator(s) contribute to reach-
achieved by the purpose ing project goal
project
Outputs: The evidence (quan-
(Outputs to pur-
The specific, titative / qualitative) Sources of informa-
pose) Main external
deliverable results which will be used to tion / data which
factors necessary for
expected from the measure / judge the will be used to as-
outputs to achieve
project to attain achievement of the sess the indicator(s)
project purpose
the purpose outputs
(Activity to output)
Activities: Inputs: Sources of informa-
Main external fac-
These are the tasks This is a summary of tion / data which
tors necessary for
to be done to pro- the project budget will be used to as-
activities to achieve
duce the outputs and other key inputs sess the indicator(s)
project outputs

Staff

Key staff for the project should have a short CV here

Background Information on Organisation

Should give relevant historical background on the organisation or organisations
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Annexes 185

Negotiating and Implementing MEAs: A manual for NGOs

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