International Law Overview

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Questions and Answers

What are the three main components of the Convention on Biological Diversity's objective?

The protection of marine environments from pollution, the sustainable use of coastal resources, and the development of new technologies for the utilization of genetic resources.

The protection of marine environments from pollution, the sustainable use of coastal resources, and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources.

The conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the development of new technologies for the utilization of genetic resources.

The conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources. (correct)

The 1992 Rio Declaration is a legally binding document.

False

What is the main objective of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD)?

The main objective of the MSFD is to achieve Good Environmental Status (GES) of the EU's maritime waters by 2020.

What is the main difference between the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement in terms of their approach to climate change?

The Kyoto Protocol took a top-down approach, while the Paris Agreement adopted a bottom-up approach. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a public good?

Rivalry Signup and view all the answers

Explain the concept of the 'prisoner's dilemma' in the context of climate change.

The 'prisoner's dilemma' illustrates the challenges of international cooperation in addressing climate change. It suggests that countries may be tempted to prioritize their own short-term economic interests, even if this leads to a worse outcome for everyone in the long run. This is because individual countries might be reluctant to take action to reduce emissions if they fear that other countries will not follow suit. Signup and view all the answers

The UNCLOS treaty considers coastal zones as a single entity that should be managed holistically.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the Madrid Protocol?

To define coastal zones in the Mediterranean Sea. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'integrated management' refer to in the context of coastal zones?

Integrated management refers to an approach that considers all aspects of a coastal zone, including its land and sea components, and aims to address conflicts among different stakeholders and activities. It involves a holistic approach that considers the economic, social, environmental, and ecological dimensions of coastal zones. Signup and view all the answers

The 'polluter pays' principle is a core element of sustainable development.

True Signup and view all the answers

Which international convention focuses on the protection of the Mediterranean Sea?

The Barcelona Convention Signup and view all the answers

What are the key principles that guide sustainable development in coastal areas?

The key principles that guide sustainable development in coastal areas include: no-build strip, urban development break, free access to the sea and along the shoreline, supervision of economic activities, and land policy. These principles aim to balance the different needs and interests within coastal zones, ensuring that economic development does not come at the expense of the environment. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key element of the ICZM approach?

The integration of all sectors of activities affecting the coastal zone. Signup and view all the answers

The UNCLOS treaty provides detailed regulations on the management of the 'Area' (international seabed and ocean floor).

True Signup and view all the answers

What is the objective of the 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity?

The conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these agreements is not a binding legal instrument?

1992 Rio Declaration Signup and view all the answers

The 1994 UNFCCC's Kyoto Protocol adopted a bottom-up approach to climate change mitigation.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used for a situation where a member of a group enjoys benefits without contributing?

Free rider phenomenon Signup and view all the answers

What are the three main bodies that typically comprise a "quasi-international-organisation" within a framework umbrella treaty?

Decision-making body, Scientific body, and Administrative body. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a strength of the multilateral environmental agreement process?

Allows for quick and decisive actions Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the 1994 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)?

To prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement in terms of approach?

The Kyoto Protocol adopted a top-down approach with specific targets for developed countries, while the Paris Agreement uses a bottom-up approach where countries set their own national contributions. Signup and view all the answers

The Madrid Protocol on ICZM in the Mediterranean provides a true legally binding definition of coastal zones.

False Signup and view all the answers

Why is it challenging to regulate GHG emissions and combat climate change?

The tragedy of the commons and the free-rider phenomenon make it difficult to ensure cooperation and compliance with regulations. Countries are often motivated by short-term economic interests and may not prioritize global public goods like climate protection. Signup and view all the answers

What is the highest decision-making body within the UNFCCC?

Conference of the Parties (COP) Signup and view all the answers

What is the key difference between a treaty and a political declaration in terms of international law?

A treaty is a legally binding agreement that requires formal consent from states, while a political declaration is a non-binding statement that does not obligate states in the same way. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a key element of a sustainable development approach for coastal zone management?

Development of high-rise buildings on the shoreline Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the "soft law" instruments outlined in the document?

The "soft law" instruments primarily focus on seeking non-binding commitments from states to address environmental issues, relying more on political will and consensus-building than legal enforcement. Signup and view all the answers

The Rio Declaration of 1992 asserts that environmental protection is a fundamental aspect of sustainable development and should be addressed in conjunction with other development goals.

True Signup and view all the answers

What are the three key perspectives of integrating coastal zone management?

Spatial integration, Temporal integration, and Thematic/horizontal integration. Signup and view all the answers

What is a major challenge in implementing ICZM?

One major challenge is to ensure that the various stakeholders involved in coastal zone management, including government agencies, economic actors, businesses, and local communities, are adequately represented and participate in a collaborative decision-making process. Signup and view all the answers

What key principle is highlighted in Article 6 of the Barcelona Convention regarding coastal zone management?

Article 6 emphasizes that the coastal zone should be treated as a single entity, necessitating a holistic approach to management that considers the interconnectedness of various aspects and activities. Signup and view all the answers

The Barcelona Convention emphasizes that the coastal zone should be approached from a sectoral perspective.

False Signup and view all the answers

What role does Article 14 of the Barcelona Convention play in ICZM?

Article 14 of the Barcelona Convention focuses on ensuring appropriate involvement of stakeholders during all stages of the ICZM decision-making process, from formulation to implementation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of Article 8 of the Barcelona Convention in relation to coastal zone management?

Article 8 aims to protect and promote the sustainable use of the coastal zone, particularly by setting restrictions on new construction within 100 meters of the shoreline and encouraging a balanced approach to development that considers both conservation and economic development. Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary principles used to guide environmental protection in the context of the Barcelona Convention?

The primary principles are the precautionary principle, the polluter pays principle, and the sustainable use of resources. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the Madrid Protocol on ICZM in the Mediterranean?

The Madrid Protocol provides a framework for integrated coastal zone management in the Mediterranean, outlining specific legal and operational guidelines for managing coastal areas within that region. Signup and view all the answers

How does the French government approach coastal zone management?

The French government has established a national strategy for the sea and coastal areas, implemented through the Conseil National de la Mer et des Littoraux (CNML), which coordinates and advises on regional coastal management plans. Signup and view all the answers

The principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities" implies that all countries bear equal responsibility for addressing environmental issues.

False Signup and view all the answers

Why is it challenging to enforce international regulations for fishing activities in the EEZ?

It can be challenging to enforce international regulations for fishing activities in the EEZ due to factors such as vast areas, limited resources, and potential difficulties in monitoring compliance from ships operating in the area. Signup and view all the answers

The concept of "common heritage of mankind" as applied to the international seabed (also known as The Area) includes the protection of marine living resources.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the International Seabed Authority (ISA)?

The International Seabed Authority (ISA) is responsible for regulating and managing the resources and environmental protection of The Area, the international seabed beyond the limits of national jurisdiction. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the 1952 General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM)?

GFCM focuses on promoting the conservation and sustainable use of living marine resources in the Mediterranean Sea, seeking to address long-term management and ecological sustainability. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of the Agreement on Port State Measures (2009)?

The Agreement aims to address illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing by requiring port states to strengthen controls and inspections of vessels entering their ports, ultimately helping to combat illegal fishing activities. Signup and view all the answers

The term "MPA" is a synonym for "no-take zone."

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the overarching purpose of specially protected areas?

Specially protected areas are designated to protect and conserve specific marine ecosystems, habitats, and processes, contributing to the long-term health and resilience of marine biodiversity. Signup and view all the answers

The 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity prioritizes ex-situ conservation over in-situ conservation.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)?

CITES aims to regulate international trade in endangered species, ensuring that trade does not threaten the survival of these species in the wild and promoting sustainable use. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the IUCN Red List of Endangered Species Assessment?

The IUCN Red List provides a comprehensive and scientifically rigorous evaluation of the conservation status of species, offering crucial information and guiding conservation efforts. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Laws Overview

Laws regulate treaties among sovereign states.
International agreements, like the UNCLOS and the Vienna Convention, don't always establish binding commitments due to the lack of systemic sanctions.
Regional agreements, such as the Barcelona Convention, focus on protecting specific areas, like the Mediterranean.
The 1992 Rio Convention on Biological Diversity aims for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity and equitable sharing of benefits.
The 1992 Rio Declaration is an important commitment, but not a legally binding instrument.
The 1994 UNFCCC and its Kyoto Protocol aim to prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system, with less precise common objectives, but precise individual commitments.
The 2008 Madrid Protocol was adopted by the Barcelona Convention to define coastal zones in the Mediterranean.
The 2016 Paris Agreement establishes a common objective to control global warming, but, with less precise individual commitments than the Kyoto Protocol.
The 2023 Antananivo Protocol addresses coastal zone management in the Western Indian Ocean.