2. The term "convention" is used in international
law to refer to certain formal statements of
principle.
Conventions are adopted by international
bodies such as the United Nations.
Convention applied only to countries that ratify
them, and do not automatically apply to
member states of such bodies. These
conventions are generally seen as having the
force of international treaties for the ratifying
countries.
What is a convention?
DefinitionsDefinitions
3. The term "convention" is used in international
law to refer to certain formal statements of
principle.
Conventions are adopted by international
bodies such as the United Nations.
Convention applied only to countries that ratify
them, and do not automatically apply to
member states of such bodies. These
conventions are generally seen as having the
force of international treaties for the ratifying
countries.
What is a convention?
DefinitionsDefinitions
What is a protocol?
A convention itself set no binding limits for
individual countries and contains no
enforcement mechanisms.
In that sense, a convention is considered
legally non-binding. Instead, provides a
framework for negotiating specific
international treaties ,called "protocols“, that
may set binding limits regarding to a specific
convention.
4. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
The UNFCCC was the first international effort to address the
problem of climate change caused by the emission of
greenhouse gases through human activities.
Negotiated at the United Nations Conference on
Environment and Development (UNCED), informally known
as the Earth Summit, held in Rio de Janeiro from 3 to 14
June 1992.
The objective of the treaty is to "stabilize greenhouse
gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would
prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the
climate system“
The treaty itself set no binding limits on greenhouse gas
emissions for individual countries .
5. Kyoto protocolKyoto protocol
• In 1997, the Kyoto Protocol was concluded and established
legally binding obligations for developed countries to reduce their
greenhouse gas emissions. The 2010 Cancun agreements state that
future global warming should be limited to below 2.0 °C (3.6 °F)
relative to the pre-industrial level
• The provisions of the Kyoto Protocol are legally binding on the
ratifying nations.
• Countries that ratify the Kyoto Protocol agree to reduce
emissions of six greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming:
carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, sulfur hexafluoride, HFCs and
PFCs.
6. Kyoto protocolKyoto protocol
• The countries are allowed to use
emissions trading to meet their
obligations if they maintain or increase
their greenhouse gas emissions. Emissions
trading allows nations that can easily
meet their targets to sell credits to those
that cannot.
• 178 Nations had accepted it.
7. Convention on Biological DiversityConvention on Biological Diversity
The Convention has three main goals:
1. conservation of biological diversity (or biodiversity)
2. sustainable use of its components
3. fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources
The Convention was opened for signature at the Earth Summit in Rio de
Janeiro on 5 June 1992 and entered into force on 29 December 1993.
8. Convention on Biological DiversityConvention on Biological Diversity
• The most important of the international
conventions governing biological diversity is the
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
•Decisions reached in the CBD not only flow into national
legislation, but they also influence the expectations of
investors, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and
other stakeholders when working with the business
sector.
• A number of routes are available to facilitate
engagement between the CBD and business.
9. OPRC ConventionOPRC Convention
International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation
Parties to the International Convention on Oil Pollution
Preparedness, Response and Co-operation (OPRC) are
required to establish measures for dealing with pollution
incidents, either nationally or in co-operation with other
countries.
Generally the convention applies to:
vessels of any type operating in the marine environment
fixed or floating offshore installations
structures engaged in gas and oil exploration
exploitation or production activities
sea parts or handling facilities
Protocols came from this convention, like HNS protocol that
refers to Carriage of Hazardous and Noxious Substances by
Sea.
10. The Law of the SeaThe Law of the Sea
In short, the Convention is an unprecedented attempt
by the international community to regulate all aspects of
the resources of the sea and uses of the ocean, and thus
bring a stable order to mankind's very source of life.
Navigational rights, territorial sea limits, economic
jurisdiction, legal status of resources on the seabed
beyond the limits of national jurisdiction, passage of ships
through narrow straits, conservation and management of
living marine resources, protection of the marine
environment, a marine research regime.
11. The Law of the SeaThe Law of the Sea
The exclusive economic zone (EEZ) is one of the most revolutionary features of the Convention, and one
which already has had a profound impact on the management and conservation of the resources of the
oceans.
The Convention resolves conflicting claims, interpretations and measuring techniques by setting the 200-
mile EEZ limit as the boundary of the continental shelf for seabed and subsoil exploitation, satisfying the
geologically disadvantaged.
12. Greece and Kyoto Protocol:
• Taking into consideration that Greece is linked with Kyoto Protocol by
Ratification of the Law 3017/2002.
• That Greece wants to reduce greenhouse gases emissions of 20% by 2020 in
comparison with 1990 levels
• A 80-95% decrease of greenhouse gases emission is a goal to reach until
2050.
• The Greece implemented Directive 2003/87/EC concerning greenhouse
gases associated with industries’ activities in the energy sectors and others. So, in
that case, the industry should get a permit to be able to operate/to do its job from
the competent authorities.
Greek Legislation according to International ConventionsGreek Legislation according to International Conventions
13. OPRC Convention by Law 2252/18.11.1994.
The competent authority is the Ministry of Mercantile Marine
divided in two departments :
1. the Marine Environment Protection Division
2. the Branch for Merchant Ships' Surveys
both of whose personnel consists mainly of Coast Guard officers.
Greek Legislation according to International ConventionsGreek Legislation according to International Conventions
Greece and OPRC convention:
14. The CBD convention was ratified on 1994/08/04
• Its protocol had ratification on 2004/08/19.
• Greece has an important concern to preserve its Fauna and Flora.
Besides specific laws, ministerial decisions and presidential decrees, the national Law 1650/1986 “for the protection of the
environment”, serves as a general framework concerning most biodiversity related subjects. This law sets the major
directions for the conservation of biodiversity components.
Greek Legislation according to International ConventionsGreek Legislation according to International Conventions
Greece and CBD:
15. Greece is a party to a variety of other international treaties which address marine oil pollution:
the 1972 London Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Waste and Other Matter
the 1976 Barcelona Convention and its Prevention and Emergency Protocol
the 2001 Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage
Greek Legislation according to International ConventionsGreek Legislation according to International Conventions
“The legislative framework in Greece is complex, since there are several competent authorities with sectorial
jurisdictions.”
16. Thank you for your attention!Thank you for your attention!
