GTOS and the Conventions

Global Terrestrial Observing System
The Global Terrestrial Observing System and the data and information needs of some of the Environmental Convention Secretariats
M.D. Gwynne
October 1996 (Updated April 1997)
GTOS - 7

Table of Contents

1. SUMMARY CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

2. BACKGROUND

Rationale
Terrestrial observing system
Users

3. THE CONVENTIONS

3.1 Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitaat (RAMSAR) (1971)

The Convention
Funds available
Links with other Conventions
Needs from GTOS

3.2 Convention Governing the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (1972)

The Convention
World Heritage Fund
Site description and monitoring
Natural sites
Needs from GTOS

3.3 Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) (1973)

The Convention
Funds available
Links with other Conventions
Needs from GTOS

3.4 Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) (1979)

The Convention
Funds available
Links with other Conventions
Links with the World Conservation Monitoring Centre
Needs from GTOS

3.5 BASEL Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal (1989)

The Convention
Funds available
Links with other Conventions
Needs from GTOS
Land-fill sites
Incineration sites

3.6 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

The Convention
Funds available
Links with other Conventions
Needs from GTOS

3.7 Convention on Biological Diversity (1992)

The Convention
Funds available
Links with other Conventions
Needs from GTOS

3.8 United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in those countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification, Particularly in Africa (1994)

The Convention
Funds available
Links with other Conventions
Needs from GTOS

4. FINDINGS

5. GTOS SHORT TERM STRATEGY

ANNEX I: PERSONS CONSULTED