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Ulfstein, Geir --- "International Framework for Environmental Decision-making" [2010] ELECD 590; in Fitzmaurice, Malgosia; Ong, M. David; Merkouris, Panos (eds), "Research Handbook on International Environmental Law" (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2010)

Book Title: Research Handbook on International Environmental Law

Editor(s): Fitzmaurice, Malgosia; Ong, M. David; Merkouris, Panos

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing

ISBN (hard cover): 9781847201249

Section: Chapter 2

Section Title: International Framework for Environmental Decision-making

Author(s): Ulfstein, Geir

Number of pages: 23

Extract:

2 International framework for environmental decision-
making
Geir Ulfstein



Introduction
The international character of the most serious environmental challenges makes cooperation
between States imperative. As a response to this need, international environmental law, as
developed since the 1970s, includes essential institutional characteristics. Such institutions
provide permanent fora for negotiating and adopting relevant measures for environmental
protection.
The United Nations has played a pivotal role as a framework for developing environmen-
tal decision-making, particularly the General Assembly and the United Nations Environment
Programme (UNEP). Several of the UN specialized agencies are also involved in environ-
mental decision-making, such as the Food and Agriculture Organizations (FAO) and the
International Maritime Organization (IMO). A particular feature of international environ-
mental law is the `treaty bodies' established by many multilateral environmental agreements
(MEAs). These bodies, and in particular, their `conference of the parties' (COP), are perma-
nent organs with subsidiary bodies and a secretariat, and have important functions in law-
making as well as compliance control. In addition, international financial organizations, such
as the World Bank, play a vital role. Finally, international environmental organizations and
treaty bodies are found also at the regional level.
Environmental problems require urgent international action. They are furthermore inter-
connected and need to be addressed in a comprehensive manner. This has given rise to a
concern that there may be a need for a more effective and inclusive cooperation. Hence, the
design of international environmental governance has for a long time been under scrutiny.

The United Nations

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