Arrange the following conventions in chronological order:
- Convention to combat desertification
- Convention on biological diversity
- Convention on trade in endangered species
- Convention on wetlands
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: (C)
Explanation:
The chronological order of adoption for these major environmental conventions is:
- (4) Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar): 1971
- (3) Convention on Trade in Endangered Species (CITES): 1973
- (2) Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD): 1992 (at the Rio Earth Summit)
- (1) Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD): 1994
Therefore, the correct order from oldest to newest is (4), (3), (2), (1).
📚 Additional Info: Key Environmental Conventions
1. (4) Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar Convention)
- Adopted: 1971 in Ramsar, Iran.
- Purpose: To promote the conservation and “wise use” of all wetlands. It is the oldest major global intergovernmental conservation treaty.
- Key Fact: Sites are designated as “Ramsar Sites” (Wetlands of International Importance).
2. (3) CITES (Convention on Int’l Trade in Endangered Species)
- Adopted: 1973 in Washington, D.C.
- Purpose: To ensure that international trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.
- Key Fact: It uses three appendices (Appendix I, II, and III) to provide different levels of protection to species.
3. (2) Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
- Adopted: 1992 at the Rio Earth Summit.
- Purpose: Has three main goals: (1) the conservation of biodiversity, (2) the sustainable use of its components, and (3) the fair and equitable sharing of benefits from genetic resources.
- Key Fact: One of the three “Rio Conventions.” It has two major protocols: the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety and the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing.
4. (1) UNCCD (Convention to Combat Desertification)
- Adopted: 1994.
- Purpose: To combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought, particularly in Africa.
- Key Fact: The second “Rio Convention,” along with CBD and the UNFCCC (Climate Change). It is the only convention stemming from a direct recommendation of the Rio Summit’s Agenda 21.