This section summarizes existing international Conventions that PNG has ratified and which are currently being implemented by DEC. It also lists new Conventions PNG has not ratified but funding has been made available to DEC for projects in PNG.

1. Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD, 1993)
   This convention was ratified in 1993 and is aimed at protecting the Earth’s biological diversity

2. Convention to Combat Desertification (CCD, 2000)
   This convention aims to deliver a new integrated approach to solving the problem of land degradation and to support sustainable development at community level.

3. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES, 1973)
   This Convention was ratified by the PNG Government in 1975 and is for the protection of endangered species from being used as commercial products within PNG and abroad.

4. Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, especially as Waterfowl Habitats (RAMSAR, 1971)
   This Convention was ratified by PNG in 1993 and required PNG to use its wetlands and associated flora and fauna in a sustainable manner.

5. Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (1972)
   PNG ratified this Convention in 1997. In 1999 a National World Heritage Committee was established to consider sites in PNG to be declared as World Heritage Areas based on the criteria and guidelines of this Convention.

6. Basel Convention on the Trans-boundary Movement of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal (1989)
   This Convention as the name explicitly states was formulated as a result of the increasing frequency and quantity of hazardous wastes being transported from developed countries to developed countries.

7. Protocol on Biosafety (Cartagena Protocol)
   The Protocol seeks to protect biological diversity from the potential risk posed by living modified organisms resulting from modern biotechnology.

8. Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs Convention)
   This Convention is aimed at controlling the importation and/or exportation of twelve (12) identified persistent organic substances.

9. Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade (Rotterdam Convention)
   The aim of the Convention is to promote shared responsibility and cooperative efforts among Parties in the international trade of certain hazardous chemicals in order to protect human health and the environment from potential harm.

10. Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer (1995)
    This Convention is an agreement for Party Countries to take action to protect the protection of the ozone layer.

11. Montreal Protocol on Substances that deplete the Ozone Layer
    The Montreal Protocol is a further agreement to the Vienna Convention focuses on phasing out of potential Ozone Layer depleting substances.

12. Convention to Ban the Importation in Forum Islands Countries of Hazardous Wastes and Radioactive Wastes and to Control the Transboundary Movement and Management of Hazardous Wastes within the South Pacific Region. (Waigani Convention)
    Objective of this Convention is to prohibit the importation of hazardous and radioactive wastes into the Pacific Islands Developing country parties.

13. Convention on Conservation of Nature in the South Pacific Region (Apia, 1996)
    This Convention was ratified in 1996 and deals with the conservation of nature in the South Pacific Region.

14. Convention for the Protection of the Natural Resources and Environment of the South Pacific Region and related Protocols (SPREP, 1986)
    This Convention forms the basis for the establishment of SPREP and outlines the broad objectives of SPREP.