International Organizations -Part 2

11.Global Climate Change Alliance (GCCA):

• Established by the European Union (EU) in 2007 to enhance dialogue and collaboration with developing nations, particularly Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
• The GCCA+ flagship initiative, initiated in 2014, aligns with the European Commission’s Multiannual Financial Framework (2014-2020).
• GCCA+ aims to enhance its responsiveness to the needs of vulnerable countries and groups, employing ambitious and innovative approaches based on two mutually reinforcing pillars.

Pillar 1: Dialogue and Exchange:

• GCCA+ functions as a platform for dialogue and experience sharing between the EU and developing countries, emphasizing climate policy and renewing attention to international climate finance.
• Results contribute to negotiations for a new climate deal under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Pillar 2: Technical and Financial Support:

• GCCA+ serves as a source of technical and financial support for the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries, emphasizing ecosystems-based adaptation, migration, and gender equality.
• Focuses technical support on climate change mainstreaming and poverty reduction, increasing resilience to climate-related stresses, and sector-based climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies.

12.Global Tiger Forum (GTF)

Formation and Secretariat:

• Established in 1994, the Global Tiger Forum (GTF) is an inter-governmental and international body dedicated to global tiger conservation.
• The GTF's secretariat is located in New Delhi.

Meeting Frequency:

• The General Assembly of GTF convenes every three years.

Objectives and Functions

1. Worldwide Campaign for Tiger Conservation

2. Legal Framework for Biodiversity Conservation

3. Expansion of Protected Areas

4. Eco-Development Programs

5. Combating Illegal Trade

6. Scientific Research

7. Technology Exchange

8. Participative Fund

GTF - Funding and Background

1. Funding Sources:

• Founded in 1994, GTF is financially supported by member governments and non-governmental organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW).

2. Origins and Symposium Recommendations:

• Created in response to recommendations from the International Symposium on Tiger Conservation in 1993.

3. Triennial Meetings:

• GTF holds triennial meetings contributing to the development of norms and laws for member nations.

4. Research Collaboration:

• Collaborates with the World Wildlife Fund for Nature on a situation analysis study funded by the Integrated Tiger Habitat Conservation Program (ITHCP) of the KfW (German Development Bank) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to understand tiger habitat status in high altitudes.

GTF - Membership Structure

1. Founding Members:

• Established in 1994, GTF remains the only intergovernmental organization worldwide devoted to tiger conservation.

2. Member Nations:

• Seven nations within the tiger range are members: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Cambodia, Myanmar, Nepal, and Vietnam.
• The UK government has joined as a non-tiger range nation, with Canada considering a similar affiliation.

3. International NGOs and National NGOs:

• Members include international NGOs such as TRAFFIC, IFAW, and WWF.
• Several national NGOs from India and Nepal are also part of the forum.

13.Climate Action Network (CAN):

• A global network of 1300+ Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in over 120 countries dedicated to promoting government and individual action to limit human-induced climate change.
• Regional network hubs coordinate efforts worldwide.
• Emphasizes a balance between a healthy environment and development that meets present needs without compromising future generations' abilities.

Vision:

• Aims to protect the atmosphere while facilitating sustainable and equitable development globally.

14.Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE):

• Launched in 2013 in response to the Rio+20 call, supporting countries opting for greener and more inclusive growth trajectories.
• PAGE unites five UN agencies – UN Environment, International Labour Organization, UN Development Programme, UN Industrial Development Organization, and UN Institute for Training and Research – providing integrated and holistic support for inclusive green economy initiatives.
• Represents a mechanism to coordinate UN action on green economy and assist countries in achieving and monitoring Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 8: “Promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.”

15.Organizations for Arctic and Antarctic regions:

A.Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR):

Establishment and Purpose:

• Established in February 1958, SCAR is an interdisciplinary body operating under the International Council for Science (ICSU).
• Originated to sustain international coordination of Antarctic scientific activities, a tradition that commenced during the International Geophysical Year of 1957-58.
• Tasked with initiating, developing, and coordinating scientific research activities in the Antarctic region.

Organizational Structure:

• The scientific business of SCAR is managed through its Standing Scientific Groups.
• An executive committee, elected from the delegates, oversees day-to-day administration through its secretariat at the Scott Polar Research Institute in Cambridge, England.

Scientific Advisory Role:

• SCAR provides scientific advice to the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings and other relevant organizations on matters concerning science and conservation, impacting the management of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean.

Administrative Meetings:

• Conducts administrative business every two years at the SCAR Delegates Meeting.

B. Arctic Council

Overview:

• The Arctic Council serves as a crucial intergovernmental forum, fostering cooperation among Arctic States, indigenous communities, and other inhabitants on common Arctic issues.
• It addresses challenges related to sustainable development and environmental protection, emphasizing consensus-based approaches.

Historical Background:

• The Arctic Council traces its roots to the Arctic Environmental Protection Strategy (AEPS) established in 1991.
• AEPS aimed at intergovernmental cooperation among Arctic States, including Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Russia, and the United States.
• Recognition of Arctic indigenous people's rights led to the inclusion of three Indigenous Peoples Organizations (IPOs) as observers.

Organizational Structure:

• Founded in 1996 by the Ottawa Declaration, the Arctic Council comprises eight circumpolar countries and permanent participants representing indigenous communities.
• The Arctic Council Secretariat, operational since 2013, provides administrative support and enhances communication and outreach.

Membership and Observers:

• Member States include Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and the United States.
• Permanent participants, such as Aleut International Association and Inuit Circumpolar Council, hold privileged status.
• Observer status is open to non-Arctic states and organizations contributing to the Council's work; as of 2022, thirteen non-Arctic states have Observer status.

Admission Criteria for Observers:

• Observers must accept and support the Arctic Council's objectives defined in the Ottawa Declaration.
• Recognition of Arctic States' sovereignty, adherence to legal frameworks like the Law of the Sea, and respect for indigenous peoples' values are essential criteria.
• Demonstrated political willingness and financial ability to contribute to the work of Permanent Participants are considered.

Working Groups and Mechanism:

• Six Working Groups, including Arctic Contaminants Action Program (ACAP) and Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna Working Group (CAFF), drive the Council's initiatives.
• Decisions are made by consensus among Arctic Council States, with full involvement of Permanent Participants.

Accomplishments:

• The Arctic Council produces cutting-edge assessments through its Working Groups.
• Legally binding agreements on search and rescue, marine oil pollution preparedness, and international Arctic scientific cooperation have been negotiated.

India's Engagement:

• India, as an Observer, launched its first scientific expedition to the Arctic in 2007.
• Research base "Himadri" at Ny-Alesund, Svalbard, Norway, signifies India's commitment to Arctic studies.
• India's interests in the region span scientific, environmental, commercial, and strategic aspects.

Commercial and Strategic Interests:

• The Arctic's richness in minerals, oil, and gas attracts countries, including India, with the potential for new shipping routes.
• The Arctic Council does not prohibit commercial exploitation but emphasizes sustainable practices and protection of local interests.

16.Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC):

Establishment and Headquarters:

• Established in 1988 by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), later endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly.
• Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.

Key Functions:

• Produces reports supporting the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
• Reports encompass comprehensive information on human-induced climate change risks, potential impacts, and adaptation/mitigation options.
• Relies on contributions from thousands of scientists and experts on a voluntary basis.
• Shared the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize with an American Environmentalist.
• Aims to assess scientific information related to human-induced climate change, its impacts, and options for adaptation/mitigation.

Funding:

• Receives funding through the IPCC Trust Fund, established in 1989 by UNEP and WMO.

Assessment Reports:

• Publishes comprehensive scientific assessment reports every 6 to 7 years.
• The Fifth Assessment Report, completed in 2014, served as the main scientific input for the Paris Agreement.

Sixth Assessment Report (AR6):

• Examines topics like the link between consumption/behavior and greenhouse gas emissions, and the role of innovation and technology.
• Assesses the connection between short to medium-term actions and their compatibility with the long-term temperature goal in the Paris Agreement.
• Evaluates mitigation options in sectors such as energy, agriculture, forestry, land use, buildings, transport, and industry.

Special Reports:

The Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate:

• Highlighted changes in oceans, glaciers, and ice-deposits at the United Nations Climate Summit in the U.S.
• Part of a series, including 'Global Warming of 1.5°C' and 'Land and Climate Change,' exploring the scientific feasibility of the 1.5°C goal and the contribution of land-related activities to global warming.
• Updates the IPCC’s 5th Assessment Report and summarizes impacts of warming based on current greenhouse gas emission projections.

17.Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF):

Overview:

The Forest Carbon Partnership Facility is a global collaboration involving governments, businesses, civil society, and Indigenous Peoples. It is dedicated to mitigating emissions arising from deforestation and forest degradation, promoting forest carbon stock conservation, ensuring sustainable forest management, and enhancing forest carbon stocks in developing countries. These activities collectively fall under the umbrella of REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation).

Administrative Roles:

The World Bank serves as the trustee and secretariat for the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility, overseeing its operations.

Delivery Partners:

Under the Readiness Fund, key Delivery Partners include the World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank, and the United Nations Development Programme. These entities play a pivotal role in providing crucial REDD+ readiness support.

Objectives of the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility:

1. Assisting REDD+ Efforts:

   • The primary objective is to support countries in their endeavors related to REDD+ by offering both financial and technical assistance.

2. Performance-Based Payment System:

   • Introducing and piloting a performance-based payment system for activities falling under the REDD+ framework.

3. Sustainable Livelihoods and Biodiversity Conservation:

   • Testing strategies to sustain or enhance the livelihoods of local communities while simultaneously focusing on biodiversity conservation.

4. Knowledge Dissemination:

   • Broadly disseminating acquired knowledge from Emission Reductions Programs (ERPs) to foster a wider understanding of effective strategies.