27 August 2014: The Espoo Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context is now open for ratification to non-UNECE states, following the entry into force of an amendment, on 26 August 2014. The Convention entered into force in 1997 as a regional instrument under the auspices of the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) to: help countries develop national environmental impact assessment procedures; foster international cooperation to prevent, manage and mitigate adverse environmental impacts; and assist in developing national and international environmental law.

In 2001, an amendment was adopted expanding the Convention’s reach to the global community. To date, 24 states have ratified, approved or accepted the amendment. Non-UNECE countries will be able to accede to the Convention once all states that were parties when the amendment was adopted have ratified it.

Christian Friis Bach, UNECE Executive Secretary, said that the amendment will “fill an important gap” in international law, and advance environmental impact assessment “as an important tool for sustainable development.” He urged all parties to ratify the amendment as soon as possible.

The Convention’s Protocol aims to ensure that Parties integrate environmental concerns into their plans, programmes, policies and legislation. The UNECE provides the Secretariat for the two agreements. [UNECE Press Release]