Long-range transboundary air pollution: multilateral protocol on financing
SUBJECT CATEGORY:
Air
TYPE OF AGREEMENT / INSTRUMENT:
Multilateral
FORM:
Legally-binding treaty
STATUS:
- Canada is not obligated by the protocol to contribute financially in support of EMEP, but can voluntarily contribute.
- Signed October 3, 1984
- Ratified December 4, 1985
- In force in Canada January 28, 1988
- In force internationally January 28, 1988
LEAD & PARTNER DEPARTMENTS:
Lead: Environment Canada
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Web Links:
The 1984 Geneva Protocol on Long-term Financing of the Cooperative Programme for Monitoring and Evaluation of the Long-range Transmission of Air Pollutants in Europe (EMEP)
Contacts:
COMPENDIUM EDITION:
January 2015
REFERENCE #:
M-AIR-3/EN
Objective
The 1984 protocol established the financial mechanism and international cost sharing for a monitoring program critical to support work under the Convention where review and assessment of air pollution in Europe is required. The monitoring and evaluation of long-range transmission of pollutants is an integral component of the 1979 Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution.
Key Elements
EMEP has three main components: collection of emissions data; measurement of air and precipitation quality; and modeling of the movement of air pollution.
The protocol establishes funding based on annual mandatory contributions from countries within the geographic scope of EMEP. Voluntary contributions can be made by countries outside the geographic scope of EMEP (Canada, U.S.).
Expected Results
The Protocol provides the necessary funding mechanism for the EMEP monitoring program activities.
Canada’s Involvement
Canada is not obligated by the protocol to contribute financially, but has made voluntary contributions.
Results / Progress
Activities
Canada last made a voluntary contribution to the EMEP Trust Fund in 2012 with a contribution of $90,000 to enhance capacity building in Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia (EECCA) countries.