Legal Basis Nature Renaissance FR

1. Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) — 1992

Founding treaty for biodiversity conservation, the sustainable use of its components and the fair sharing of benefits. Central reference framework for the Foundation.

2. Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework — 2022

Successor to the Aichi Targets, it sets 23 global targets by 2030, including the protection of 30% of land and oceans ('30×30') and the restoration of 30% of degraded ecosystems.

3. Paris Agreement on Climate Change — 2015

Legally binding agreement aiming to limit global warming to 1.5–2°C. National contributions increasingly incorporate Nature-based Solutions, a key area for the Foundation.

4. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) — 1973

Regulates international trade in over 38,000 animal and plant species through its Appendices I, II and III. Essential instrument for any action relating to threatened species and illegal wildlife trade.

5. Ramsar Convention on Wetlands — 1971

First intergovernmental treaty dedicated to the conservation and wise use of wetlands. Relevant for any project related to aquatic ecosystems.

6. Convention on Migratory Species (CMS / Bonn Convention) — 1979

Protects migratory species and their habitats across national boundaries. Essential for projects integrating ecological corridors and transboundary wildlife.

7. 2030 Agenda & Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — 2015

Universal UN framework setting 17 goals. SDG 13 (climate action), SDG 14 (life below water) and SDG 15 (life on land) are particularly relevant for the Foundation.

8. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species — 1964 (continuously updated)

Global scientific standard for assessing the conservation status of species (Extinct, Critically Endangered, Vulnerable, etc.). Essential reference for identifying and prioritising threatened species.

9. Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) — 2010

Supplementing the CBD, it governs access to genetic resources and the fair sharing of benefits. Relevant if the Foundation supports research or bioresource utilisation projects.

10. Alpine Convention — 1991

The only international treaty dedicated to the protection and sustainable development of the Alpine area, with specific protocols on nature and landscape. Particularly relevant for a Swiss foundation active in mountain environments.

CITES — Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (1973)

Main global instrument regulating trade in over 38,000 species through its Appendices I, II and III. Central tool for combating illegal wildlife and plant trafficking.

IUCN Red List (1964, continuously updated)

Global scientific standard classifying species by conservation status (Extinct, Critically Endangered, Vulnerable, etc.). Essential factual basis for all communication on threatened species.

Convention on Migratory Species — CMS (1979)

Protects migratory species and their routes across national boundaries. An indispensable complement to CITES for transboundary species.

TRIPS Agreement — Trade-Related Intellectual Property Rights (1994)

Governs the protection of biological resources in international trade. Relevant in connection with the Nagoya Protocol for genetic resources derived from threatened species.

Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (2022)

Sets the global target of protecting 30% of land and seas by 2030 ('30×30') and restoring 30% of degraded ecosystems. Structuring framework for any protected area project.

Convention on Biological Diversity — CBD (1992)

Defines States' obligations for in situ and ex situ conservation. International legal basis for the creation and management of national protected areas.

UNESCO World Heritage Convention (1972)

Protects natural sites of outstanding universal value. Relevant for projects located in or near natural World Heritage Sites.

IUCN Guidelines on Protected Areas

International reference standards for the creation, management and evaluation of protected areas (categories I to VI). Framing tool for any territorial conservation project.

Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (1971)

First intergovernmental treaty dedicated to the conservation and wise use of wetlands. Defines the criteria for designating Ramsar Sites of international importance.

Convention on Biological Diversity — CBD (1992)

Integrates wetland conservation as an essential component of biodiversity. Its Inland Waters Programme directly complements the Ramsar Convention.

Convention on Migratory Species — CMS (1979)

Many migratory species (waterbirds, amphibians) depend on wetlands. The CMS and its regional agreements (e.g. AEWA for waterbirds) are directly linked to this theme.

UNECE Water Convention (Helsinki Convention) — 1992

Protects and manages transboundary waters in Europe. Relevant for wetland projects linked to shared river basins between States.

UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) — 1982

The constitution of the oceans: governs the rights and obligations of States over seas and marine resources. Key legal framework for any project related to marine environments.

Kunming-Montreal Framework — Target 3 (30×30 marine) — 2022

Sets the protection of 30% of marine and coastal areas by 2030. Directly targets projects to establish Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).

High Seas Treaty (BBNJ Agreement) — 2023

First international treaty dedicated to conserving biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction. A historic instrument entering into force progressively from 2024.

MARPOL Convention on Pollution from Ships (1973/1978)

Regulates pollutant discharges from ships (hydrocarbons, waste, emissions). Relevant for projects protecting coastal and marine environments.

Paris Agreement on Climate Change (2015)

Legally binding agreement aiming to limit warming to 1.5–2°C. National contributions (NDCs) increasingly incorporate Nature-based Solutions.

UN Framework Convention on Climate Change — UNFCCC (1992)

Global institutional framework from which the Paris Agreement derives. Integrates biodiversity-climate links, notably through REDD+ forest mechanisms.

REDD+ Mechanism (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation)

UNFCCC incentive framework for valuing forest conservation as a carbon sink. Relevant for projects linking ecosystem protection and climate mitigation.

Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015)

Recognises the role of healthy ecosystems in climate resilience. Relevant for restoration projects linked to natural hazard risk reduction.

Basel Convention on Hazardous Wastes (1989)

Controls transboundary movements of hazardous waste and their disposal. Relevant for projects addressing soil and ecosystem contamination.

Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (2001)

Aims to eliminate or reduce persistent organic pollutants (POPs) that accumulate in food chains and ecosystems. A key tool against long-lasting chemical pollution.

Minamata Convention on Mercury (2013)

Governs the full life cycle of mercury to protect human health and the environment. Relevant for projects in mining areas or near polluting industries.

Global Plastics Treaty (under negotiation, adoption expected 2025)

Future binding instrument to end plastic pollution, including in natural and marine environments. To be closely monitored for projects related to waste in nature.

Alpine Convention (1991)

The only international treaty dedicated to the protection and sustainable development of the Alpine area. Includes 8 thematic protocols, including the Nature and Landscape Protocol and the Mountain Protocol.

Nature and Landscape Protocol — Alpine Convention (1994)

Sectoral protocol of the Alpine Convention dedicated to the conservation of Alpine nature and landscapes. Direct reference framework for biodiversity projects in the Alpine zone.

UN Sustainable Mountain Development Agenda (Chapter 13, Agenda 21)

Recognises mountains as fragile and strategic ecosystems. Integrated into the SDGs via SDG 15 and references to 'mountain ecosystems'.

UN General Assembly Resolution on Sustainable Mountain Development (renewed every 2 years)

UN General Assembly resolution recognising the specific challenges of mountain territories. Political reference framework for Alpine projects.

Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (2000)

Governs transboundary movements of living modified organisms (LMOs/GMOs) that may affect biodiversity. Key instrument for environmental biosafety.

Nagoya-Kuala Lumpur Supplementary Protocol on Liability and Redress (2010)

Complementing the Cartagena Protocol, it establishes rules of liability for damage caused by LMOs to biodiversity. Relevant for projects related to biotechnologies.

Convention on Biological Diversity — CBD, Article 8(g) (1992)

Obliges States to regulate and manage risks associated with living modified organisms. Basic legal foundation for biosafety within the conservation framework.

Codex Alimentarius — Guidelines on Foods Derived from Biotechnology

FAO/WHO international standards governing the safety assessment of GMOs in food. Relevant in connection with agricultural impacts on biodiversity.

Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework — Target 19 (2022)

Sets the target of mobilising USD 200 billion/year for biodiversity by 2030, including USD 20 billion in international flows. Reference framework for the Foundation's financial positioning.

OECD Principles on Biodiversity Finance

Provide guidance to governments and private actors for aligning financial flows with biodiversity objectives. Relevant for fundraising strategies and partnerships.

Equator Principles (private banking sector) — 2003 (revised 2020)

Risk management framework for environmental and social risks in bank-financed projects. Relevant for partnerships with private financial institutions.

Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) — 2023

International reporting framework on nature-related risks and opportunities for companies and financial institutions. Key tool for the transparency and credibility of the Foundation's financial partners.