When does implementation work? A comparison of Ramsar Convention implementation in different continents

Justification of the paper How do institutional, organizational and financial aspects at the national level shape the implementation of multilateral environmental agreements? This important question in international... [ view full abstract ]

Justification of the paper
How do institutional, organizational and financial aspects at the national level shape the implementation of multilateral environmental agreements? This important question in international environmental law and politics is examined in this paper through a comparative analytical approach to the implementation of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in Austria, Mexico, and the Republic of Korea.

Purpose
These cases represent three different types of government, and shed light on the ways in which international law is implemented by respective governments.

Results and conclusions
The Austrian case, a federal government, illustrates the ways in which subnational authorities (the provinces) interact with regional institutions to create a robust context for protection. The Mexican case, a semi-federal government, shows how spurred involvement by local NGOs, states, and scientists can result in significant expansion of efforts. The Korean case, a unitary government, demonstrates the ways in which aligning institutional interests (in this case local governments with national ministries) can lead to strong implementation. The general findings are that engaging with local level actors is key in implementation, overlapping conservation efforts may be useful for the effectiveness of all, and that further unpacking the process of implementation can provide more insights into both international law and debates on national capacities.

Implications for Tipping Points
Wetlands belong globally to the most threatened ecosystems and the Ramsar Convention is designed to address these threats. The paper comparativly shows examples of good implementation practice as well as of pitfalls from different continents in order prevent reaching tipping points where irreversible devastations of those ecosystems cannot be excluded.

Key words:
Implementation, international law, global environmental politics, multilevel governance, Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, biodiversity conservation.