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ABOUT THE DATABASE What's in the database? This database was developed by the Office of the Auditor General and the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development (CESD) to address the need for access by interested parties to basic information about Canada's commitments under international environmental agreements. It covers agreements with an environmental dimension, including those dealing with pollution control and prevention and the use of natural resources. It was launched in 1998 and maintained on the Office's web site until August, 2001 at which time the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade assumed responsibility. The database has been designed to provide information on legally-binding as well as non-binding agreements. At present, legally-binding agreements are the dominant focus of the database. One non-binding instrument is featured, namely the Rio Declaration. The database presently focuses on agreements that fit into a relatively narrow definition of environment, however the classification scheme permits more broadly defined sustainable development agreements to be incorporated in the future. The database is designed to accommodate three different levels of detail: (1) general information about each agreement; (2) specific commitments made; and (3) actions taken in response to a particular commitment. For each agreement, the database contains core information, including the agreement's objectives, its geographic scope, the dates signed and ratified (where applicable), amendments, subject matter, and lead and supporting federal departments. The second level of information documents all commitments made by Canada under an agreement. The commitments have been organized by category (for example, assistance, control measures, trade measures, co-operation, enforcement, reporting, etc.) to facilitate a search of the database. References to the applicable agreement article are included as are citations for any relevant amendments, adjustments or decisions of the parties. In some cases, explanatory notes give additional details on particular aspects. The database provides the capability of presenting information on the measures taken to implement each commitment. This third level of information has not yet been completed and will require the collaboration of various federal departments involved in the implementation of the agreements. Currency of information The information in this database is current as of December 6, 2000. The commitment summaries incorporate wording changes from amendments where they are in force. In addition, every effort has been made to include information available from the latest conference of the parties for each agreement, where applicable. Given the ongoing activities internationally with respect to the agreements in this database, users are encouraged to consult the applicable convention secretariats or other appropriate body for the most up-to-date information possible. How is it organized? The agreements in the database cover a wide range of topics and differ in their scope and comprehensiveness. We developed a classification scheme to allow users to quickly and efficiently identify the agreements of interest to them. The classification system was based on similar catalogues prepared by the Consortium for International Earth Science Information Network and the Commission for Environmental Co-operation, and was then modified with input from Environment Canada and Foreign Affairs and International Trade. This scheme may be amended as the database expands and the needs of users are identified more precisely. Any given agreement may fall under more than one heading; however we expect relatively few cases where agreements fall under many separate headings. For some headings, there are more detailed subheadings. For example, under the heading "air and atmosphere", there are subheadings for climate change, stratospheric ozone depletion, air pollution/air quality, and outer space. How was it constructed? Most of the data have been obtained through the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, the United Nations Treaty Series, and other reputable sources. The descriptions of the commitments and the classification of the agreements into the relevant categories were based on the text of the agreements and their subject matter. The database contains the links, where available, to sites that offer the full text of the various agreements. Work on the database has been carried out by experts in international environmental law and by lawyers working with the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development. How is it used? Once the user enters the database, there are several different display and search options to facilitate some of the common types of queries for information (e.g. by subject matter or by lead department). Most of these are designed to help the user select the relevant agreements. There are buttons which allow easy movement between the different levels in the database (agreements, commitments, and eventually actions). For example, to display all of the commitments for a given agreement, the user simply clicks on the correct button. This brief description does not constitute a full user manual, but is rather intended to indicate some of the capabilities of the system. The help functions accessible from the individual screens provide more assistance. Disclaimer The material in this database is for information only. The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade makes no representations as to its completeness or suitability for any purpose. Because the database is intended to contain a summary only, the original texts of the agreements should be consulted for more information. Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the contents of this database, the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade does not accept any responsibility or liability for any damages or losses arising from the use of this database or from access to, or the material on, any site which is linked to or from this site. Copyright © Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada, 1998. All rights reserved. In order to obtain permission to reproduce in whole or in part for any purpose whatsoever, please contact the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. Questions and comments If you have questions or comments about the content or structure of the database, you can send comments directly to AES@dfait-maeci.gc.ca. |
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