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International commitments

Examples of framework to integrate international conventions:

Pacific island countries: Rio Declaration

Surprisingly, the South Pacific Environment Programme (SPREP) which obtains much of its operating capital as a result of UNCED, steadfastly ignored Agenda 21 for many years after the conference and failed to take advantage of this international agreement (signed by many of its member countries) to facilitate national comittment for sustainable development.
In preparation for, and in the aftermath of UNCED, SPREP assisted its member countries with National State of Environment Reports followed by National Environment Strategy (NEMS) Reports. SPREP also helped fund preparation of comprehensive environmental legislation in Fiji, Tonga, Vanuatu and many other Pacific island countries. The legislation, however, had little input by local government, NGOs or the private sector. As a result, most of the proposed laws are unworkable and some of them show little understanding of the political, religious, and cultural realities of the countries. None of the laws have been enacted, most have not even been accepted for review by Government.