This section explains what multilateral environmental [and natural resources] agreements and commitments are and the Philippines’ obligations under these agreements. It provides a short description of each agreement, the focal office and focal points at the senior and technical levels and their contact information, the status of the Philippine commitments, latest updates, supporting activities and policies related to the agreement.

What are Multilateral Environmental Agreements?

The main mechanism available under international law for countries to work together on global environmental issues is the Multilateral Environmental Agreement (MEA). MEAs are agreements entered into by more than two countries and are predominantly United Nations-driven owing to the UN’s representation to the international community. These agreements may include obligations varying from more general principles about a particular environmental issue, through to definitive actions to be taken by countries that are party to the agreement. Examples are the conventions and international treaties on human rights and environment and the work of environment and natural resources driven International Organizations.

MEAs may be in the form of a "treaty", "convention", or "protocol". They could be global or regional; appendix or annex driven (e.g. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora); or framework conventions (e.g. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change). More details can be found in Auditing the Implementation of Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs): A Primer for Auditors.