Article 31. Assessment and Review

Abstract

Article 31 of the Nagoya Protocol provides an opportunity to identify the need for international guidance or adjustments that may be needed if the evaluation identifies specific areas in which the effectiveness of the Protocol can be improved. Article 31 is modeled after the Cartagena Protocol, with the only difference that the first review is mandated after four years from entry into force and that following ones will be held at intervals to be determined by the Conference of the Parties (COP) serving as the Meeting of the Parties (MOP) to the Nagoya Protocol. The review will particularly focus on the effectiveness of measures to ensure compliance with Mutually Agreed Terms (MAT). More generally, the assessment and review process will provide an opportunity for the Nagoya Protocol to evolve as a regime in light of lessons learnt in its implementation and subsequent international developments, which is a common trait among Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs).Keywords: Conference of the Parties (COP); Meeting of the Parties (MOP); Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs); Mutually Agreed Terms (MAT); Nagoya Protocol