Genetic resources, organisms or parts thereof, populations, or any other biotic component of  ecosystems with actual or potential use or value for humanity (CBD).

A generic term for treaties, conventions, protocols, and other binding instruments related to the environment. Usually applied to instruments of a geographic scope wider than that of a bilateral agreement (i.e., between two States).

In practice acceptance is used instead of ratification when, at a national level, constitutional law does not require an agreement to be ratified by the Head of State. Acceptance has the same legal effect as ratification.

Act whereby a State becomes a Party to an international agreement already negotiated and  closed for signature. Accession has the same legal effect as ratification, although an acceding State has not signed the agreement.

Approval and assertion of the fact that credentials submitted by delegates to a particular meeting are in order.

Latin word meaning “for this purpose.” An ad hoc committee, for example, is created with a unique and specific purpose or task and once it has studied and reported on a matter, it is discontinued.

1) Actions taken to help communities and ecosystems cope with changing climate conditions  (UNFCCC). 2) Genetically determined characteristic that enhances the ability of an organism to cope with  its environment (CBD).

Fund established under the Kyoto Protocol to provide support for adaptation projects.

1) Adoption by a country of an international agreement refers to the process of its  incorporation into the domestic legal system, through signature, ratification or any other  process required under national law. 2) Adoption by the international community of an international agreement is the formal act by  which the form and content of a proposed [..]

Principle or procedure whereby the international exchange of resources or products that could have adverse effects on the environment should not proceed without the informed agreement of, or contrary to the decision of, the competent authority in the recipient country.