Since the 1972 United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, over 300 multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs) have been concluded on subjects as diverse as biological diversity, transboundary air pollution, the law of the sea, world-heritage protection and desertification. Numerous environmental agreements have also been concluded at the regional level and on a bilateral basis. These instruments are oriented towards the protection and management of the natural environment and at guiding human activities towards sustainable development. However, attaining sustainable development objectives remains a significant challenge for developing countries and countries with economies in transition. Thus, as Agenda 21 outlines, it is important to enhance national capacities for the enforcement and application of international legal instruments and mechanisms.

The Regional Training Workshop on the Implementation of International Environmental Law for the Indian Ocean was conducted between 2 and 5 April, 2002. Twenty-five French-speaking participants representing the Ministry of Environment and other relevant Ministries of the countries of Comoro, Madagascar, Mauritius, France (Réunion), and Seychelles were involved in the Workshop.

Objectives
 Human resources and legislative capacity building.
 Exchange of information and national experiences on the implementation of MEAs.

Outcomes
 Deepened understanding of relevant MEAs.
 Preparation and presentation of a national report on the implementation of MEAs.

Partners
 Commission of the Indian Ocean
 French Ministry of Foreign Affairs
 Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie
 Swiss Federal Office for the Environment FOEN