Comprehensive Compilation of International Organizations & Groupings for UPSC Prelims 🌍📚
Stay ahead in your UPSC preparation with our detailed compilation of International Organizations & Groupings, specifically designed to help you tackle recurring questions in the Prelims exams. Each organization is summarized in easy-to-read tables with the following key sections:
- Introduction: Overview of the organization’s background.
- Objectives: Clear presentation of its goals.
- Members: List of participating countries/entities.
- Reports/Indices: Key publications and indices related to the organization.
- Instruments: Foundational treaties, charters, and agreements.
- Structure: Organizational framework and key governing bodies.
- Subsidiary Organs: Related branches and bodies.
- Committees: Specialized working groups and their roles.
- Initiatives: Major projects, campaigns, and actions taken by the organization.
This organized and comprehensive resource will enhance your revision, making complex topics simpler to grasp and recall, ensuring you are well-prepared for the UPSC Prelims. Prepare effectively, save time, and stay confident with this essential study tool! 📝✨
| Column | Details |
|---|---|
| Introduction | – Established: 1982. – Mission: To promote environmental sustainability, economic opportunity, and human health and well-being. – Scope: Operates globally, focusing on critical issues at the intersection of environment and development, including climate, energy, food, forests, water, cities, and the ocean. |
| Objectives | – Climate: Drive transformative changes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance resilience to climate impacts. – Energy: Promote sustainable energy access and accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources. – Food: Advance sustainable agriculture to feed a growing population while reducing environmental impacts. – Forests: Protect and restore forest ecosystems to sustain biodiversity and livelihoods. – Water: Ensure sustainable water management to meet human and ecological needs. – Cities: Foster sustainable urban development to improve quality of life and reduce environmental footprints. – Ocean: Support the sustainable management and conservation of marine resources. |
| Members (Dec 2024) | – Global Presence: WRI operates in over 60 countries, with offices in the United States, China, India, Brazil, Indonesia, and more. – India’s Status: WRI has a significant presence in India through WRI India, a research organization focusing on sustainable development solutions tailored to the Indian context. |
| Reports/Indices | – World Resources Report: A flagship publication series offering in-depth analysis on global environmental and development issues. – State of Climate Action: Provides comprehensive assessments of global progress toward climate goals. – Global Forest Watch Reports: Deliver insights into global forest conditions and trends. – Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas: Offers data and tools for understanding water-related risks worldwide. – Aqueduct Projected Water Stress Country Rankings: Includes countries’ projected exposure to baseline water stress under various scenarios. – Global Climate Pledges: A Progress Report: Assesses the state of nationally determined contributions (NDCs) and progress toward climate goals. |
| Instruments | – Greenhouse Gas Protocol: Establishes global standards for measuring and managing greenhouse gas emissions. – Global Forest Watch: An online platform providing data and tools for monitoring forests in near real-time. – Aqueduct: A tool for mapping water risks globally. |
| Structure | – Board of Directors: Provides strategic guidance and oversight. – President and CEO: Leads the organization’s overall strategy and operations. – Global Staff: Comprises experts and professionals working across various programs and regions. |
| Subsidiary Organs | – WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities: Focuses on urban sustainability and transformative urban solutions. – WRI India: Addresses India’s environmental and development challenges through research and partnerships. |
| Committees | – Executive Team: Oversees organizational management and program implementation. – Advisory Councils: Provide expertise and guidance on specific program areas. |
| Initiatives | – Global Restoration Initiative: Aims to restore degraded landscapes and enhance ecosystem services worldwide. – Electric School Bus Initiative: Seeks to electrify the entire fleet of U.S. school buses by 2030 to reduce emissions and improve public health. – Industrial Decarbonization: Focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions from industrial sectors through innovation and policy advocacy. – Climate Watch: An online platform providing data and insights on national and global progress on climate change. – P4G – Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030: Facilitates partnerships to drive inclusive and sustainable growth. |
| Column | Details |
|---|---|
| Introduction | – Established: 1994. – Mission: To advance sustainability through forest-focused collaborations. – Scope: Operates primarily in the United States and Canada, promoting sustainable forest management through standards, conservation initiatives, community engagement, and education programs. |
| Objectives | – Sustainable Forestry: Promote responsible forest management practices that protect biodiversity, water quality, and other ecological values. – Conservation: Support the conservation of forests and wildlife habitats. – Community Engagement: Collaborate with local communities, Indigenous Peoples, and stakeholders to foster sustainable forestry practices. – Education: Enhance public understanding of sustainable forestry and its benefits. |
| Members (Dec 2024) | – Total Members: Includes a diverse network of forest landowners, conservation groups, government agencies, and industry partners primarily in North America. – India’s Status: SFI’s certification programs and standards are focused on North American forests; therefore, India is not a member. However, SFI’s principles may influence sustainable forestry practices globally. |
| Reports/Indices | – Annual Progress Reports: Document SFI’s yearly activities, achievements, and impacts. For example, the 2022 Progress Report highlights advancements in sustainable forestry and conservation efforts. – Conservation Impact Reports: Provide insights into the outcomes of SFI’s conservation initiatives. – Standards and Rules Documents: Outline the requirements and guidelines for SFI certification programs. |
| Instruments | – SFI 2022 Forest Management Standard: Promotes sustainable forestry practices based on 13 Principles, 17 Objectives, 41 Performance Measures, and 141 Indicators. – SFI 2022 Fiber Sourcing Standard: Sets mandatory practice requirements for the responsible procurement of all fiber, even if sourced from non-certified land. – SFI 2022 Chain-of-Custody Standard: An accounting system that tracks forest fiber content through production and manufacturing to the end product. |
| Structure | – Board of Directors: Provides governance and strategic direction, comprising representatives from environmental, social, and economic sectors. – SFI Inc.: An independent, non-profit organization responsible for overseeing the SFI program. – SFI Implementation Committees: Operate at regional and state levels to promote the SFI program and support certified organizations. |
| Subsidiary Organs | – SFI External Review Panel: A group of independent experts representing conservation, professional, academic, and public organizations, providing oversight and ensuring the credibility of the SFI program. |
| Committees | – Conservation Committee: Focuses on advancing SFI’s conservation initiatives and partnerships. – Education Committee: Oversees educational programs and outreach efforts. – Community Engagement Committee: Works to enhance collaboration with local communities and stakeholders. |
| Initiatives | – SFI Conservation Impact Project: Aims to quantify the conservation benefits of SFI-certified forests, focusing on areas such as water quality, biodiversity, and climate change mitigation. – SFI Urban and Community Forestry Program: Supports the growth of sustainable urban forests and green infrastructure in communities. – SFI Indigenous Relations Program: Promotes collaboration with Indigenous communities to support sustainable forestry and respect for Indigenous rights and knowledge. – SFI Logger Training and Education: Provides training programs for logging professionals to promote best practices in sustainable forestry. |
| Column | Details |
|---|---|
| Introduction | – Established: 1946. – Mission: To provide for the proper conservation of whale stocks and thus make possible the orderly development of the whaling industry. – Scope: Oversees the regulation of whaling activities and addresses conservation issues affecting cetaceans globally. |
| Objectives | – Conservation: Ensure the conservation of whale populations through scientific research and management. – Regulation: Implement regulations on whaling activities, including catch limits and designated whaling areas. – Collaboration: Work with member countries and organizations to promote sustainable whaling practices and address emerging threats to cetaceans. |
| Members (Dec 2024) | – Total Members: 88 countries. – India’s Status: India has been a member since March 9, 1981, and has consistently advocated for whale conservation. (iwc.int) |
| Reports/Indices | – Scientific Committee Reports: Annual publications detailing scientific research and findings related to whale populations and conservation efforts. (iwc.int) – Conservation Committee Reports: Documents outlining conservation initiatives and management plans for various cetacean species. (iwc.int) – State of the Cetacean Environment Report (SOCER): Provides assessments of environmental factors impacting cetaceans. (iwc.int) |
| Instruments | – International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling (ICRW): The foundational treaty establishing the IWC and outlining its regulatory framework. – Schedule to the ICRW: Details specific measures such as catch limits, protected species, and designated whaling areas. – Rules of Procedure: Governs the operations and decision-making processes of the IWC. |
| Structure | – Commission: The principal decision-making body comprising representatives from all member countries. – Secretariat: Provides administrative support and facilitates the implementation of IWC decisions. – Scientific Committee: Conducts research and provides scientific advice on cetacean conservation and management. |
| Subsidiary Organs | – Conservation Committee: Focuses on the development and implementation of conservation initiatives. – Finance and Administration Committee: Manages financial and administrative matters of the IWC. |
| Committees | – Whale Killing Methods and Welfare Issues Working Group: Addresses humane killing techniques and welfare concerns. (archive.iwc.int) – Aboriginal Subsistence Whaling Sub-Committee: Oversees whaling activities conducted for indigenous subsistence purposes. |
| Initiatives | – Conservation Management Plans (CMPs): Strategic plans aimed at the recovery of specific whale populations, such as the Western Gray Whale and the South Atlantic Southern Right Whale. (iwc.int) – Bycatch Mitigation Initiative: Efforts to reduce the incidental capture of cetaceans in fishing operations. – Strandings Initiative: Provides guidance and support for responding to cetacean strandings globally. (archive.iwc.int) |
| Column | Details |
|---|---|
| Introduction | – Established: 1993. – Mission: To promote environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically viable management of the world’s forests. – Scope: Operates globally, setting standards for responsible forest management and providing certification for forest products. |
| Objectives | – Environmental Protection: Ensure that forest management preserves biodiversity and ecological processes. – Social Equity: Respect the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities. – Economic Viability: Support sustainable economic benefits from forest resources. |
| Members (Dec 2024) | – Global Presence: Comprises members from environmental, social, and economic sectors worldwide. – India’s Status: Active presence through FSC India, promoting sustainable forest management and responsible consumption of forest products. |
| Reports/Indices | – Annual Reports: Document activities, financials, and impacts. For example, the FSC Annual Report 2021 outlines global actions and achievements. – Facts & Figures: Provides data on certified forest areas and supply chain certifications. |
| Instruments | – FSC Certification: Includes Forest Management (FM) and Chain of Custody (CoC) certifications to ensure responsible sourcing and production. – FSC Labels: Indicate that products come from responsibly managed forests. |
| Structure | – General Assembly: The highest decision-making body, comprising members from environmental, social, and economic chambers. – Board of Directors: Elected by the General Assembly to provide strategic direction. – National Offices: Implement FSC policies and standards at the country level. |
| Subsidiary Organs | – FSC International Center: Coordinates global activities and standard-setting. |
| Committees | – Policy and Standards Committee: Develops and reviews FSC policies and standards. – Finance Committee: Oversees financial management and sustainability. |
| Initiatives | – FSC Global Strategy 2021–2026: Aims to enable resilient forests by emphasizing forest stewardship as a means to combat climate change and biodiversity loss. – FSC Climate Coalition: Launched at COP27 to enhance the role of forests and FSC standards in combating climate change, ensuring benefits for Indigenous Peoples, smallholders, and forest stewards. – Biodiversity Assessment: Initiated during COP15 to fast-track biodiversity assessments in FSC-certified forests, demonstrating the value of responsible forest stewardship for biodiversity. |
| Column | Details |
|---|---|
| Introduction | – Established: 1987. – Mission: To empower societies to responsibly and sustainably care for nature, ensuring human well-being. – Scope: Operates in over 30 countries, focusing on biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, and sustainable development. |
| Objectives | – Protect Nature for Climate: Implement nature-based solutions to combat climate change. – Promote Sustainable Development: Integrate conservation with human development goals. – Advance Science and Innovation: Utilize research to inform conservation strategies. |
| Members (Dec 2024) | – Global Presence: Collaborates with governments, NGOs, and local communities worldwide. – India’s Status: Engages in conservation efforts through partnerships and initiatives, though not a formal member. |
| Reports/Indices | – Annual Reports: Document yearly activities and financials. For example, the 2023 Annual Report highlights global conservation efforts. – Impact Reports: Provide insights into specific projects and their outcomes, such as the 2024 Impact Report. – CI Ventures Impact Report: Details the impact of investments in nature-positive small and medium-sized enterprises. – African Conservancies Fund Impact Report: Highlights support provided to African conservancies between December 2020 and December 2022. – Hawai‘i Impact Report: Covers the program’s progress from January 2020 to December 2022. |
| Instruments | – Biodiversity Hotspots: Identifies regions with significant biodiversity under threat. – Natural Capital Accounting: Measures the value of ecosystem services. – Sustainable Coffee Challenge: Aims to make coffee the world’s first sustainable agricultural product. |
| Structure | – Board of Directors: Provides governance and strategic direction. – Executive Leadership Team: Oversees global operations. – Regional Programs: Implement initiatives tailored to specific areas. |
| Subsidiary Organs | – Center for Environmental Leadership in Business: Partners with corporations to promote sustainable practices. |
| Committees | – Science Advisory Committee: Ensures scientific rigor in programs. – Audit Committee: Oversees financial integrity. |
| Initiatives | – Blue Nature Alliance: Aims to protect 7 million square miles of ocean. – Regenerative Fund for Nature: Supports sustainable agricultural practices. – Indigenous Partnership Principles: Guides collaboration with Indigenous communities in the fashion industry. |
| Column | Details |
|---|---|
| Introduction | – Established: 1967. – Mission: To preserve the natural systems on which all life depends, focusing on the most critical environmental problems. – Scope: Operates globally, addressing issues such as climate change, ecosystem restoration, and human health through science, economics, and law. |
| Objectives | – Climate: Stabilize the global climate by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. – Ecosystems: Protect and restore vital ecosystems. – Health: Safeguard human health by reducing exposure to harmful pollutants. – Oceans: Promote sustainable fishing and marine conservation. |
| Members (Dec 2024) | – Global Presence: Collaborates with various stakeholders worldwide. – India’s Status: Active in India through the Environmental Defense India Foundation (EDIF), an independent, non-profit entity established under Indian law, headquartered in Delhi. EDIF operates charitable activities exclusively within India, focusing on climate-smart agriculture, air quality improvement, and sustainable energy solutions. |
| Reports/Indices | – Annual Reports: Document activities, financials, and impacts. For example, the 2022 Impact Report highlights achievements in climate progress and environmental initiatives. – Specialized Reports: Include publications like Intermittent Production of Electricity-Based Synthetic Jet Fuel as a Demand-Side Management Strategy for Grid Decarbonization (November 2024), focusing on innovative solutions for grid decarbonization. |
| Instruments | – MethaneSAT: A satellite mission aimed at detecting and quantifying global methane emissions to inform mitigation strategies. – Climate Corps: A fellowship program that places graduate students in organizations to help advance energy management and sustainability initiatives. |
| Structure | – Board of Trustees: Provides governance and strategic oversight. – Executive Team: Manages daily operations and implements strategic initiatives. – Regional Offices: Operates through offices in various regions, including North America, Europe, and Asia. |
| Subsidiary Organs | – Environmental Defense Action Fund: Engages in legislative advocacy to promote environmental policies. |
| Committees | – Science Advisory Committee: Ensures the scientific integrity of EDF’s work. – Finance Committee: Oversees financial planning and management. |
| Initiatives | – Climate Tech Convening India: Supports India’s pathway to sustainable prosperity by fostering climate technology solutions. – Climate-Smart Agriculture in India: Collaborates with local partners to implement sustainable farming practices that enhance productivity and resilience to climate change. – Indian Zero Carbon Energy Pathways (IDEEA): Launched in August 2023, this open-source energy model assists India in achieving carbon-neutral targets by aiding national and state-level power planning. |
| Column | Details |
|---|---|
| Introduction | – Established: 2006. – Mission: To catalyze a global solution to the climate crisis by making urgent action a necessity across every level of society. – Scope: Operates worldwide, empowering individuals and communities to drive climate action through education and advocacy. |
| Objectives | – Build Public Support: Mobilize a critical mass advocating for climate action. – Accelerate Clean Energy Transition: Promote the shift to renewable energy sources. – Strengthen Climate Policies: Influence national and international commitments to reduce emissions. |
| Members (Dec 2024) | – Global Presence: Over 3.5 million members and supporters globally. – India’s Status: Active presence through the India and South Asia branch, engaging in local climate initiatives and education. |
| Reports/Indices | – Annual Reports: Document activities, financials, and impacts. For example, the 2023 Annual Report details various initiatives and outcomes. |
| Instruments | – Climate Reality Leadership Corps: Trains individuals to become effective climate communicators and leaders. – Global Youth Programs: Engages young people in climate action and leadership development. – 100% Committed Campaign: Encourages communities and businesses to commit to 100% renewable energy. |
| Structure | – Board of Directors: Provides governance and strategic oversight. – Executive Team: Manages daily operations and implements strategic initiatives. – Regional Branches: Operates through branches in various regions, including India and South Asia. |
| Subsidiary Organs | – The Climate Project Foundation: Manages operations in India and South Asia, focusing on regional climate challenges and solutions. |
| Committees | – Climate Justice Committee: Addresses the intersection of climate change and social justice. – Policy Advocacy Committee: Develops strategies to influence climate-related policies. |
| Initiatives | – Our Climate Moment: Mobilizes public support for ambitious climate policies. – Turn Out for Tomorrow: Encourages voter participation with a focus on climate issues. – Climate Justice for All Project Grants: Provides funding for community-led climate justice projects. |
| Column | Details |
|---|---|
| Introduction | – Established: 2003. – Mission: To help end ecological overshoot by making ecological limits central to decision-making. – Scope: Provides tools and analysis to drive informed policy and investment decisions, promoting sustainable resource management worldwide. |
| Objectives | – Measure Ecological Footprint: Quantify human demand on nature versus Earth’s capacity to regenerate resources. – Promote Sustainable Practices: Encourage reduction of ecological deficits and support sustainable development. – Inform Policy: Provide data-driven insights to guide environmental policy and resource management. |
| Members (Dec 2024) | – Global Presence: Collaborates with over 70 partner organizations worldwide. – India’s Status: Engages with Indian institutions and researchers to promote sustainable resource management, though India is not listed as a formal member. |
| Reports/Indices | – Annual Reports: Document activities, financials, and impacts. For example, the 2022 Annual Report details collaborations and initiatives. – National Footprint and Biocapacity Accounts: Provide data on countries’ ecological footprints and biocapacity. – Living Planet Report: Produced biennially in collaboration with WWF, this report uses the Ecological Footprint and additional complementary measures to explore the changing state of global biodiversity and human consumption. The Living Planet Report 2022 shows a 69% decrease in the average size of monitored vertebrate wildlife populations between 1970 and 2018. |
| Instruments | – Ecological Footprint Calculator: Allows individuals to assess their personal ecological footprint. – Earth Overshoot Day: Marks the date when humanity’s demand exceeds Earth’s annual regenerative capacity. |
| Structure | – Board of Directors: Provides governance and strategic oversight. – Executive Team: Manages daily operations and implements strategic initiatives. – Regional Offices: Operates through legal entities in Switzerland and the United States. |
| Subsidiary Organs | – Footprint Data Foundation (FoDaFo): Established in partnership with York University to ensure neutrality and scientific robustness of footprint data. |
| Committees | – Scientific Advisory Committee: Ensures the scientific integrity of methodologies and data. |
| Initiatives | – Mediterranean Initiative: Launched in 2010 to develop a regional approach to managing resource consumption and availability in the Mediterranean region. – Ecological Footprint Initiative: A collaboration with York University to advance footprint methodology and data accuracy. – Earth Overshoot Day Campaign: An annual awareness campaign highlighting the date when humanity’s resource consumption exceeds Earth’s capacity to regenerate those resources within the year. |
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