Environmental Treaty Sources
These free databases and guides link to the texts of International Environmental Treaties.
- Ecolex Treaty CollectionLinks to the full text of over 2000 environmental treaties. Use the filters to narrow your search by location, subject, year, etc.
- InforMEA Treaty TextsInformation on Multilateral Environmental Agreements enables one search across hundreds of treaties. Limit by region, subject matter, etc.
- International Environmental Agreements (IEA) Database ProjectA comprehensive list of both bilateral and multilateral environmental agreements numbering over 3,700.
- Globalex: Basic Guide to Int'l Env'l Research, TreatiesProvides links to major Env'l treaties in 8 subtopics. Also good overview of all aspects of International Environmental Law research.
- United Nations: Multilateral Treaties Deposited with the Secretary-General, Chapter 27 (Environment)Current status of 18 UN-sponsored environmental treaties and protocols
General Treaty Sources
- United Nations Treaty SeriesA free online version of the UNTS, containing over 158,000 treaties deposited with the UN since 1946. Searchable by treaty title, topic, parties, etc.
- HeinOnline This link opens in a new window
This link opens in a new window
Select the World Treaty Library within Hein to search UN treaties, US treaties, and historical treaties either simultaneously on individually. This is a subscription database.
- WorldLII International Treaties CollectionA free collection of national and international treaty databases.
Commentary and Analysis
- National Treaty Law and PracticeTwo additional volumes in the set.
- National Treaty Powers and ImplementationAn ebook version of National Treaty Law and Practice, via HeinOnline.
Travaux Préparatoires - These are official records of a treaty negotiation and are often used to help clarify the intentions of a treaty or other instrument. Sometimes the records are collected and published, some records appear on the secretariat's website. For additional help in finding travaux, consult the GlobaLex research guide on finding preparatory works.
Soft Law
Many important international environmental instruments and documents are considered "soft law" or non-binding in nature. These are often guidelines, resolutions, or aspirational plans that may evolve into legally binding treaties over time. Examples include the Forest Principles, Agenda 21 and the Rio Declaration. Many documents can be found on the sponsoring organizations websites, but for compilations of documents, background information and analysis, see the resources listed below.
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Books in Boley Law Library
International Environmental Law Multilateral TreatiesCall Number: Env. K 3568 I5ISBN: 97835030110499 volumes containing texts of MEAs in English, French and German, from 1868 - 2011. Indexed by date and topic.
Multilateral Environmental Agreements by Call Number: Env K3585 .D479 2010
