Developed nations are interpreting key clauses of the biodiversity treaty with the aim of protecting their own biotechnology industries from potential flak
The United States has decreed that GATT will have the last word on intellectual property rights, thus throwing the Biodiversity Convention to the winds
North vs South differences of opinion and the donor countries' control over funds has impeded the phasing out of ozone depleting substances in the developing countries
India's request for a $2 billion grant to cut down the use of ozone depleting substances was turned down because Northern countries felt it was trying to take the maximum amount without a detailed plan of action.
The World Bank, which is the largest lender of aid to the Third World, is casting its shadow on decisions made by the Indian Union ministry of environment and forests.
Nongovernmental organisations have criticised the cautious stand the desertification convention secretariat has taken in order to garner funds from industrialised countries.
The meeting of the climate convention negotiating committee, which was meant to evolve criterion for reducing global greenhouse gas emissions, remained inconclusive with Germany trying to put the onus for the reduction on developing countries.
