UN: Foreign Minister Damcho Dorji deposited Bhutan’s Instrument of Acceptance to the Doha Amendment to the Kyoto Protocol (KP) on September 28 on the sidelines of the UNGA in New York, representing a strong affirmation of Bhutan to remain committed in conservation and preservation of the environment.

The Kyoto Protocol is an international agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which commits parties to internationally binding emission Green House Gas (GHG) reduction targets.  Bhutan signed the protocol in 1997 and submitted its acceptance on August 22, 2002.

The Doha Amendment to the KP is the second commitment period from 2013-2020 after the first commitment expired in 2012. The second commitment aims to reduce GHG emissions by 18 percent below the 1990 level.

As of September 28 this year, 45 parties have submitted their instruments of acceptance. A total of 144 ratifications are required for entry into force.

Bhutan ratified the Doha Amendment to the KP in the fourth session of the National Assembly and the 15th session of the National Council this year.