The Kiev Protocol – also known as the Protocol on Pollutant Release and Transfer Registers (PRTR) – was first adopted at the Aarhus Convention on May 21, 2003, within the framework of the fifth Ministerial Conference “Environment for Europe” in Kiev. The protocol aims “to enhance public access to information through the establishment of coherent, nationwide pollutant release and transfer registers (PRTRs),” and is the first such legally binding international tool to take on this goal, according to the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE).

 

By requiring transparency, instead of regulating emissions output, the protocol’s effectiveness hinges on the idea that companies will want to avoid the stigma of being large polluters. “The secretary-general appreciates all ratifications and accessions to the treaties deposited with him, including the Kiev Protocol,” UN spokesman Farhan Haq said, confirming to The Jerusalem Post Israel’s accession and adding that the protocol will enter into force for Israel on April 14.