In 1997, during the third Conference of Parties (COP-3) of UNFCCC held in Kyoto (Japan), a key agreement was adopted: the Kyoto Protocol (KP). This protocol laid out the quantifiable objectives for the reduction of Green House Gas (GHG) emission for developed countries and those with economies in transition.

Globally, these countries are committed to reduce their combined GHG emissions by 5.2% in average over the first commitment period (2008-2012) as compared to 1990 emissions. According to the KP, developing countries are not committed to reducing their emissions, but they must however report regularly on the evolution of their emissions.

Mauritius acceded to the Kyoto Protocol on 9 May 2001. However the Kyoto Protocol became operational only as from 16 February 2005.