Decisions are generally to be implemented within a short time and then become obsolete. They include instructions to Committees, working groups or the Secretariat, unless the tasks to be done are part of a long-term procedure. For historical reasons, some of the current Decisions are not in accordance with this explanation. These cases are to be corrected. After each meeting of the Conference, the Secretariat has to update the list of Decisions.
Resolutions are generally of a long-lasting nature.
Only the Conference of the Parties may decide whether a Resolution is no longer in effect. The Secretariat publishes all the current Resolutions, including the new ones, after each meeting of the Conference of the Parties. If the Conference adds points to an existing Resolution or makes minor changes, a revised version is published. This part of the document explains why it is being presented. Generally the introductory text will present information on a problem that is being experienced in the practical implementation or enforcement of the Convention.