International

The Convention on Biological Diversity was adopted by most nations of the world in 1992 as a framework for action to conserve diversity.

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At the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, world leaders agreed on a comprehensive strategy for "sustainable development" meeting our needs while ensuring that we leave a healthy and viable world for future generations.

One of the key agreements adopted at Rio was the Convention on Biological Diversity. This pact among the vast majority of the world's governments sets out commitments for maintaining the world's ecological underpinnings as we go about the business of economic development. The Convention establishes three main goals:

  • the conservation of biological diversity
  • the sustainable use of its components
  • the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits from the use of genetic resources

Over 150 governments signed on to the Convention document at the Rio conference, and since then more than 175 countries have ratified the agreement.

The Convention deals with an issue so vital to humanity's future that it stands as a landmark in international law. The agreement:

  • Recognizes for the first time that the conservation of biological diversity is "a common concern of humankind" and is an integral part of the development process;
  • Covers all ecosystems, species, and genetic resources;
  • Links traditional conservation efforts to the economic goal of using biological resources sustainably;
  • Sets principles for the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the use of genetic resources, notably those destined for commercial use;
  • Covers the rapidly expanding field of biotechnology, addressing technology development and transfer, benefit-sharing and biosafety.

Importantly, the Convention is legally binding; countries that join it are obliged to implement its provisions.

While past conservation efforts were aimed at protecting particular species and habitats, the Convention recognizes that ecosystems, species and genes must be used for the benefit of humans. However, this should be done in a way and at a rate that does not lead to the long-term decline of biological diversity.

The Convention also offers decision-makers guidance based on the precautionary principle that where there is a threat of significant reduction or loss of biological diversity, lack of full scientific certainty should not be used as a reason for postponing measures to avoid or minimize such a threat. The Convention acknowledges that substantial investments are required to conserve biological diversity. It argues, however, that conservation will bring us significant environmental, economic and social benefits in return.

Some of the many issues dealt with under the Convention include:

  • Measures and incentives for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity.
  • Regulated access to genetic resources.
  • Access to and transfer of technology, including biotechnology.
  • Technical and scientific cooperation.
  • Impact assessment.
  • Education and public awareness.
  • Provision of financial resources.
  • National reporting on efforts to implement treaty commitments