The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is a multilateral treaty. The CBD has three main goals:
* The conservation of biological diversity
* The sustainable use of its components
* The fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources
The CBD was opened for signature at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro on 5 June 1992 and entered into force on 29 December 1993. There are 196 parties to the Convention, including all UN member states except the United States.
The CBD has been described as the “people’s treaty”. This is because it is the first global agreement to recognize that biological diversity is essential to human well-being and that it must be protected for future generations.
The CBD has been instrumental in raising awareness of the importance of biological diversity and in promoting its conservation and sustainable use. It has also played a key role in facilitating the sharing of benefits from the utilization of genetic resources.
The Three Objectives of the CBD
The three objectives of the CBD are:
* The conservation of biological diversity
* The sustainable use of its components
* The fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources
The Conservation of Biological Diversity
The conservation of biological diversity is essential to human well-being. Biological diversity provides us with a wide range of benefits, including:
* Food
* Water
* Medicine
* Shelter
* Recreation
* Climate regulation
The loss of biological diversity is a serious threat to human health and well-being. It can lead to:
* Food shortages
* Water shortages
* Disease outbreaks
* Climate change
* Loss of livelihoods
The Sustainable Use of Biological Diversity
The sustainable use of biological diversity is essential to meeting the needs of present and future generations. Sustainable use means using biological resources in a way that does not deplete them or damage the environment.
Examples of sustainable use of biological diversity include:
* Using renewable resources, such as wood, in a sustainable way
* Practicing sustainable agriculture, which protects soil and water quality and reduces the use of pesticides and fertilizers
* Protecting and managing natural habitats, such as forests and wetlands
The Fair and Equitable Sharing of the Benefits Arising Out of the Utilization of Genetic Resources
The fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources is a fundamental principle of the CBD. This principle recognizes that countries that provide genetic resources for research and development should share in the benefits that result from their use.
Examples of fair and equitable sharing of benefits include:
* Providing financial compensation to countries that provide genetic resources
* Sharing research results and technologies with countries that provide genetic resources
* Capacity building to help countries develop their own research and development capabilities
The CBD in Action
The CBD has been instrumental in raising awareness of the importance of biological diversity and in promoting its conservation and sustainable use. It has also played a key role in facilitating the sharing of benefits from the utilization of genetic resources.
Some of the key achievements of the CBD include:
* The development of the Global Biodiversity Strategy, which provides a framework for action to conserve biological diversity
* The establishment of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), which provides financial support for biodiversity conservation projects
* The development of the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization, which provides a legal framework for the sharing of benefits from the use of genetic resources
* The establishment of the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), which provides scientific assessments of the state of biodiversity and its impact on human well-being
The CBD is a vital tool for protecting the Earth’s biological diversity. It is a reminder that we are all part of a web of life and that we must work together to protect it.