Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

     Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD):

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is an international legally-binding treaty with three main goals: conservation of biodiversity; sustainable use of biodiversity; and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the use of genetic resources. Its overall objective is to encourage actions which will lead to a sustainable future.

The conservation of Biodiversity is a common concern of humankind. The CBD covers biodiversity at all levels: Ecosystems, species and genetic resources. It also covers biotechnology through the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. In fact, it covers all possible domains that are directly or indirectly related to biodiversity and its role in development, ranging from science, politics and education to agriculture, business, culture and much more. The governing body of the CBD is the Conference of the Parties (COP). This ultimate authority of all governments (or parties) that have ratified the treaty meets every two year to review progress, set priorities and commit to work plans.

In 2010. Parties to the CBD adopted the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011- 2020, a ten-year framework for action by all countries and stakeholders to safeguard biodiversity and the benefits it provides to people.

The secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD) is based in Montreal, Canada. Its main function is to assist Governments In the implementation of the CBD and its programmes of work, to organize meetings, draft documents, and coordinate with other international organizations and collect and spread information. The Executive Secretary is the head of the Secretariat.

Fast facts:

·         The Convention on Biological Diversity was opened for Signature at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro on 5 June 1992 and entered into force in December 1993.

·         To date, there are 193 parties.

·         Components of biodiversity are all the various forms of life on Earth including ecosystems, animals, plants, fungi, microorganisms, and genetic diversity.

·         With its three objectives, the CBD is often seen as the key international instrument for sustainable development.

·         Ecosystems, species and genetic resources should be used for the benefit of humans, but in a way that does not lead to the decline of biodiversity.

·         Substantial investments are required to conserve biodiversity, but it will bring significant environmental, economic and social benefits in return.

·         The Ecosystem Approach, an integrated strategy for the management of resources, is the framework for action under the Convention.

·         The precautionary principle state that where there is a threat of significant education or loss of biodiversity , lack of full scientific certainty should not be used as a reason for postponing measures to avoid of minimize such a threat.