The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
India became a signatory to the Convention on biological Diversity (CBD) in December 1993 and ratified the convention in February 1994.
CBD addresses biodiversity conservation, habitat preservation, intellectual property rights, bio-safety, and indigenous peoples’ rights. Since India signed the agreement, it has been submitting regularly its reports to the CBD Secretariat on the progress of implementation of the decisions taken by successive Conference of Parties (COP) meetings.
In the recent meetings held in Nagoya in 2010, the parties (COP) meetings. In the recent meetings held in Nagoya in 2010, the parties (including India) successfully concluded the Nagoya Protocol on Access to genetic Resources and the fair and Equitable sharing of Benefits (ABS).
Under the Protocol, Parties will be legally obliged to follow rules designed to prevent bio-piracy and provide benefits, including financial benefits, to other Parties when their genetic resources are accessed.
