Convention on Biological Diversity
Introduction
The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is a multilateral treaty that came into force on 29 December 1993. It has three main objectives: the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources. The CBD is governed by the Conference of the Parties (COP), which meets every two years to review progress, set priorities, and commit resources.
Background
The idea for the CBD was first proposed at the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in 1972. However, it was not until the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 that the convention was opened for signature. The CBD was inspired by the world community's growing commitment to sustainable development, and is designed to address all threats to biodiversity and ecosystem services, including threats from climate change, through scientific assessments, the development of tools, incentives and processes, the transfer of technologies and good practices.
Objectives and Principles
The CBD has three main objectives: the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources. These objectives are pursued through the implementation of a variety of measures at the national, regional and international levels.
The CBD also sets out principles for the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the use of genetic resources. These include the respect for the sovereignty of countries over their natural resources, the need for prior informed consent for access to genetic resources, and the establishment of mutually agreed terms for benefit-sharing.
Structure and Mechanisms
The CBD is governed by the Conference of the Parties (COP), which is the highest decision-making body of the convention. The COP meets every two years to review progress, set priorities, and commit resources. The COP is supported by a number of subsidiary bodies, including the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA) and the Subsidiary Body on Implementation (SBI).
The CBD also has a Secretariat, which is responsible for organizing meetings, drafting documents, assisting Parties in implementing their commitments, and coordinating with other international organizations and initiatives.
Impact and Challenges
The CBD has had a significant impact on global biodiversity conservation efforts. It has helped to raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity and the threats it faces, and has provided a framework for countries to develop national strategies and action plans for biodiversity conservation.
However, the CBD also faces a number of challenges. These include the lack of sufficient financial resources, the need for greater political commitment, and the need to integrate biodiversity considerations into other sectors, such as agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and tourism.