What Is the Convention on Biological Diversity?
The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is a multilateral international treaty with three primary goals:
1. The conservation of biological diversity
2. The sustainable use of its components
3. The fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources
The CBD was opened for signature at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro on June 5, 1992, and entered into force on December 29, 1993. It has 196 parties, including all UN member states except the United States.
Why the CBD Matters
Often called the "people's treaty," the CBD was the first global agreement to recognize that biological diversity is essential to human well-being and must be protected for future generations. It has raised awareness about biodiversity loss and promoted conservation and sustainable use worldwide.
The Three Objectives in Detail
Conservation: Biodiversity provides food, water, medicine, shelter, recreation, and climate regulation. Its loss threatens food and water security, increases disease risk, and undermines livelihoods.
Sustainable use: This means using biological resources without depleting them or damaging the environment. Examples include sustainable forestry, sustainable agriculture, and protecting natural habitats like forests and wetlands.
Fair and equitable sharing: Countries that provide genetic resources should share in the benefits from their use. This can include financial compensation, technology transfer, and capacity building.
Key Achievements
The CBD has led to important developments such as the Global Biodiversity Strategy, the Global Environment Facility, the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-Sharing, and the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES).
The CBD remains a vital framework for protecting Earth's biological diversity and reminding us that all life is interconnected.