Convention on Biological Diversity
The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is an international treaty between sovereign states. By June 2010 it had been signed and ratified by 193 parties. Its members have set themselves the task of conserving and safeguarding the diversity of life on Earth and organising its sustainable use for the benefit of present and future generations and all life on earth.
The Convention on Biological Diversity has three objectives:
- Conservation of biodiversity
- Sustainable use of its components
- Fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilisation of genetic resources (known as ‘access and benefit sharing’ or ABS)
Through these objectives, the international community seeks to reconcile ecological, economic and social concerns as they relate to biodiversity. In this, the CBD goes far beyond previous mainstream approaches to nature conservation. In terms of aims and scope, it is the world’s most comprehensive international agreement on nature conservation and development policy.
The CBD is backed by a large and elaborate organisational structure. The most important instrument and decisionmaking body within this is the Conference of the Parties (COP).
