Convention on Biological Diversity
What is biodiversity?
The term 'biological diversity' is commonly used to describe the number and variety of living organisms on the planet. It is defined in terms of genes, species, and ecosystems that are the outcome of over 3,000 million years of evolution. In the context of the Convention on Biological Diversity, 'biological diversity' includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems. The human species depends on biological diversity for its own survival. Thus, the term can be considered a synonym for 'life on Earth'.
To date, an estimated 1.7 million species have been identified. The exact number of the Earth's existing species, however, is still unknown. Estimates vary from a low of five million to a high of 100 million.
Why conserve biodiversity?
Species extinction is a natural part of the evolutionary process. Due to human activities, however, species and ecosystems are more threatened today than ever before in recorded history. The losses are taking place in tropical forests - where 50-90 per cent of identified species live - as well as in rivers and lakes, deserts and temperate forests, and on mountains and islands.
The most recent estimates predict that, at current rates of deforestation, some two to eight per cent of the Earth's species will disappear over the next 25 years. While these extinctions are an environmental tragedy, they also have profound implications for economic and social development.
At least 40 per cent of the world's economy and 80 per cent of the needs of the poor are derived from biological resources. In addition, the richer the diversity of life, the greater the opportunity for medical discoveries, economic development, and adaptive responses to such new challenges as climate change. The variety of life is our insurance policy. Our own lives and livelihood depend on it.
What is the CBD?
The United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity was inspired by the world community's growing commitment to sustainable development. It represents a dramatic step forward in the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources.
What are the CBD's objectives?
The Convention on Biological Diversity's objectives are 'the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources.'
The convention is thus the first global, comprehensive agreement to address all aspects of biological diversity: genetic resources, species, and ecosystems. It recognises - for the first time - that the conservation of biological diversity is 'a common concern of humankind' and an integral part of the development process.
To achieve its objectives, the convention - in accordance with the spirit of the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development - promotes a renewed partnership among countries. Its provisions on scientific and technical cooperation, access to genetic resources, and the transfer of environmentally sound technologies form the foundations of this partnership.
When did the CBD come into force?
The convention was opened for signature on 5 June 1992 at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (the Rio Earth Summit). It remained open for signature until 4 June 1993, by which time it had received 168 signatures. The convention entered into force on 29 December 1993, which was 90 days after the thirtieth ratification.
Why have a convention?
The conservation of biological diversity and the sustainable use of its components is not a new item on the diplomatic agenda. It was highlighted in June 1972 at the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, held in Stockholm. In 1973, the very first session of the Governing Council for the new UN Environment Programme (UNEP) identified the 'conservation of nature, wildlife and genetic resources' as a priority area.
The Earth's biological resources are vital to humanity's economic and social development. Biological diversity is a global asset of tremendous value to present and future generations. At the same time, the threat to species and ecosystems has never been so great as it is today. Species extinction caused by human activities continues at an alarming rate.
The international community's growing concern over the unprecedented loss of biological diversity inspired negotiations for a legally binding instrument aimed at reversing this alarming trend. The negotiations were also strongly influenced by the growing recognition throughout the world of the need for a fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the use of genetic resources.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) convened the Ad Hoc Working Group of Experts on Biological Diversity in November 1988 to explore the need for an international convention on biological diversity. Soon after, in May 1989, it established the Ad Hoc Working Group of Technical and Legal Experts to prepare an international legal instrument for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity. The experts were to take into account 'the need to share costs and benefits between developed and developing countries' as well as 'ways and means to support innovation by local people'. By February 1991, the Ad Hoc Working Group had become known as the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee. Its work culminated on 22 May 1992 with the Nairobi Conference for the Adoption of the Agreed Text of the Convention on Biological Diversity.
Faqs published with permission of ECÂ Clearing-House Mechanism website.
For more information on the resources and expertise held within the Natural History Museum and on the Museum's contribution to biodiversity conservation in the UK and internationally, please contact the Biodiversity Liaison Officer at the Museum.