Convention on Biological Diversity

Definition

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is an international treaty aimed at conserving biological diversity, promoting sustainable use of its components, and ensuring fair sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources. It plays a crucial role in connecting global efforts to protect ecosystems and species with ethical considerations surrounding bioprospecting and biopiracy, particularly in the context of national and international bioethics frameworks.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Convention was adopted in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro and has been ratified by nearly all countries in the world.
2. It establishes three main goals: the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources.
3. The CBD encourages nations to develop national strategies for biodiversity conservation and provides a framework for international cooperation.
4. The Protocol on Access and Benefit-Sharing was adopted in 2010 to address the ethical concerns related to biopiracy and ensure that genetic resources are used responsibly.
5. The CBD also emphasizes the importance of traditional knowledge held by indigenous peoples, recognizing their role in biodiversity conservation and sustainable practices.

Review Questions

• How does the Convention on Biological Diversity influence national bioethics committees in their approach to biodiversity issues?
  • The Convention on Biological Diversity guides national bioethics committees by providing a framework that emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations in biodiversity conservation. These committees can use the CBD's principles to shape policies that ensure responsible use of biological resources while promoting fairness and equity. By aligning national strategies with the CBD's goals, bioethics committees help address ethical dilemmas related to bioprospecting and biopiracy.
• What role does the Convention on Biological Diversity play in addressing biopiracy and promoting ethical bioprospecting practices?
  • The Convention on Biological Diversity plays a critical role in combating biopiracy by establishing guidelines for access and benefit-sharing regarding genetic resources. It encourages nations to create legal frameworks that prevent the unauthorized exploitation of biodiversity while promoting ethical practices in bioprospecting. By emphasizing fair sharing of benefits with indigenous communities, the CBD seeks to foster responsible research and commercialization of biological resources.
• Evaluate the impact of the Convention on Biological Diversity on global efforts to sustain biodiversity and address ethical concerns in biotechnology.
  • The Convention on Biological Diversity significantly impacts global efforts to sustain biodiversity by establishing a comprehensive legal framework for its conservation. It promotes ethical considerations by advocating for equitable access to genetic resources, thus addressing issues like biopiracy. The CBD has led to increased international collaboration among nations to share knowledge, technologies, and best practices while recognizing the rights of indigenous peoples. This collective approach not only helps protect ecosystems but also ensures that biotechnology advancements align with ethical standards.

Related terms

Biodiversity:

The variety of life on Earth, encompassing different species, genetic variations, and ecosystems, which is essential for ecological balance and human well-being.

Bioprospecting: The process of exploring and investigating biodiversity for new resources, particularly for pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and other commercial products.

Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS): A principle that aims to ensure that benefits derived from genetic resources are shared fairly and equitably among all stakeholders, particularly indigenous communities and developing countries.