key term - Convention on Biological Diversity

Definition

The Convention on Biological Diversity is an international treaty with the goal of conserving biological diversity, promoting the sustainable use of its components, and ensuring the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources. It is a key international agreement that addresses the right to a healthy environment.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Convention on Biological Diversity was adopted at the 1992 Rio Earth Summit and entered into force in 1993.
2. It is one of the most widely ratified international treaties, with 196 countries as parties to the agreement.
3. The three main objectives of the Convention 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.
4. The Convention recognizes the sovereign rights of states over their natural resources and their responsibility to conserve and sustainably use biodiversity.
5. It promotes the development and use of indigenous and local knowledge, innovations, and practices relevant to the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable use of its components.

Review Questions

• Explain how the Convention on Biological Diversity relates to the right to a healthy environment.
  • The Convention on Biological Diversity is directly connected to the right to a healthy environment. By promoting the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, the Convention aims to protect the natural resources and ecosystems that are essential for human well-being and a healthy environment. The fair and equitable sharing of benefits from genetic resources also ensures that the exploitation of natural resources does not disproportionately harm vulnerable populations, thereby safeguarding their right to a clean and sustainable environment.
• Describe the key objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity and how they contribute to the right to a healthy environment.
  • The three main objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity 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. These objectives directly support the right to a healthy environment by ensuring the protection and responsible management of ecosystems, species, and genetic resources. The conservation of biodiversity preserves the natural resources and ecological balance essential for human health and well-being, while the sustainable use and equitable sharing of benefits help to prevent the exploitation and depletion of these resources, thereby safeguarding the right to a clean and sustainable environment for all.
• Analyze how the recognition of sovereign rights over natural resources in the Convention on Biological Diversity relates to the right to a healthy environment.
  • The Convention on Biological Diversity recognizes the sovereign rights of states over their natural resources, which has important implications for the right to a healthy environment. This recognition acknowledges the responsibility of states to conserve and sustainably use the biodiversity within their borders, ensuring that the exploitation of natural resources does not compromise the ability of present and future generations to enjoy a clean and healthy environment. At the same time, the Convention promotes the development and use of indigenous and local knowledge, innovations, and practices relevant to the conservation of biodiversity, which can empower communities to actively participate in the protection of their local environments. This balance between state sovereignty and community involvement is crucial for upholding the right to a healthy environment at both the national and local levels.

Related terms

Biodiversity:

The variety of living species and the ecosystems they inhabit, including the genetic diversity within each species.

Sustainable Development:

Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Genetic Resources: Genetic material of actual or potential value, such as plant and animal species, that can be used for research, development, and commercial purposes.