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. This treaty, established during the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, highlights the importance of protecting ecosystems, species, and genetic diversity as essential components of sustainable development and ecological health.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The CBD has been ratified by 196 countries, making it one of the most widely supported environmental treaties in history.
2. The primary objectives of the CBD are to conserve biodiversity, use its components sustainably, and share benefits fairly, which are crucial for maintaining ecological balance.
3. The treaty encourages countries to develop national biodiversity strategies and action plans tailored to their specific needs and circumstances.
4. The CBD emphasizes the role of indigenous peoples and local communities in biodiversity conservation and sustainable resource management.
5. Key initiatives under the CBD include the Aichi Biodiversity Targets and the post-2020 global biodiversity framework, aimed at accelerating progress in biodiversity conservation.

Review Questions

• How does the Convention on Biological Diversity contribute to sustainable development efforts globally?
  • The Convention on Biological Diversity supports sustainable development by promoting the conservation of biological resources while encouraging their sustainable use. By acknowledging that healthy ecosystems are essential for human survival and well-being, the CBD helps nations integrate biodiversity into their economic policies and development strategies. This alignment fosters a balanced approach where environmental integrity is maintained alongside economic growth.
• Evaluate the significance of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets within the framework of the Convention on Biological Diversity.
  • The Aichi Biodiversity Targets were a set of 20 global targets adopted during the CBD's 10th Conference of the Parties in 2010. These targets aimed to address key drivers of biodiversity loss and set specific goals for conservation efforts by 2020. Their significance lies in providing measurable objectives that countries could implement through national strategies, helping to enhance accountability and encourage collective action towards global biodiversity conservation.
• Assess the role of indigenous peoples in achieving the objectives set forth by the Convention on Biological Diversity.
  • Indigenous peoples play a crucial role in achieving the objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity due to their deep-rooted knowledge and practices related to ecosystem management. Their involvement ensures that biodiversity conservation strategies are culturally appropriate and effective. Recognizing their rights and contributions leads to more equitable benefit-sharing from genetic resources while enhancing conservation efforts through traditional ecological knowledge, thereby supporting global biodiversity goals.

Related terms

Biodiversity: The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem, encompassing species diversity, ecosystem diversity, and genetic diversity.

Sustainable Development:

Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, balancing economic growth, environmental protection, and social equity.

Ecosystem Services: The benefits provided by ecosystems to humans, including clean air and water, pollination of crops, climate regulation, and recreational opportunities.