Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

Definition

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is an international treaty aimed at conserving biodiversity, promoting sustainable use of its components, and ensuring fair sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources. This treaty was adopted during the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 and represents a key framework for international cooperation on biodiversity-related issues, connecting to various environmental agreements and institutions that strive to address the global challenges posed by biodiversity loss.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The CBD has been ratified by 196 parties, making it one of the most widely supported international treaties.
2. The main goals of the CBD are conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of its components, and fair sharing of benefits derived from genetic resources.
3. The CBD establishes a framework for countries to develop national strategies for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.
4. The treaty has led to initiatives such as the Aichi Biodiversity Targets, which set specific goals for biodiversity conservation by 2020.
5. The CBD also emphasizes the importance of traditional knowledge and practices of indigenous peoples in biodiversity conservation.

Review Questions

• How does the Convention on Biological Diversity address the challenges of biodiversity loss on a global scale?
  • The Convention on Biological Diversity tackles biodiversity loss by providing a structured framework for countries to collaborate on conservation efforts. By setting out clear objectives—conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use, and equitable sharing of benefits—the CBD encourages nations to formulate and implement national strategies. Additionally, it facilitates knowledge-sharing and fosters partnerships among governments, NGOs, and local communities to enhance global efforts in preserving biodiversity.
• What role do indigenous communities play within the framework of the Convention on Biological Diversity?
  • Indigenous communities are recognized as vital stakeholders in the Convention on Biological Diversity due to their unique knowledge systems and sustainable practices regarding biodiversity. The CBD explicitly promotes respect for traditional knowledge and encourages the participation of indigenous peoples in decision-making processes. This inclusion not only enhances conservation efforts but also ensures that benefit-sharing mechanisms consider indigenous rights and perspectives, leading to more effective management of biological resources.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets established under the Convention on Biological Diversity and their implications for future biodiversity conservation efforts.
  • The Aichi Biodiversity Targets set ambitious goals for biodiversity conservation to be achieved by 2020; however, a comprehensive evaluation reveals mixed results. While some targets were met, such as increased protected areas, others failed to achieve significant progress due to inadequate funding, lack of political will, and insufficient integration into national policies. The lessons learned from the Aichi Targets emphasize the need for stronger commitments, enhanced collaboration among stakeholders, and better monitoring systems as we transition towards new global frameworks like the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework.

Related terms

Biodiversity: The variety of life in the world, encompassing different species of plants, animals, and microorganisms, and the ecosystems they form.

Sustainable Development:

Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, often linked to environmental preservation.

Ecosystem Services:

The benefits that humans derive from ecosystems, including provisioning, regulating, cultural, and supporting services.