UN convention on biodiversity 1992

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The United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is an international treaty that was established in 1992. It is one of the key agreements adopted at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The CBD has three primary objectives:

1. Conservation of Biological Diversity: The CBD aims to conserve and sustainably use biodiversity at various levels, such as ecosystems, species, and genetic resources. It recognizes the intrinsic value of biodiversity and the need to protect it for future generations.

2. Sustainable Use of Biological Resources: The CBD promotes the sustainable use of biological resources in order to meet present and future needs. It emphasizes the importance of equitable sharing of benefits derived from the utilization of genetic resources.

3. Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits: The CBD recognizes the need for fair and equitable sharing of benefits that arise from the utilization of genetic resources. It emphasizes the rights of countries and indigenous communities over their genetic resources and traditional knowledge.

To achieve these objectives, the CBD sets out various obligations and principles for its parties. These include the conservation of ecosystems, the regulation of access to genetic resources, the establishment of protected areas, the prevention of invasive alien species, and the integration of biodiversity considerations into national decision-making processes.

Furthermore, the CBD promotes international cooperation and provides a framework for the development of partnerships between governments, civil society organizations, and indigenous communities. It encourages the exchange of scientific information, technology transfer, and capacity building to support biodiversity conservation and sustainable use worldwide.

Since its establishment, the CBD has been ratified by almost all countries globally, making it one of the most widely recognized international treaties. It has also led to the development of additional protocols and agreements, such as the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits, which further strengthen the implementation of the convention's objectives.