Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
Biological diversity as an independent resource
The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is one outcome of the 1992 UN Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro. The Convention understands biological diversity to include the diversity of species on Earth, genetic diversity and diversity of ecosystems. The goal of the Convention is to preserve biodiversity. Alongside the conservation aspect, this includes the sustainable use of its components and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources.
Moreover, the CBD is the first international convention that regards biodiversity as a resource controlled by states. Biodiversity is thereby placed on the same level as minerals or other natural resources.
Cartagena Protocol and the 2010 Target on biosafety
The issue of biosafety (protection against the introduction of genetically modified organisms) is particularly important for biodiversity. A protocol on biosafety, known as the Cartagena Protocol, was adopted under the auspices of the CBD in Montreal on 29 January 2000.
A Strategic Plan was adopted at the 6th CBD Conference of the Parties in 2002, in which the member states committed themselves to a more effective and coherent implementation of the CBD in order to reach the 2010 Target of significantly reducing the current rate of biodiversity loss at the global, regional and national level.
CBD accession status and institutions
Since 1992, 191 states have acceded to the Convention. The Federal Republic of Germany signed the CBD on 12 June 1992 in Rio de Janeiro. The EU is an independent party to the Convention. The agreement entered into force on 29 December 1993.
A Conference of the Parties (COP) takes place every two years. The 9th COP was held from 19 to 30 May 2008 in Bonn. Over 6000 delegates, representatives of non-governmental organizations, scholars and journalists participated in the conference. Federal Chancellor Merkel opened the meeting of the ministers.
The main topics of the conference were:
Creating a global conservation network (Life Web)
Access to and fair sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources (access and benefit-sharing – ABS)
Forest conservation
2010 Target (significant reduction of the loss of biodiversity by 2010)
Outcomes of the 9th COP in Bonn
Below are the most important outcomes of the conference held from 19 to 30 May 2008:
A mandate for negotiations on an international ABS regime. A set of rules on so-called biopiracy are to be drafted by 2010 (Bonn mandate).
The “Life Web Initiative” pushed by Germany was welcomed by all member states. Germany will provide an initial 40 million euro in financing.
Criteria for establishing deep-sea conservation areas were agreed upon. This will impact deep-sea fishing.
Agrobiodiversity: Sustainable production of biofuels.
Rejection of the artificial fertilization of maritime zones for purposes of carbon sequestration.
The effective moratorium on the use of genetically modified trees (GM trees) will be continued.
The next Conference of the Parties (COP 10) will take place in Japan in October 2010.
The United Nations has declared 2010 the International Year of Biodiversity.
Last updated 15.09.2009