9.4 International and National Biodiversity Protection Policies
4 min read•july 30, 2024
Biodiversity protection policies span international agreements and national strategies. The sets global goals, while other treaties address specific issues like endangered species trade and wetland conservation.
Countries implement these through action plans, , and species protection laws. Integrating biodiversity into sectors like agriculture and forestry is crucial. Engaging local communities and indigenous peoples in conservation efforts is also key to success.
International Agreements for Biodiversity
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
Multilateral treaty with three main goals: conservation of biodiversity, sustainable use of biodiversity, and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources
Ratified by 196 countries, primary international instrument for biodiversity conservation
Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 includes Aichi Biodiversity Targets, 20 time-bound, measurable targets organized under five strategic goals
Other Key Biodiversity-Related Conventions
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora () ensures international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival
Subjects international trade in selected species to controls through a licensing system
Species listed in three Appendices according to degree of protection needed (Appendix I species most endangered, subject to strictest regulations)
provides framework for national action and international cooperation for conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources
(UNFCCC) and recognize importance of biodiversity conservation in context of climate change mitigation and adaptation
(UNCCD) addresses degradation of drylands and loss of biodiversity in these ecosystems (grasslands, savannas)
Effectiveness of Biodiversity Policies
National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs)
Principal instruments for implementing CBD at national level, translating Convention's objectives into specific national policies and actions
Effectiveness depends on factors such as stakeholder engagement, political will, institutional capacity, and availability of resources
Examples of successful NBSAPs include South Africa's comprehensive strategy integrating biodiversity into economic development and Brazil's action plan focused on reducing deforestation in the Amazon
Protected Areas and Species Protection
Protected areas (national parks, wildlife reserves, marine protected areas) are cornerstone of national biodiversity conservation efforts
Effectiveness depends on size, connectivity, management capacity, and level of protection afforded
(ICCAs) increasingly recognized as important contributors to national protected area systems
Species protection laws () aim to prevent extinction of threatened and endangered species and promote their recovery
Habitat protection and restoration policies (wetland and forest conservation laws) critical for maintaining ecosystems upon which biodiversity depends
and management plans necessary to prevent and control spread of non-native species that can devastate native biodiversity (kudzu in southeastern U.S., cane toads in Australia)
(governing use of genetically modified organisms) protect biodiversity from potential risks associated with biotechnology
Biodiversity in Sectoral Policies
Mainstreaming Biodiversity
Involves integrating biodiversity considerations into policies, strategies, and practices of key public and private actors that impact or rely on biodiversity
Sectoral policies in agriculture, forestry, fisheries, energy, transportation, and urban development can significantly impact biodiversity
Agricultural policies promoting sustainable practices (agroforestry, organic farming, integrated pest management) can support biodiversity conservation
Fisheries policies preventing overfishing, protecting essential fish habitats, and reducing bycatch contribute to marine biodiversity conservation
Tools and Approaches for Integration
(EIA) and (SEA) are important tools for integrating biodiversity considerations into development planning and decision-making
to climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction offer opportunities for synergies between biodiversity conservation and other policy objectives
Challenges to include competing policy priorities, limited institutional capacity, and need for cross-sectoral coordination and collaboration
Stakeholder Participation in Conservation
Community Engagement and Empowerment
involves engaging a wide range of actors (local communities, indigenous peoples, NGOs, private sector, government agencies) in biodiversity conservation planning and decision-making
(CBC) involves local communities in management and conservation of biodiversity and natural resources
CBC initiatives take many forms: (CBNRM), (CBFM), (CBWM)
Successful CBC initiatives built on principles of local ownership, benefit-sharing, and adaptive management
Indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLCs) often have deep knowledge of local ecosystems and strong interest in their conservation, making them important conservation partners
(TEK) provides valuable insights for biodiversity conservation and sustainable resource management
Recognizing and respecting rights of IPLCs (land tenure, resource access rights) is essential for effective and equitable conservation
Participatory Approaches and Co-Management
Participatory approaches to conservation planning (, ) help incorporate local knowledge and priorities into conservation strategies
, in which government agencies and local communities share responsibility for biodiversity conservation and resource management, can effectively engage stakeholders and build local support for conservation
Examples of successful co-management include joint forest management in India, where local communities and state forest departments collaborate to manage and protect forest resources, and community-based fisheries management in the Philippines, where fishing communities work with government to develop and implement sustainable fisheries management plans
Key Terms to Review (25)
Biosafety Regulations: Biosafety regulations are a set of guidelines and protocols designed to ensure the safe handling, transport, and disposal of biological materials, particularly those that may pose risks to human health or the environment. These regulations aim to protect biodiversity by preventing the accidental release or misuse of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and pathogens. They play a critical role in international and national policies focused on biodiversity protection, aiming to balance scientific advancement with ecological integrity.
Cites: CITES, or the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, is an international agreement aimed at ensuring that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. This treaty plays a crucial role in regulating trade by classifying species into different categories based on their conservation status and establishing guidelines for their protection.
Co-management arrangements: Co-management arrangements refer to collaborative governance frameworks where multiple stakeholders, including governments, local communities, and other organizations, share responsibility and decision-making power in the management of natural resources. This approach recognizes the importance of involving local knowledge and interests in resource management, particularly in the context of biodiversity protection.
Community-based conservation: Community-based conservation is an approach to environmental management that emphasizes the role of local communities in the protection and sustainable use of natural resources. This method recognizes that local people often have valuable traditional knowledge and vested interests in preserving their environment, making them key players in conservation efforts. By empowering communities to manage their resources, this strategy aims to balance ecological integrity with social and economic needs.
Community-based forest management: Community-based forest management (CBFM) is a collaborative approach to managing forest resources that involves local communities in decision-making and sustainable practices. This method recognizes the importance of local knowledge and the role of communities in conserving biodiversity, enhancing livelihoods, and ensuring the sustainable use of forest resources. CBFM connects local needs with broader biodiversity protection policies by promoting stewardship among those who depend on forests.
Community-based monitoring: Community-based monitoring refers to the active involvement of local communities in collecting, analyzing, and using environmental data to inform decision-making related to biodiversity and natural resource management. This approach empowers communities, enhances local knowledge, and fosters collaboration between stakeholders, ultimately leading to more effective conservation strategies and policies.
Community-based natural resource management: Community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) is an approach that empowers local communities to manage their natural resources, emphasizing sustainable practices that support both ecological health and community well-being. This method recognizes the importance of local knowledge, participation, and stewardship in decision-making processes about resource use and conservation, ultimately aiming for the effective governance of biodiversity and ecosystems.
Community-based wildlife management: Community-based wildlife management is an approach that empowers local communities to manage and conserve wildlife resources in their areas. This method recognizes the importance of involving indigenous people and local stakeholders in decision-making processes, which often leads to more effective conservation outcomes and sustainable resource use.
Convention on Biological Diversity: The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is a global treaty established in 1992 that aims to promote sustainable development through the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources. The CBD is a key framework for addressing biodiversity loss and fostering international cooperation on environmental issues.
Ecosystem-based approaches: Ecosystem-based approaches are strategies for managing natural resources and conserving biodiversity by considering entire ecosystems rather than focusing solely on individual species or habitats. These approaches aim to maintain ecosystem services—benefits that humans derive from ecosystems—by integrating ecological, social, and economic factors into decision-making processes. This holistic view promotes sustainable practices that support both human well-being and environmental health.
Environmental Impact Assessment: Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a systematic process used to evaluate the potential environmental effects of a proposed project or development before it is approved. This process not only considers the ecological consequences but also takes into account social, cultural, and economic impacts, ensuring that decision-makers are well-informed about the potential risks and benefits associated with their proposals.
Indigenous and community conserved areas: Indigenous and community conserved areas (ICCAs) are regions of land or water that are conserved by indigenous peoples and local communities through their customary laws, practices, and traditions. These areas play a vital role in biodiversity protection and sustainable resource management while respecting the rights and knowledge of indigenous populations. ICCAs highlight the intersection of conservation efforts with the socio-cultural dynamics of communities, often contributing to the broader strategies for environmental protection.
Invasive species legislation: Invasive species legislation refers to laws and regulations designed to prevent, control, and manage the introduction and spread of non-native species that can harm ecosystems, economies, and human health. This legislation is vital for protecting biodiversity and maintaining the balance of native habitats, often including measures for monitoring, early detection, and response strategies to invasive species threats.
Mainstreaming biodiversity: Mainstreaming biodiversity refers to the process of integrating biodiversity considerations into various sectors and policies, ensuring that the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity is a key part of decision-making. This approach emphasizes that biodiversity impacts all areas of human activity, from agriculture to urban planning, and requires collaboration across different levels of governance and sectors to achieve effective outcomes.
National biodiversity strategies and action plans: National biodiversity strategies and action plans (NBSAPs) are frameworks developed by countries to address the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity. These plans serve as vital tools to implement commitments made under international agreements, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and help nations create tailored approaches to preserve their unique ecosystems and species.
Paris Agreement: The Paris Agreement is a landmark international treaty established in 2015, aimed at addressing climate change by limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with an aspirational goal of limiting the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. This agreement represents a collective commitment from countries worldwide to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance resilience against climate impacts.
Participatory mapping: Participatory mapping is a collaborative approach that engages local communities in the creation and use of maps to reflect their knowledge, needs, and priorities regarding land use and natural resources. This method emphasizes the importance of local perspectives and experiences, allowing communities to visually represent their cultural, social, and environmental contexts. By incorporating community input, participatory mapping plays a crucial role in informing policies aimed at biodiversity protection and sustainable management.
Protected areas: Protected areas are designated regions of land or water set aside to conserve biodiversity, ecosystems, and natural resources while allowing for sustainable use and recreation. These areas play a critical role in mitigating biodiversity loss, providing habitats for endangered species, and serving as benchmarks for conservation strategies and policies at both national and international levels.
Ramsar Convention on Wetlands: The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands is an international treaty established in 1971 to conserve and ensure the sustainable use of wetlands globally. This convention emphasizes the importance of wetlands for biodiversity, ecosystems, and human well-being, highlighting their critical role in maintaining environmental balance and supporting various species. By fostering international cooperation, it aims to promote responsible management and conservation efforts for wetland areas across countries.
Stakeholder participation: Stakeholder participation refers to the active involvement of individuals or groups who have an interest in or are affected by a particular policy, project, or decision-making process. This concept emphasizes the importance of including diverse perspectives and voices to ensure that outcomes are equitable, sustainable, and reflective of community needs. Engaging stakeholders can enhance transparency, build trust, and improve the overall effectiveness of environmental governance.
Strategic environmental assessment: Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is a systematic process that evaluates the environmental effects of proposed policies, plans, and programs before they are implemented. It serves as a tool to integrate environmental considerations into decision-making at the strategic level, ensuring that potential impacts on biodiversity and ecosystems are identified and addressed early in the planning process.
Traditional ecological knowledge: Traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) refers to the understanding and insights acquired by indigenous and local communities over generations, encompassing their relationship with the environment, resource management practices, and cultural beliefs. TEK is vital in recognizing the holistic perspective of nature that these communities have, integrating practical knowledge about local ecosystems with cultural and spiritual values, often contributing significantly to biodiversity protection and environmental stewardship efforts.
U.S. Endangered Species Act: The U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA) is a key piece of environmental legislation enacted in 1973 aimed at the protection of endangered and threatened species as well as their habitats. The ESA provides a framework for the conservation and recovery of these species, highlighting the importance of biodiversity and the responsibility of the federal government in protecting wildlife at risk of extinction.
United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification: The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is an international treaty established in 1994 aimed at combating desertification and mitigating the effects of drought, particularly in developing countries. It emphasizes sustainable land management and promotes the restoration of degraded land, highlighting the connection between land degradation, biodiversity, and climate change.
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change: The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is an international treaty established in 1992 aimed at addressing climate change and its impacts. It sets the framework for global cooperation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change, while also promoting sustainable development and resilience among nations. The convention has led to various protocols and agreements, most notably the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement, highlighting its role in shaping international environmental governance.