Convention on Biological Diversity

Definition

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is an international treaty established in 1992 to promote sustainable development and protect the planet's biodiversity. It recognizes the intrinsic value of biological diversity, its contributions to ecosystems, and the need for conservation while ensuring that benefits from genetic resources are shared fairly and equitably. The CBD links closely to conservation efforts and addresses the significant impacts human activities have on ecosystems.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Convention was opened for signature on June 5, 1992, at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro and has since been ratified by over 190 countries.
2. One of the primary goals of the CBD is to ensure the conservation of biological diversity through sustainable practices and responsible resource management.
3. The CBD emphasizes the importance of traditional knowledge and indigenous peoples in biodiversity conservation efforts.
4. The treaty establishes a framework for countries to create national strategies for biodiversity conservation, which include protected areas and sustainable use policies.
5. The Nagoya Protocol, adopted in 2010, is a supplementary agreement to the CBD that focuses on fair sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources.

Review Questions

• How does the Convention on Biological Diversity promote sustainable development while addressing biodiversity loss?
  • The Convention on Biological Diversity promotes sustainable development by emphasizing the need to balance ecological health with human needs. It encourages countries to implement strategies that conserve biodiversity while allowing for sustainable use of natural resources. By recognizing that healthy ecosystems are crucial for human well-being, the CBD supports practices that protect habitats, restore degraded environments, and ensure that future generations can benefit from biodiversity.
• Discuss the role of indigenous knowledge in achieving the goals set forth by the Convention on Biological Diversity.
  • Indigenous knowledge plays a vital role in achieving the goals of the Convention on Biological Diversity because it encompasses centuries of experience in managing local ecosystems sustainably. The CBD acknowledges that traditional practices can contribute significantly to conservation efforts. By integrating indigenous perspectives and practices into biodiversity management strategies, countries can enhance their conservation initiatives and ensure that these communities benefit from their knowledge and stewardship.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the Convention on Biological Diversity in addressing human impacts on ecosystems over the past few decades.
  • The effectiveness of the Convention on Biological Diversity in addressing human impacts on ecosystems can be seen in both successes and challenges. While many countries have made progress in establishing protected areas and integrating biodiversity into national policies, global biodiversity continues to decline due to habitat loss, pollution, climate change, and overexploitation. The CBD has raised awareness about these issues and fostered international cooperation; however, ongoing commitment and innovative approaches are needed to effectively mitigate human impacts on ecosystems in a rapidly changing world.

Related terms

Biodiversity: The variety of life on Earth, including the diversity of species, ecosystems, and genetic variation within species.

Sustainable Development: Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, often involving the integration of environmental, social, and economic goals.

Ecosystem Services: The benefits that humans obtain from ecosystems, including provisioning services like food and water, regulating services like climate regulation, and cultural services like recreational opportunities.