Convention on Biological Diversity
(Rio de Janeiro, 5 June 1992) 

Objectives

        In response to the growing recognition that biological diversity is a global asset of tremendous value to present and future generations and to the increasing threat to the survival of species and integrity of habitats and ecosystems, the United Nations Environment Programme initiated work exploring the need for an international convention on biological diversity. Aspects to be taken into account in this process were the need to share costs and benefits between developed and developing countries as well as ways and means to support innovation by local people.
        The work culminated on 22 May 1992 in the Nairobi Conference for the Adoption of the Agreed Text of the Convention on Biological Diversity.  The Conference adopted the Nairobi Final Act which conveyed the Agreed Text of the Convention to the Rio Earth Summit held in June 1992 in Brazil. In accordance with the Convention, its objectives are "the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources". The Convention is thus the first global, comprehensive agreement to address all aspects of biological diversity: genetic resources, species and ecosystems. It recognizes, for the first time, that the conservation of biological diversity is "a common concern of humankind" and an integral part of the development process. To achieve its objectives, the Convention, in accordance with the spirit of the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, promotes a renewed partnership among countries. Its provisions on scientific and technical cooperation, access to genetic resources and the transfer of environmentally sound technologies form the foundations of this partnership.


Key Provisions

        Pursuant to the Convention, the Contracting Parties undertake to conserve and sustainably use biodiversity.  The Contracting Parties are required to develop national biodiversity strategies and action plans and to integrate these into broader national plans for environment and development.  This is particularly important for such sectors as forestry, agriculture, fisheries, energy, transportation and urban planning.  Furthermore, Contracting Parties shall identify and monitor the important components of biological diversity that need to be conserved and used sustainably. 
        Other key provisions are to establish protected areas to conserve biological diversity while promoting environmentally sound development around these areas; to rehabilitate and restore degraded ecosystems and to promote the recovery of threatened species in collaboration with local residents; to respect, preserve and maintain traditional knowledge of the sustainable use of biological diversity with the involvement of indigenous peoples and local communities; to prevent the introduction of, to control and to eradicate alien species that could threaten ecosystems, habitats or species; and to control the risks posed by organisms modified by biotechnology. 
        The Convention also focuses on promoting public participation, particularly when it comes to assessing the environmental impact of development projects that threaten biological diversity, and on educating people and raising awareness about the importance of biological diversity and the need to conserve it.
        The Conference of the Parties is required to keep under review the implementation of the Convention. In doing so, the Contracting Parties are obliged to submit reports relating to national implementation of the provisions in the Convention. In addition, the Convention provides for establishing the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice that provides the Conference of the Parties with advice relating to the implementation of the Convention. 
        The Convention also provides for the elaboration of protocols as deemed appropriate by the Conference of the Parties. The first protocol to the Convention is the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, adopted in Montreal, Canada, on 29 January 2000 by the Resumed Session of the First Extraordinary Conference of the Parties (ExCop-1) to the Convention.


Entry into Force

        The Convention entered into force on 29 December 1993.


How to Become a Party

        The Convention is closed for signature. It remains open for ratification, acceptance, approval and accession by States and by regional economic integration organizations.


Optional and/or Mandatory Declarations

        A Party may declare that it accepts arbitration in accordance with the procedure laid down in Part I of Annex II and/or submission of the dispute to the International Court of Justice as compulsory means of settlement of disputes concerning the interpretation and the application of the Convention.
        A regional economic integration organization shall declare the extent of its competence with respect to matters governed by the Convention.


Reservations

        No reservations may be made to the Convention.


Withdrawal/Denunciation

        At any time after two years from the date on which the Convention has entered into force for a Contracting Party, that Contracting Party may withdraw from the Convention by giving written notification to the depositary.  

Any such withdrawal shall take place upon expiry of one year after the date of its receipt by the depositary, or on such later date as may be specified in the notification of the withdrawal.  


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