United Nations Convention on Conservation of Biological Diversity

United Nations Convention on Conservation of Biological Diversity

The Convention on Biological Diversity, signed in 1992, constitutes an important step taken in the protection of biological diversity, its sustainable use and the fair sharing of the benefit arising from the use of genetic resources.  The Convention recognises that biodiversity and biological resources must be protected for the sake of ethics, economic benefit and the future of people. In this way, the international community has for the first time demonstrated a holistic approach to biodiversity conservation rather than a sectoral approach.

The Convention obliges the Parties to include the issue of biodiversity conservation in decision-making through national biodiversity strategies. It also requires Parties to conduct research and training programmes to raise public awareness, to support the exchange of information, to take stimulus measures and to carry out environmental impact assessments for projects that may have adverse impacts on biodiversity.

Turkey became a party to the Convention on Biological Diversity in 1996. As of 2012, a total of 193 countries are party to the Convention.

United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

The United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is an international legal framework established to promote the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources. It was adopted at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1992 and came into force on December 29, 1993.

Objectives of the CBD

1. Conservation of Biological Diversity:Protect ecosystems, species, and genetic resources to ensure their survival for future generations.

2. Sustainable Use of Biodiversity:Promote responsible and sustainable management of biological resources to meet current human needs without compromising future availability.

3. Equitable Sharing of Benefits:Ensure fair distribution of benefits derived from the use of genetic resources, particularly between resource-rich developing countries and those using the resources.

Key Principles

1. Sovereign Rights Over Natural Resources:Countries have the right to manage and exploit their biological resources but must do so responsibly.

2. Precautionary Principle:When there is a lack of scientific certainty about biodiversity impacts, precautionary measures should be taken to prevent harm.

3. Global Cooperation:Recognizes that biodiversity conservation is a common concern requiring international collaboration.

Main Components

The CBD covers all levels of biodiversity:

1. Ecosystem Diversity:Includes forests, wetlands, grasslands, marine ecosystems, and others.
2. Species Diversity:Focuses on the protection of various species and their habitats.
3. Genetic Diversity:Ensures the preservation of genetic variability within species.

Protocols Under the CBD

The CBD has two main legally binding protocols:

1. Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (2000):

   • Addresses the safe transfer, handling, and use of living modified organisms (LMOs) resulting from modern biotechnology.
   • Ensures that LMOs do not adversely affect biodiversity, human health, or the environment.

2. Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-Sharing (2010):

   • Provides a framework for fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources.
   • Emphasizes prior informed consent and mutually agreed terms between providers and users of genetic resources.

Strategic Plans

1. Aichi Biodiversity Targets (2011–2020):

   • 20 global targets to address biodiversity loss, including protecting ecosystems, reducing habitat destruction, and increasing public awareness.
   • Focused on halting biodiversity loss by 2020 (but progress fell short).

2. Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (2022):

   • Adopted at COP15 in Montreal, Canada.
   • Includes 23 targets to achieve by 2030, such as protecting 30% of land and sea areas and reducing harmful subsidies.

Implementation Mechanisms

1. National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs):Each party to the CBD develops a national plan to implement biodiversity conservation goals.

2. Biodiversity Mainstreaming:Integrating biodiversity considerations into policies, planning, and programs across all sectors.

3. Capacity-Building and Financing:

   • Strengthening technical and institutional capacity in developing countries.
   • Providing financial resources through mechanisms like the Global Environment Facility (GEF).

Challenges Addressed by the CBD

1. Biodiversity Loss:Habitat destruction, overexploitation, pollution, invasive species, and climate change are leading causes of biodiversity decline.

2. Ecosystem Degradation:Deforestation, desertification, and unsustainable land use threaten ecosystem services.

3. Inequitable Resource Access:Disparities between biodiversity-rich developing countries and resource-using developed nations.

4. Climate Change:Adapting to and mitigating climate change impacts on biodiversity.

Global Contributions of the CBD

1. Protected Areas:The CBD has significantly expanded protected area networks, including national parks, reserves, and marine conservation zones.

2. Public Awareness:Initiatives like International Day for Biological Diversity (May 22) promote global awareness and action.

3. Scientific Research:Encourages collaboration in biodiversity research, including taxonomy, conservation biology, and genetic studies.

4. Indigenous and Local Communities:Recognizes the role of indigenous knowledge in biodiversity conservation.

Key Achievements

1. Increased Protected Areas:More than 17% of terrestrial and 10% of marine areas are under protection as of 2020.

2. Recognition of Genetic Resources:The Nagoya Protocol has created frameworks for equitable benefit-sharing from genetic resource use.

3. Global Cooperation:The CBD has brought together 196 parties to tackle biodiversity issues collaboratively.

Future Challenges

1. Biodiversity Finance Gap:Closing the financial gap required to achieve global biodiversity goals.

2. Monitoring and Reporting:Enhancing tracking mechanisms to measure progress toward biodiversity targets.

3. Enforcement and Compliance:Ensuring all parties adhere to commitments under the CBD and its protocols.

Relation to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The CBD contributes significantly to:

• SDG 14 (Life Below Water): Protecting marine ecosystems.
• SDG 15 (Life on Land): Halting deforestation, desertification, and biodiversity loss.
• SDG 13 (Climate Action): Strengthening the role of ecosystems in climate mitigation.

Key Meetings (COPs)

1. COP10 (Nagoya, 2010):Adoption of the Nagoya Protocol and the Aichi Biodiversity Targets.

2. COP15 (Kunming-Montreal, 2022):Adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

3. Future COPs:Continued focus on achieving 2030 biodiversity targets and addressing emerging challenges.