Biodiversity at a Global Level

The UN Convention on Biological Diversity

In 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) opened for signature.

To date one hundred and eighty countries and the European Union have ratified it, including Ireland, giving the treaty almost global coverage.

The CBD had three main goals:

1. The conservation of biodiversity
2. Sustainable use of biodiversity resources
3. Sharing the benefits from the utilisation of genetic resources in a fair and equitable way.

The CBD identifies a common problem - the loss of biodiversity; and sets overall goals, policies and general obligations and organises technical and financial co-operation.

Under the CBD, governments are required to compile and develop National Biodiversity Plans/Strategies. 

These are to be integrated into broader national plans for the environment and development and enhance biodiversity in all relevant sectors, such as:

• Forestry
• Agriculture
• Fisheries
• Energy
• Transport
• Urban planning
• Rural planning

In signing up to the CBD, countries also take on a number of other commitments including:

• Identifying and monitoring biodiversity that needs to be conserved and used sustainably
  
• Establishing protected areas to conserve biodiversity and promote environmentally sound development in those areas.
  
• Rehabilitate and restore degraded ecosystems and species.
  
• Respecting, preserving and maintaining traditional knowledge of the sustainable use of biodiversity with the involvement of local communities.
  
• Prevention - to control and eradicate alien species that pose a threat to native species and habitats.
  
• Controlling the risks posed by biotechnology
  
• Promoting public participation, education and awareness
  
• Reporting how that country is meeting its goals