WHAT IS THE CONVENTION ON BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY?

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is a global environmental treaty which was opened for signature at the United Nations Convention on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro, June 1992 and entered into force on December 29, 1993.

The three objectives of the CBD 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 the first globally 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.

Summary of the provisions of the Convention.

The Convention was signed by President Clinton on June 4, 1993, and transmitted it to the Senate for advice and consent, along with an interpretive statement to clarify how the United States understands provisions of the Convention.

Member Nations: As of June 1999, 174 nations and the European Community had ratified or acceded to the CBD. The United States has signed but not yet ratified the Convention.