Abstract

The Convention on Biological Diversity is the key global instrument on the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits from the use of genetic resources. Through a globally agreed Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011–2020 and related global Aichi targets, the Convention promotes, among other things, the maintenance of healthy ecosystems, the protection of threatened species and the conservation of the genetic material that underpins populations of wild and domesticated species. Increasingly, nongovernmental organisations, civil society groups and indigenous and local communities work through the Convention to urge governments to live up to their commitments and to support them, for example, in the establishment and effective management of protected area networks. As population growth and economic pressures enlarge humanity's ecological footprint, it remains to be seen whether the Convention is an effective tool for conserving the beauty, diversity and inspiring nature of our living environment for future generations to enjoy.

Key Concepts

• International Conventions and protocols.
• Conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.
• Fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources.
• Biodiversity targets.
• National biodiversity strategies and action plans.

Keywords: Convention on Biological Diversity; Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011–2020; Aichi Biodiversity Targets; Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety; Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit‐Sharing; United Nations Environment Programme