Chapter 06 · Governance & regulationRegulation & International Instruments
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
Definition
The Convention on Biological Diversity is a multilateral environmental agreement opened for signature at the 1992 Rio Earth Summit and in force since 29 December 1993, with near-universal membership. Its three objectives are the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources. Protocols include the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (2000/2003) and the Nagoya Protocol on access and benefit-sharing (2010/2014).
References
This reference provides supporting context for how “Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)” is defined and used.
This reference provides supporting context for how “Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)” is defined and used.
adoption, entry into force, objectives, protocols
treaty summary
Overview
What it means
The global legal backbone for biodiversity policy, under which national strategies, protected-area targets and benefit-sharing rules are negotiated.
How it is used
Parties adopt decisions at the Conference of the Parties (COP), including the 2022 Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework with its 30x30 target; national biodiversity strategies and action plans (NBSAPs) are its main implementation vehicle.
Why it matters
It is the reference treaty for almost every biodiversity term in this dictionary — protected areas, access and benefit-sharing, ecosystem approach and ecosystem restoration.