Convention on Biological Diversity

What is the Convention on Biological Diversity?

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is an international treaty that came into existence at the Earth Summit, held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. Members of the United Nations formally agreed to the treaty which, today, stands ratified by 196 state and regional parties.

The Main Aims of the Convention on Biological Diversity

The CBD stands upon three core pillars: conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of its components, and equitable sharing of benefits arising from utilization of genetic resources.

Importance of Convention on Biological Diversity for International Law

The CBD's biodiversity-focused objectives have ripple effects on various aspects of international law. Among the most notable impacts is on the field of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs).

The convention's provisions lay the groundwork for nations to assert sovereign rights over their own biological resources, in turn affecting the operation of IPRs associated with biodiversity. World Trade Organization's TRIPS agreement, for instance, had to evolve to accommodate obligations arising from the CBD.

• Assertion of Sovereign Rights
• Affect on IPRs
• Evolving Trade Agreements

Thus, the Convention on Biological Diversity not only influences the way we look at our planet's biological resources but has also moulded aspects of international law itself.

Insight into Convention on Biological Diversity COP 15

Convention on Biological Diversity Conferences of the Parties (COP) is a meeting where parties come together to assess the progress and make decisions on the way forward. The 15th convention known as COP 15, is highly anticipated given the widespread concerns over biodiversity loss and its impact on ecosystems, economies, and cultures around the world.

Objectives of Convention on Biological Diversity COP 15

The CBD COP 15, originally planned for 2020 and then delayed because of the global pandemic, has some critical objectives, instrumental in shaping the future of our planet's biodiversity. The biodiversity conference will be focused on agreeing on a new set of goals, referred to as the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework.

Several other crucial objectives of COP 15 will focus on:

• Reviewing biodiversity targets set in Aichi
• Addressing key issues related to the state of biodiversity
• Expedite national actions to achieve the 2050 Vision

The Outcome of Convention on Biological Diversity COP 15

While the official outcomes of COP 15 are yet to be determined, there are several expected outcomes that could significantly influence our planet. One of these will be the formulation and acceptance of the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, setting the milestones for biodiversity conservation for the next decade.

Furthermore, there might be new commitments or protocols addressing pressing biodiversity issues, such as:

• Addressing biodiversity loss and degradation
• Sustainable use of biological resources
• Climate change mitigation and adaptation

The actual outcomes will only be known on COP 15's conclusion, but these potential developments signify the significant scope and high stakes of this landmark convention. Not only does its success have a bearing on biodiversity, but it also indirectly influences aspects ranging from the health of global economies to the fight against climate change.

The UN and the Convention on Biological Diversity

You may be wondering about the relationship between the United Nations and the Convention on Biological Diversity. The UN plays a critical role in the development and implementation of this significant convention. Additionally, the convention has crucial implications for humanitarian law, a subject central to the operation of the UN.

Role of the UN in the Convention on Biological Diversity

The Convention on Biological Diversity is recognised as one of the key outcomes of The United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), widely known as the Earth Summit, hosted in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. Therefore, the UN's involvement in the CBD is deeply rooted and multifaceted.

One of the main roles of the UN regarding the CBD is its facilitation of regular meetings between Contracting Parties. These facilitated dialogues are crucial for assessing the progress, discussing difficulties faced at national and regional levels, and setting future goals.

Furthermore, several specialised agencies of the UN are engaged in activities directly relating to the elements of the Convention. Organisations such as the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) all contribute to various elements of the CBD, ranging from conservation techniques to the impact of the treaty on intellectual property rights.

How the UN Convention on Biological Diversity Influences Humanitarian Law

The provisions of the Convention on Biological Diversity have direct and indirect impacts on various aspects of humanitarian law.

Directly, the CBD can influence a country's approach to humanitarian law through the convention’s Article 10 (c) that encourages Contracting Parties to:Protect and encourage customary use of biological resources in accordance with traditional cultural practices that are compatible with conservation or sustainable use requirements.

The CBD, hence, provides a framework to safeguard the rights of indigenous and local communities, who often bear the impact of biodiversity-depleting activities. Their protection is a vital issue in humanitarian law.

Indirectly, the CBD validity is sensed in the links between environmental protection and many areas of humanitarian concern. Environment degradation is often a cause or consequence of conflict, displacement, and poverty - all major humanitarian issues.

• Conflict: Natural resources can cause conflicts or intensify them. Consequently, management of biodiversity and equitable benefit sharing can help to avoid potential conflicts.
• Displacement: Environmental degradation often leads to displacement, which can be mitigated by stronger legal environmental protection frameworks like the CBD.
• Poverty: Many poor communities directly depend on biodiversity for their livelihood, nourishment, and health. By advocating for sustainable use of biodiversity, CBD can contribute towards poverty alleviation.

So, while the Convention on Biological Diversity is not a humanitarian framework in itself, its goals substantially intersect with humanitarian law, reinforcing the values and principles of both. Consequently, the CBD has become an integral part of the international legal landscape, impacting both environmental policy and humanitarian practices in significant ways.

Tracing the History of the Convention on Biological Diversity

A look at the history of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) offers some fascinating insights into the evolution of international attitudes towards biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. The origins and growth of the CBD reflect the changing understandings of biodiversity's importance and the consequences of its loss on a global scale.

Early Beginnings: Drafting and Launch of the Convention on Biological Diversity

The story of the Convention on Biological Diversity commences in the latter half of the 20th century. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), playing a significant role, began the process of drafting the CBD in 1988.

Debates leading to the development of the CBD tackled numerous ideological and practical considerations. These included the conflict between principles of state sovereignty and the importance of conserving resources that crossed national boundaries, as well as between the desire for development and the necessity of conserving biodiversity.

Concluding years of rigorous diplomatic negotiations and compromise, the official text of the CBD was finally adopted at The United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (often termed as the "Earth Summit") held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. The treaty was opened up for signatures in June of the same year, and it entered into force in 1993 after collecting the required 30 signatures. Today, the CBD stands ratified by 196 state and regional parties, covering almost all countries in the world.

Significant Milestones in the History of Convention on Biological Diversity

Since its formation, the CBD's journey has been marked by several significant milestones. The first Conference of the Parties (COP 1) took place in Nassau, Bahamas, in 1994, setting in motion regular meetings that have shaped the trajectory of the convention.

• 1995: Clearing-House Mechanism was established to promote and facilitate technical and scientific cooperation.
• 2000: The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, the first agreement produced as a result of the CBD negotiations, was adopted.
• 2002: Parties commit to attain by 2010 a significant reduction of the current rate of biodiversity loss.
• 2010: The Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization was adopted.
• 2011 - 2020: Declared as the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity to promote the implementation of a strategic plan on biodiversity

However, not all milestones have been entirely positive. The 2010 target to significantly reduce the rate of biodiversity loss was not met, reflecting the complex challenges that remain in realising the CBD's goals.

This historical view of the Convention on Biological Diversity reveals the complexities and compromises in crafting such a comprehensive legal framework. The CBD's growth and development, punctuated by many landmarks, demonstrate the increasing global commitment to securing our planet's biological diversity. Nonetheless, the history of the CBD also alerts you to the significant challenges that remain in harmonising varied interests, strengthening implementation and achieving the strategic goals it lays out.

How the Convention on Biological Diversity Influence International and Humanitarian Law

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), as an international treaty, has systemic impacts on both international and humanitarian laws. It not only reshapes how biodiversity is regarded in the international legal framework, but it also intertwines with humanitarian efforts, catering to communities that depend heavily on biological resources.

The Impact of the Convention on Biological Diversity on International Legal Framework

The Convention on Biological Diversity has significant implications for the international legalization of biodiversity, intricate connections to principles of sovereignty, and property rights. At the heart of these legal implications is the persistent tension between the need for preservation of biodiversity and the push for economic growth and development.

The CBD recognises the sovereign rights of states over their own biological resources, placing the authority of conservation within national jurisdictions. This premise is fundamental to the international legal nuances surrounding biodiversity.

Moreover, the CBD has repercussions for intellectual property rights. Specifically, the CBD bolsters the provision for countries to assert rights over their genetic resources, thereby potentially affecting international norms and laws concerning intellectual property rights, particularly with regards to patented biological and genetic resources.

Furthermore, the CBD's objectives have prompted changes in other areas of international law. For instance, the World Trade Organization's TRIPS (Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights) Agreement has had to evolve to accommodate potential issues arising from the CBD's provisions.

Connection between the Convention on Biological Diversity and Humanitarian Efforts

The influence of the Convention on Biological Diversity significantly extends to humanitarian efforts as well. There is a direct relation between biodiversity and the livelihoods of people, particularly those in less economically developed nations and indigenous communities. Here, the CBD's provisions play an instrumental role.

The approach of the CBD towards equitable sharing of benefits from the use of biodiversity often directly supports livelihoods of local communities that rely on these resources. This could range from communities reliant on forest resources for their sustenance, to farmers whose agricultural practices depend upon the area's endemic species.

Moreover, the CBD can indirectly influence humanitarian law by promoting peaceful co-existence. Resource scarcity, often exacerbated by biodiversity loss, can lead to conflicts. By endorsing conservation and sustainable utilisation of resources, the CBD contributes towards managing potential sources of conflict, indirectly fostering peace and security. Therefore, the CBD holds substantial potential to contribute to humanitarian goals, offering a strong tool in the broader pursuit of global peace, justice, and strong institutions.