If you follow the yearly Conference of the Parties (COPs) to the UN's Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), you may have seen that there's another, more understated COP that follows it, the Conference for the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) - but to what exactly does this convention bind its signatories?

The United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is a landmark international treaty that emerged in response to the alarming loss of biodiversity and widespread environmental degradation observed during the late 20th century.

Adopted at the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro and entering into force in December 1993, the CBD provides a comprehensive framework for global efforts to conserve biological diversity, promote the sustainable use of its components, and ensure the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources.

This treaty represents a major shift in international environmental governance, integrating conservation, sustainable development, and social justice into a unified agenda.

Prior to the CBD, environmental protection efforts were often fragmented, with various agreements addressing specific issues but lacking a cohesive strategy for the conservation of all forms of life. The rapid decline in species, ecosystems, and genetic diversity highlighted the urgent need for an international commitment that transcended national boundaries. The CBD was born out of this necessity, aiming to halt biodiversity loss by recognizing the intrinsic value of biological diversity and the ecosystem services it provides, such as pollination, water purification, and climate regulation. This historical shift underscored the understanding that human well-being is fundamentally connected to the health of the planet’s ecosystems.

Core objectives of the UN's Convention on Biological Diversity

Conservation of biological diversity

The treaty emphasizes that the diversity of life—from genes and species to entire ecosystems—is essential for the maintenance of natural processes and human survival. Biodiversity supports the resilience of ecosystems, ensuring that they can adapt to changes and continue to provide vital services. Conserving this diversity is not only a moral imperative but also a practical necessity for sustaining life on Earth.

What is 'sustainable use'?

Sustainable use is defined by the principle that natural resources should be managed in a way that meets current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. The CBD promotes the idea that conservation and development are not mutually exclusive. Instead, it advocates for the integration of economic growth with environmental stewardship, ensuring that the exploitation of natural resources is balanced with measures that preserve them for the future.

Fair and equitable sharing of benefits

Recognizing that genetic resources have immense scientific and economic value, the CBD establishes that the benefits arising from their use must be shared fairly. This objective addresses historical issues such as biopiracy and seeks to protect the rights of indigenous communities and biodiversity-rich countries. By mandating that access to genetic resources requires prior informed consent and that benefits—monetary or otherwise—are shared equitably, the CBD fosters an environment of trust and mutual benefit among nations.

Key provisions and implementation mechanisms

National biodiversity strategies and action plans (NBSAPs)

A cornerstone of the CBD’s implementation is the requirement for each Party to develop and periodically update its National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans. These plans serve as blueprints for national efforts to conserve biodiversity, setting priorities, identifying key species and ecosystems for protection, and outlining specific measures for sustainable resource management. They are designed to be flexible, allowing countries to adapt to new scientific insights and emerging environmental challenges.

Access to genetic resources and benefit sharing

One of the treaty’s most innovative aspects is its framework for accessing genetic resources. Under the CBD, any access to these resources must be based on prior informed consent from the provider country. This mechanism ensures that countries and local communities retain control over their natural resources and receive appropriate compensation or benefits when these resources are used for research or commercial purposes. Such benefit-sharing arrangements are crucial for fostering international cooperation and promoting the equitable development of new technologies and products.

In situ and ex situ conservation

The CBD promotes a dual approach to conservation. In situ conservation, which involves protecting species within their natural habitats, is fundamental for preserving ecological processes and ensuring the long-term viability of ecosystems. Complementing this, ex situ conservation measures—such as maintaining gene banks, botanical gardens, and zoological parks—provide additional safeguards by preserving genetic material outside of natural settings. Together, these strategies offer a comprehensive approach to mitigating biodiversity loss.

International cooperation and finance 

Implementation of the CBD relies heavily on international cooperation. Regular Conferences of the Parties (COP) serve as the main decision-making bodies, providing forums for discussing progress, negotiating new strategies, and mobilizing resources. Financial mechanisms, notably the Global Environment Facility (GEF), play a critical role by offering financial support to developing countries. This support enables nations to implement their NBSAPs, build capacity, and address local conservation challenges effectively.

Despite its broad vision and robust framework, the CBD faces significant implementation challenges. Many countries struggle with the practical aspects of translating comprehensive plans into effective action due to limited financial resources and technical expertise. Furthermore, the voluntary nature of reporting and monitoring under the CBD can lead to discrepancies in data and accountability. The inherent tension between economic development and environmental protection also poses a challenge; in many regions, natural resources are a crucial source of livelihood, making it difficult to balance conservation with the immediate needs of local populations.

Emerging threats such as climate change, invasive species, and habitat fragmentation further complicate efforts to conserve biodiversity. These issues often interact in complex ways, exacerbating the challenges of designing and enforcing effective conservation strategies. The lack of a binding enforcement mechanism means that the success of the CBD largely depends on the political will and commitment of individual nations.

What does the future hold for the UN's Convention on Biological Diversity?

The future of the CBD is closely linked to global environmental trends and the ongoing evolution of conservation science and technology. Advances in remote sensing, genetic analysis, and data modeling are providing new tools for monitoring ecosystem health and informing policy decisions. Integrating these technologies into the framework of the CBD has the potential to significantly enhance the effectiveness of conservation efforts.

In addition, the linkage between the CBD and broader initiatives such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is becoming increasingly important. By aligning biodiversity conservation with other global objectives, there is potential to create synergies that benefit both environmental and economic development. The adaptive nature of the CBD, with its regular review and revision of national plans and international strategies, positions it well to respond to emerging challenges and opportunities.

The United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity represents a comprehensive and forward-thinking approach to conserving the Earth’s natural heritage. Its integrated objectives—to conserve biological diversity, promote the sustainable use of natural resources, and ensure the fair and equitable sharing of benefits—reflect a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of human well-being and environmental health. While the treaty faces challenges in implementation, funding, and balancing development with conservation, its framework continues to inspire international cooperation and innovative approaches to environmental stewardship. Through ongoing commitment, adaptive management, and the integration of new scientific insights, the CBD remains a vital tool for safeguarding the planet’s biological wealth for current and future generations.