Convention on Biological Diversity

(CBD) signed at Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), 1992; entered into force in 1993

The CBD has as its objective the conservation, as well as the equitable and sustainable use, of biological diversity for present and future generations. It binds nations to develop national strategies, plans or programs for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity; to identify and monitor the status of components of biological diversity; and to develop and manage protected areas and other areas of importance for biodiversity. It addresses sustainable use, incentives, research and training, public education and awareness, impact assessment and mitigation, access to genetic resources, technology transfer, information exchange, technical and scientific co-operation, and biotechnology, and establishes a funding mechanism, the Global Environment Facility.