Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) 1992 (entered into force in December 1993) website: Dr Mahfuzul Haque

Introduction Earth’s biological resources are vital to humanity’s economic and social development. As a result, there is a growing recognition that biological diversity is a global asset of tremendous value to present and future generations. At the same time, the threat to species and ecosystems has never been so great as it is today. Species extinction caused by anthropogenic activities continues at an alarming rate.

Meaning of Biodiversity “Biological diversity” means the variability among living organisms from all sources including inter alia, terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part; this includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems. “Biological diversity” means the variability among living organisms from all sources including inter alia, terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part; this includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems.

Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), 1992 Preamble The parties were conscious of Intrinsic value of biological diversity Conservation of biological diversity is a common heritage of humankind States have sovereign rights over their biological resources States are responsible for conserving their biological diversity Lack of full scientific data not to be an excuse for inaction Recognition of traditional dependence of many indigenous and local communities on biological diversity

Article 1 Objectives Three objectives of the Convention are: Conservation of biological diversity Ensure sustainable use of its components Ensure fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources

Article 2 Use of Terms Biological diversity means variability among living organisms-terrestrial, marine and aquatic systems including diversity within and between species and ecosystems Biodiversity could be defined as species richness (plants, animals and microorganism) occurring as an interacting system in a given habitat. It is a total sum of genes, species and ecosystems There are about 1.4 million species at present known in the world. The number is likely to be about 30 to 50 million.

Article 2 Use of Terms Biotechnology means technological application used on biological systems, living organisms to make or modify products Ex-situ (off-site) conservation: outside natural habitats (birds park; botanical gardens) In-situ (on-site) conservation: in natural surrounding (protected areas; sanctuary; ECA; national park)

Article 2 Use of Terms An ecosystem is a dynamic complex of plant, animal and micro-organism communities and their non-living environment interacting as a functional unit (such as forest ecosystem, wetland ecosystem, mountain ecosystem) Species Diversity: Diversity of different species within a geographical area or an ecosystem, such as mango, tiger Genetic Diversity: Diversity of different genes, also known as “diversity within species”. Example; lengra, fazle mangoes Protected Area means a geographically defined area designated or regulated to achieve specific conservation objectives

Article 6 To develop national strategies, plans for conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity : National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) To integrate conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity into sectoral plans and policies

Article 8 In-situ conservation Establish Protected Areas (PAs) Develop Guidelines for PAs Promote protection of ecosystem Promote recovery of threatened species Regulate, manage or control risks associated with LMOs resulting from biotechnology which are likely to have adverse environmental impacts Prevent, control or eradicate alien invasive species, which threaten ecosystems, habitats or species

Article 8 (j) In-situ conservation Respect, preserve and maintain knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous and local communities embodying traditional lifestyles relevant for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity and promote their wider application with the approval and involvement of local community Promote innovation and practices of these communities and encourage equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of such knowledge and practices

Article 9 Ex-situ conservation Adopt measures for ex-situ conservation preferably in the country of origin Adopt measures for recovery and rehabilitation of threatened species Regulate and manage collection of biological resources from natural habitats for ex-situ conservation

Article 12 Research and Training Establish and maintain program for scientific and technical education and training measures for sustainable use of biological diversity Promote and encourage research

Article 14 Impact Assessment Introduce procedures in EIA so that likely adverse impacts of a project on biological diversity could be addressed Environment program and policies with likely adverse impacts on biological diversity should be revised Promote exchange of information and consultation through bilateral, multilateral and regional arrangements Promote emergency response measures

Article 15 Access to Genetic Resources Access genetic resources for environmentally sound use only Access to mutually agreed terms and conditions Access subject to Prior Informed Consent (PIC) Legislative, administrative and policy measures for sharing results of research and development and the benefits arising from the commercial utilization of genetic resources

Article 19 Parties may consider the need for a Protocol setting out procedures for safe transfer, handling and use of any Living Modified Organisms (LMOs) resulting from biotechnology that may have adverse effect on the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity

COP 10 Tenth Conference of Parties (COP-10) held at Nagoya, Japan on October 2010 was attended by 193 country-parties Aichi-Nagoya Strategic Biodiversity Plan ( ) with vision for 2050 was finalized Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing was adopted 2010 declared as the International Year of Biodiversity

Probable Questions 1. What are the three objectives of the CBD – discuss 2. What is meant by in-situ and ex-situ conservation- discuss in the light of CBD 3. Write short notes on Ecosystem Diversity; Species Diversity; and Genetic Diversity

Further Reading Text on Convention on Biological Diversity, 1992; website:

Thank You