About the CBD
Recognising the importance of the planet’s biological resources to human well-being, social and economic growth and acknowledging the serious threats to species and ecosystems caused by anthropogenic activities, the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) was inspired by the world community’s growing commitment to sustainable development.
The Convention was opened for signature on the 5th of June 1992 at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development also famously known as the "Earth Summit" which was held in Rio de Janeiro and which remained open for signature until 4 June 1993, by which it had received 168 signatures.
The Convention entered into force on the 29th of December 1993 and has 3 main objectives:
- Conservation of biological diversity;
- Ensure sustainable use of biodiversity and its components;
- Ensure fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilisation of its genetic resources.
The convention offers governments and decision-makers guidance on how to deal with threats to biodiversity in addition to guidelines for setting goals, policies and general obligations. Parties are required to develop national biodiversity strategies and action plans (NBSAPs), and to integrate them into broader national plans for environment and development. In addition, Convention-related activities undertaken by developing countries are eligible for support from the financial mechanism of the convention known as the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
See also the text of the Convention: https://www.cbd.int/convention/text/default.shtml