The Convention on Biological Diversity was held in Rio De Janiero, Brazil in 1992 with the goal of protecting biological diversity worldwide. It established principles for the conservation of biological diversity between countries and the sustainable use and fair sharing of genetic resources. The convention created a governing body called the Conference of Parties to oversee decision making and implementation of the convention by member countries through national strategies and financial support for developing countries. The convention aimed to reduce biodiversity loss by 2010 but has yet to fully achieve its goals.

1. Convention on
Biological Diversity
Rio De Janiero
1992
History 3ES3
Rebecca Moline

2. Biological diversity
• The variability
of living
organisms and
species
worldwide, in
addition to their
ecosystems

3. • More commonly known
as ‘The Earth Summit’
• Concerned with the
protection of biological
diversity worldwide
• Held from June 3 – 14,
1992 in Rio De Janiero,
Brazil
• Raise awareness in
addition to propose
action plan
Introduction

4. Historical background
• Originated from the
Stockholm Conference
1972
• Next ‘global’
environmental summit
at Rio
• United Nations
Environment
Programme
• Grew from 168
signatures to 181

5. Principals of Convention
• Conservation of
biological diversity
on a worldwide scale
• Sustainable use of its
elements
• The fair and
equitable sharing of
beneficial genetic
resources among
countries

6. Convention Framework
• Governing body
‘Conference of Parties’
or COP
• Responsible for
decision making
• Reviewing the
implementations
• Directing development
• Clarification of aspects
of the convention
• Consideration for
national reports

7. Financial Mechanisms
• Developed countries
must financially aid
developing countries
in order to fulfill
implementation
protocols
• Global Environmental
Facility (GEF) to
operate financial
mechanism

8. Implementation Strategies
• Enlists parties to
develop “national
strategies, plans or
programmes for the
conservation and
sustainable use of
biodiversity” (Article 6)
• Places responsibility on
individual nations
• Ecosystem Based
Approach

9. What is Sustainability?
“ the use of components
of biological diversity in
a way and at a rate that
does not lead to long-
term decline of
biological diversity,
therefore maintaining its
potential to meet the
needs and aspirations or
present and future
generations” – (Article 2)

10. Plan of Action?

11. Future Targets
• Meeting in 2002,
planned to reduce loss
of biodiversity by 2010
… an initiative that has
yet to occur
• 2010 ‘International
Year of Biodiversity’
• Tenth meeting of COP
October/November
2010 … initiatives for
2011-2020

12. Conclusions
• Biodiversity continues to
decrease at an alarming
rate
• Discussions must
transform into legitimate
action
• Worldwide commitment
is necessary to protect
the fate of the planet and
its resources