What Is the Main International Agreement to Protect Biodiversity
Biodiversity is an essential aspect of our planet`s ecosystem. It refers to the variety of living organisms present on Earth, including animals, plants, fungi, and microorganisms. However, the rapid decline in biodiversity has become a matter of concern globally, with multiple species becoming endangered or facing extinction. To address this issue, the international community has worked on several agreements to protect biodiversity. In this article, we will look at the primary international agreement established to protect biodiversity.
The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is the primary international agreement that was established to protect biodiversity. The convention was adopted at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1992. The CBD is a legally binding treaty that aims to conserve biodiversity, ensure its sustainable use, and ensure fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources.
The CBD has three main objectives. The first objective is the conservation of biodiversity, which includes the preservation of ecosystems, species, and genetic diversity. The second objective is the sustainable use of biodiversity, which involves the use of biodiversity in a way that does not lead to its depletion. The third objective is the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources.
The CBD has been ratified by 196 countries, making it one of the most widely accepted international agreements. The convention has created several mechanisms to achieve its objectives. Parties to the CBD are required to develop and implement national biodiversity strategies and action plans. The convention also established protected areas, which are areas set aside for the conservation of biodiversity. Additionally, the CBD has established a protocol on access to genetic resources and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from their utilization.
In conclusion, the Convention on Biological Diversity is the primary international agreement established to protect biodiversity. It is a legally binding treaty that aims to conserve biodiversity, ensure its sustainable use, and ensure the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources. The CBD has been ratified by 196 countries, and it has established mechanisms such as national biodiversity strategies, protected areas, and protocols on access to genetic resources to achieve its objectives. The CBD remains a crucial international agreement in the conservation of biodiversity and the preservation of our planet`s ecosystem.