Introduction to the Convention on Biological Diversity

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is an international treaty adopted at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD) also known as the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. The CBD has currently been signed by 193 nations (known as Parties) to combat the decline of biological diversity throughout the globe. Under the CBD framework, Parties continue to convene at what are called the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP) to review progress, identify new priorities, and to negotiate new policies/guidelines and protocols related to a variety of issues around biodiversity.

 In a world increasingly dominated by bilateral and multilateral trade agreements, the CBD is a key site of global policy-making with the potential to influence the shape of international trade regimes and guide national biodiversity conservation efforts. Given the potential for changing both international and national norms, the CBD is an important forum for civil society to participate in. For more information see www.cbd.int