What is the International Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)?

The International Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is an international agreement that recognizes the importance of conserving biological diversity (plants and animals) and their habitats. In Washington State, the CBD has been adopted into U.S. law. The main objective of the CBD is to promote the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity around the world. The Convention was adopted in 1992 and has since been ratified by 197 countries. It defines biological diversity as “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”. The Convention also recognizes the importance of traditional knowledge and its conservation. The Convention is based on the "three pillars" – conservation of biodiversity, sustainable use of its components, and fair and equitable sharing of benefits from the use of genetic resources. To achieve these objectives, the Convention calls for parties to take appropriate measures to protect their biological diversity, develop national strategies and action plans, promote the sustainable use of natural resources, and share benefits arising out of the use of genetic resources. It also encourages cooperation among countries on issues related to conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity.

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