Showing papers on "Convention on Biological Diversity published in 1996"

Entomopathogenic Nematodes: Biodiversity, Geographical Distribution and the Convention on Biological Diversity

Abstract: This paper addresses three major issues. Firstly, molecular taxonomy and its application to elucidate the biodiversity and biogeography of entomopathogenic nematodes is considered. Accurate identification is fundamental for understanding biodiversity, and because these nematodes are morphologically conservative, molecular techniques will provide the insights necessary to develop a robust, morphologically based taxonomy. Secondly, a review of the knowledge on their biogeography and habitat specificity, including a consideration of the limitations to the available data is given. Much of the information is presented in two tables which summarize the distributions of recognized species at continental and national levels. Thirdly, this paper provides a brief consideration of the Convention on Biological Diversity and its implications for future work with entomopathogenic nematodes and biological control.

Priorities for conserving global species richness and endemism

Abstract: The Convention on Biological Diversity aims to encourage and enable countries to conserve biological diversity, to use its components sustainably and to share benefits equitably. Species richness and endemism are two key attributes of biodiversity that reflect the complexity and uniqueness of natural ecosystems. National data on vertebrates and higher plants indicate global concentrations of biodiversity and can assist in defining priorities for action. Projections indicate that species and ecosystems will be at maximum risk from human activities during the next few decades. Prompt action by the world community can minimise the eventual loss of species. Highest priorities should be to: (i) strengthen the management of ecosystems containing a large proportion of global biodiversity; (ii) help developing countries complete their biodiversity strategies and action plans, monitor their own biodiversity, and establish and maintain adequate national systems of conservation areas; (iii) support actions at the global level, providing benefit to all countries in managing their own biodiversity. Generally, resources will best be spent in safeguarding ecosystems and habitats that are viable and important for global biodiversity, and which are threatened by factors that can be controlled cost-effectively. Other important criteria are representativeness, complementarity and insurance.

The Convention on Biological Diversity

Abstract: The objectives of this Convention, to be pursued in accordance with its relevant provisions, are the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources, including by appropriate access to genetic resources and by appropriate transfer of relevant technologies, taking into account all rights over those resources and to technologies, and by appropriate funding.

Traditional resource rights: International instruments for protection and compensation for indigenous peoples and local communities

Abstract: Today, there is increasing recognition that traditional and indigenous knowledge systems can provide alternative strategies for the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources, a realisation that is strongly reflected in the Convention on biological diversity. However, there is a fear that this interest in traditional knowledge systems will lead to the basic human, cultural and scientific rights of indigenous people being sidelined, something the CBD fails to address adequately. This had given rise to the concept of Traditional Resources Rights (TRR). This publication, therefore, explores TRRs and indigenous peoples and local communities' rights to their knowledge systems and explores the ways and means in which these can be adquately protected by international legislation.

Knowing the Earth's Biodiversity: Challenges for the Infrastructure of Systematic Biology

Abstract: In the wake of the Rio Convention on Biological Diversity, much attention has centered on our poor current state of knowledge about the diversity of life on Earth. This Policy Forum reviews the challenges that confront the systematic biology community. Whereas new collection-based institutes are being established in several tropical collections, resources are failing for many long-established centers of excellence. Given the exciting prospect of exploring Mars for life, it is too easy to forget the urgent need to discover and understand effectively the diversity of life on our own planet.

Biodiversity in the seas : implementing the Convention on biological diversity in marine and coastal habitats

Abstract: Intended to promote effective application of the biodiversity Convention in coastal and marine environments It is based in large part on the recommendation of the "Jakarta Mandate" agreed to by the Parties to the Convention at their Second Conference in Jakarta in November 1995 and which identified the major threats to marine and coastal biodiversity and the principal legal and policy measures needed to address them The report explains the challenges that marine and coastal biodiversity pose for the achievement of the Convention objectives and identifies the policy tools that will be most effective for implementing the Convention in marine and coastal areas

Biodiversity Since Rio: The Future of the Convention on Biological Diversity

Abstract: The case for protecting biodiversity has many dimensions. The direct economic returns - mainly in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and biotechnology - are numerous, though prone to overstatement.(14) The number and value of drags such as aspirin and taxol (first identified in the wild but now synthesized) are likely to be small.(15) Examples abound of crop-threatening diseases such as wheat rust for which resistant strains were found in the wild, protected in gene banks, and crossbred into domesticated species. More productive and disease-resistant crop species have allowed agricultural production to grow faster than the human population even though the amount of land devoted to agriculture has remained roughly constant.(16) While many biodiversity-rich forests have been harvested for timber, a recent study of the Peruvian rain forest calculated that the net present value of sustainable rubber, fruit, and timber harvests is $6,820 per hectare - more than six times the mill value of clear-cut timber.(17) Sustainable uses that protect biodiversity can clearly be cost-effective, although the value of forests (which is based on location, markets, and products) may vary by a factor of 400.(18)

International Law and the Conservation of Biological Diversity

Abstract: I: The nature, development and philosophical foundations of the biodiversity concept in international law. II: The Rio convention on biological diversity. III: Sustainability, biodiversity and international law. IV: The conservation of existing agreements for the conservation of terrestrial species and habitats to the maintenance of biodiversity. V: The conservation of marine ecosystems under international law. VI: The protection of the Antarctic environment and the ecosystem approach. VII: The role of ex-situ measures in the conservation of biodiversity. VIII: International regimes for the conservation and control of plant genetic resources. IX: Intellectual property rights and biodiversity. X: Biodiversity conservation in the United States. XI: The European Community and preservation of biological diversity. XII: Developing countries, "development" and the conservation of biological diversity. XIII: Biodiversity and indigenous people. XIV: Financial aid, biodiversity and international law. Appendix: The convention on biological diversity.

Standards for biodiversity: a proposal based on biodiversity standards for forest plantations

Abstract: The 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity has not only focused attention on the concept of biodiversity it has also set expectations that the signatory nations will establish objectives. It is suggested here that the use of biodiversity standards could have a useful role in quantifying these objectives. The use of biodiversity standards is explored in connection with the levels of biodiversity In plantation forests. Forest plantations have been used for the basis of this investigation because such plantations could be used as large-scale experiments in which the use of standards, and the ecological monitoring of these standards, could be researched. The impact of intensive forestry practices on wildlife has often been the cause of concern and indeed controversy. Recently there has been a move towards the development of multipurpose forest plantations where management for recreation and wildlife takes place alongside management for timber. Some forest authorities are actively looking at ways of restoring levels of biodiversity in plantation forests. We suggest that if levels of biodiversity are to be restored, then forest managers must have something to aim for; that is, there must be a standard. The adoption of standards could provide a means whereby forest managers can meet biodiversity objectives. Standards may also enable managers to determine the effectiveness of those management practices which are intended to increase levels of biodiversity. We suggest a conceptual plan which combines a monitoring procedure with biodiversity objectives.

World in transition : ways towards global environmental solutions : annual report 1995

Abstract: Summary.- Summary.- A Introduction.- A Introduction.- B Societal Conditions for Solving Global Environmental Problems.- 1 Environmental Awareness and Environmental Education.- 1.1 Introduction.- 1.2 Environmentally Related Behavior and Its Determinants.- 1.3 Social Perception of Problems and Environmental Protection: Empirical Findings.- 1.3.1 Methodological Problems of Survey Research.- 1.3.2 Perception of Problems over Time (Longitudinal Analyses).- 1.3.3 Perception of Problems in a National Comparison (Cross-sectional Analyses).- 1.3.4 Values and Value Orientations: the World Values Survey.- 1.3.5 Summary.- 1.4 Environmental Education.- 1.4.1 Development, Standards and Problem Areas of Environmental Education.- 1.4.1.1 Political Declarations Regarding Environmental Education.- 1.4.1.2 Environmental Education in Practice: Criteria, Standards and Deficits.- 1.4.1.3 Environmental Education in Industrialized Countries.- 1.4.1.4 Environmental Education in Developing Countries.- 1.4.2 Activities Concerning Environmental Education in Germany: Global Aspects.- 1.4.2.1 Activities in Connection with Schools.- 1.4.2.2 NGO Activities.- 1.4.3 Activities Concerning Environmental Education in Developing Countries: Global Aspects.- 1.4.3.1 Activities in Schools.- 1.4.3.2 NGO Activities.- 1.4.4 Survey on the Status of Environmental Education in International Comparison.- 1.4.5 Summary.- 1.5 Research Recommendations.- 1.6 Recommended Action.- 2 Exchange of Know-how and Technology Transfer.- 2.1 Formation, Dissemination and Adaptation of Know-how.- 2.2 Opportunities and Limits of the Exchange of Know-how and Technology Transfer.- 2.2.1 Prerequisites.- 2.2.2 Assessment of Institutional Approaches.- 2.3 Summary.- 2.4 Recommendations for Research and Action.- 3 Institutions and Organizations.- 3.1 Problems Related to Institutional Innovation of Global Environmental Policy.- 3.2 Institutionalization of Global Environmental Policy.- 3.2.1 The Formation of Global Environmental Policy.- 3.2.2 Approaches to the Innovation of Global Institutions.- 3.2.2.1 Transfers of Technology and Financial Resources.- 3.2.2.2 Process, Resource and Organizational Control.- 3.2.3 Reforming Global Environmental Institutions.- 3.2.3.1 Basic Restructuring.- 3.2.3.2 Extension and Reform.- 3.2.3.3 Modification and Expansion.- 3.3 Assessment of Global Environmental Institutions: Recommendations for Action and Research.- 3.3.1 Capacity Building.- 3.3.1.1 Qualified Capacity Building.- 3.3.1.2 Responding to Differing Capacities for Action.- 3.3.2 Introduction of International Environmental Audits.- 3.3.3 Flexibilization of Global Environmental Institutions.- 3.3.3.1 Legitimation of Action.- 3.3.3.2 Examples of Flexibilization.- 3.3.3.3 Lean Management and Global Environmental Management.- 3.4 Special German Contributions to Institutional Innovation of Global Environmental Policy.- 4 Growth and Distribution of the World's Population.- 4.1 Current Trends.- 4.1.1 Population Growth.- 4.1.2 Urbanization.- 4.1.3 Migration.- 4.2 Conferences and International Agreements.- 4.2.1 UNCED 1992: AGENDA 21.- 4.2.1.1 Population Development.- 4.2.1.2 Urbanization.- 4.2.1.3 Migration.- 4.2.2 State, NGOs and Churches.- 4.2.3 The 1994 International Population Conference.- 4.3 Recommendations for Action and Research.- C International Conventions Aimed at Solving Global Environmental Problems.- 1 The Framework Convention on Climate Change - Berlin and its Aftermath.- 1.1 The Berlin Climate Conference - Results and Assessment.- 1.1.1 Climate Politics Between Ecological Necessities and Political Restrictions.- 1.1.2 The Results of the First Conference of the Parties - An Overview.- 1.2 The Relevance of the Human Factor to Climate.- 1.2.1 Evidence for the Anthropogenic Greenhouse Effect.- 1.2.2 Accounting for Anthropogenic Sulfate Aerosols in Global Circulation Models.- 1.2.3 Anthropogenic Forcing of the Earth's Radiation Balance.- 1.2.4 Time-dependent Relative Global Warming Potentials as the Basis for Political Decision Making.- 1.3 Scenario for Estimating Minimum Targets for Global Emission Reductions.- 1.3.1 The "Backwards" Mode of the Scenario.- 1.3.2 The Basic Assumptions of the Scenario.- 1.3.3 The Key Conclusions of the Scenario.- 1.3.4 Possible Allocation Formulas.- 1.3.5 Conclusions for Altered Assumptions: A Sensitivity Analysis.- 1.4 Implementation of Reduction Requirements.- 1.4.1 The Self-commitment Imposed by Germany.- 1.4.2 Cost-benefit Analyses Applied to Climate Protection Strategies.- 1.4.2.1 Cost-benefit Assessments.- 1.4.2.2 Integrated Models.- 1.4.3 Reduction Potential and the International Distribution of Responsibility.- 1.4.4 Flexibility Under a System of Uniform National Quotas: Joint Implementation and the Tradeable Permit System.- 1.5 Research Recommendations.- 1.6 Recommendations for Action.- 2 The Montreal Protocol -An Example for Successful Environmental Policy.- 2.1 Stratospheric Ozone.- 2.1.1 Introduction.- 2.1.2 Implementation and Impacts of the Montreal Protocol and its Amendments 125..- 2.1.2.1 Recent Developments.- 2.1.2.2 Exceptions.- 2.1.2.3 Substitutes.- 2.1.3 Montreal and After: The EU Initiative.- 2.2 Tropospheric Zone.- 2.2.1 Increase in Surface Level Ozone.- 2.2.2 Impacts of Increased Near-surface Ozone Concentrations.- 2.2.3 Changes in the Ozone Concentration in the Free Troposphere.- 2.3 Dangers of UV-B Radiation.- 2.3.1 Effects of Increased UV-B Radiation.- 2.3.2 Recent Measurements.- 2.4 Recommendations for Research.- 2.5 Recommended Action.- 3 The Convention on the Law of the Sea -Towards the Global Protection of the Seas.- 3.1 Preliminary Remarks.- 3.2 Utilization Functions of the Seas.- 3.3 Transport Function.- 3.3.1 Marine Pollution from Vessels.- 3.3.2 Conflicts Between Flag, Port and Coastal States.- 3.4 Disposal Function.- 3.4.1 Terrestrial Sources of Pollution.- 3.4.2 Dumping of Waste.- 3.4.3 UV-B Radiation and Climate Change.- 3.5 Resource Function.- 3.5.1 Marine Mining.- 3.5.2 Fishing and Whaling.- 3.6 Marine Research.- 3.7 Summary and Outlook.- 3.8 Recommendations for Action and Research.- 4 The Desertification Convention -A First Step Towards the Protection of Soils.- 4.1 The Genesis and Content of the Desertification Convention.- 4.2 Assessment.- 4.3 Recommended Action and Research.- 5 The Biodiversity Convention - The Implementation Is Yet to Come.- 5.1 Current Trends in the Biosphere.- 5.2 Content of the Convention on Biological Diversity.- 5.3 Development and Current Status of the Convention Process.- 5.4 Key Focus: Access to Genetic Resources.- 5.5 Recommendations for Research.- 5.6 Recommendations for Action.- 6 Protection of Forests: Protocol or Convention?.- 6.1 Current Trends.- 6.2 Status of International Discussion.- 6.3 Forest Protocol Within the Convention on Biological Diversity.- 6.4 Convention for the Protection of the Forests.- 6.5 Conclusions and Recommendations for Action.- 7 The GATT/WTO Regime - The Greening of World Trade.- 7.1 Globalization of Economic Activity.- 7.2 The GATT Regime.- 7.2.1 Brief Outline.- 7.2.2 Interest Structures Within GATT.- 7.3 The Marrakech Decisions.- 7.4 Free Trade and the Environment.- 7.4.1 Free Trade Classical Arguments.- 7.4.2 Global Public Goods and Externalities.- 7.4.3 Competition Failure.- 7.4.4 Normative Interventions.- 7.5 Conclusions and Recommendations for Action.- 7.6 Recommendations for Research.- D General Conclusions and Recommendations.- D General Conclusions and Recommendations.- E Annex: Notes on the Inverse Scenario in Section C 1.3.- E Annex: Notes on the Inverse Scenario in Section C 1.3.- 1.1 Tolerable Stress for Nature and Society.- 1.2 Admissible Climate Change.- 1.3 Admissible Increases in C02 Concentration and Corresponding Global Emission Profiles.- 1.4 National Reduction Commitments.- F References.- F References.- G The Council.- G The Council.

GUIDE TO INFORMATION MANAGEMENT In the Context of the Convention on Biological Diversity

Abstract: The World Conservation Monitoring Centre, based in Cambridge, UK, is a joint venture between three partners in the World Conservation Strategy and its successor Caring for the Earth: IUCN The World Conservation Union, UNEP United Nations Environment Programme, and WWF World Wide Fund for Nature. The Centre provides information services on the conservation and sustainable use of species and ecosystems and supports others in the development of their own information systems.

Guía del Convenio sobre la diversidad biológica

Abstract: The Convention on Biological Diversity is an historic commitment by the world’s nations to conserve biodiversity, to use biological resources sustainably and to share equitably the benefits arising from the use of genetic resources. It is the first global legal instrument to comprehensively address all aspects of biodiversity. The Guide illustrates the scientific, technical and legal issues which the Convention raises. Designed as a reference document, the Guide’s table of contents, pagination, index and commentary cross-references give the reader easy access to the book’s comprehensive rendering of what could be involved in fulfilling the obligations of the Convention. There is also a detailed bibliography.

The convention on Biological Diversity: Some implications for microbiology and microbial culture collections

Abstract: The coming into force of the Convention on Biological Diversity has led to a series of discussions aiming to clarify its implementation. A number of uncertainties exist at the microbial level and there is a lack of awareness of the role played by microorganisms in ecosystem function. There is moreover a great lack of knowledge about the number of species of microorganisms that exist, their distribution, stability in the environment and intricate interactive roles. Conservation and use of biological material for sustainable environmental management are major issues. Specialist microbiological input into the debate is required to ensure that provisions made for national programmes are appropriate and practicable at the microbiological level. The Articles of the Convention of special relevance to microbiologists are listed and discussed. The role of microbial culture collections within the framework of the Convention is considered. The difficulties and uncertainties of conservation and study of microorganisms in their habitat (in situ) increase the need forex situ conservation in microbial culture collections. The World Federation for Culture Collections plays a coordinating role with regard to expertise, information, training and the management and operation of microbial resource centres. It has the potential for providing a special interest Clearing House Mechanism for the support of the Convention.

Guide de la convention sur la diversité biologique

Abstract: The Convention on Biological Diversity is an historic commitment by the world’s nations to conserve biodiversity, to use biological resources sustainably and to share equitably the benefits arising from the use of genetic resources. It is the first global legal instrument to comprehensively address all aspects of biodiversity. The Guide illustrates the scientific, technical and legal issues which the Convention raises. Designed as a reference document, the Guide’s table of contents, pagination, index and commentary cross-references give the reader easy access to the book’s comprehensive rendering of what could be involved in fulfilling the obligations of the Convention. There is also a detailed bibliography.

Innovative funding to support biodiversity conservation

Abstract: Argues that conserving biodiversity requires a combination of policy reform and appropriate economic instruments. Presents policy reforms which would remove the underlying causes of the loss of biodiversity and create incentives for the efficient use of biological resources. The economic instruments would further strengthen the incentives for behaviour which is supportive of the objectives of the convention on biological diversity and generate the additional financial resources required to fund investments in biodiversity.

A Strategic Approach to the Conservation of Plants in the United Kingdom

Abstract: This paper summarizes a strategic framework agreed by the statutory nature conservation agencies for conserving the native vascular and non-vascular plants of the United Kingdom, set in the context of international commitments. The strategy forms a contribution to action in accordance with the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity and it is discussed in the light of recent developments in the UK's implementation of this Convention. The vital role of botanists in the voluntary sector is acknowledged. This paper is presented so as to draw attention to further needs for information and action, to which many can contribute.

Implications of the convention on biological diversity: Indian approach*

Abstract: The International Convention on Biological Diversity, which was adopted during the Earth Summit (UNCED) held in Brazil in 1992, came into force in December, 1993. Having ratified the Convention in February 1994, India is now obligated to undertake actions to implement its various provisions. This paper describes the genesis, objectives and salient features of the Convention. It also highlights various approaches to be taken into consideration by India for achieving the objectives and implementing its various provisions.

Global Trends and the Future of National Forests

Abstract: Part of the Administrative Law Commons, Environmental Law Commons, Environmental Policy Commons, Forest Biology Commons, Forest Management Commons, Legislation Commons, Natural Resource Economics Commons, Natural Resources and Conservation Commons, Natural Resources Law Commons, Natural Resources Management and Policy Commons, Policy History, Theory, and Methods Commons, and the Sustainability Commons

Access to genetic resources under the convention on biological diversity and the law of the Federal Republic of Germany

Abstract: Three principal international legal instruments govern access to and utilisation of genetic resources (excluding human genetic resources) for commercial and scientific purposes. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and its Protocol the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilisation cover the majority of non-domesticated and domesticated genetic resources. Excluded from the remit of these treaties are plant genetic resources falling within Annex 1 of the International Treaty for Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, in so far as they are used for research, breeding and training for food and agriculture. (See Fact Sheet Int-6.) (International treaties are only binding on those States that have signed and ratified them.)

Accessing Biological Diversity and Associative Knowledge System: Can Ethics Influence Equity

Abstract: The bio-diverse regions have been known to be inhabited by the poorest people all around the tropical world (Gupta 1981). It is obvious that we cannot conserve diversity by keeping people poor. Studies have also shown that many of the indigenous innovators whether individual or communities. Their ethical values often motivate them to share their knowledge uninhibitedly with the outsiders without expectation of material reward. In the process while they remain poor, the extractors of their knowledge accumulate which justifies the extraction. Apart from the dilemma that arise through mismatch between the ethical values of conservators of biodiversity and the dominant institutions of extractions, there arise questions about the continued validity of values underline discourse in the mainstream. For instance it is an accepted professional value in academics that any communication oral, visual or written having a substantive implications for one’s ideas should be acknowledged. Accordingly, personal communications find place in the academic discourse. However, this accountability is generally observed only towards one’s professional colleagues. The farmers, indigenous people, artisans etc. are almost never acknowledged in any discourse on their knowledge in a manner that they can be identified. Why should people remain nameless and faceless in discourse on their knowledge and institutions has never been explained adequately? So much so that the whole discipline of ethno-botany/biology has gained legitimacy through extraction without acknowledgment. The wealth accumulated out of value addition in this knowledge is seldom shared with the providers. In a recent paper, I had identified seven dimensions of ethical responsibility such as: accountability of (1) researchers and biodiversity prospectors, engaged by Public/Private Sectors in National/International Organisations towards providers or biodiversity resource from wild, domesticated and public access domains; (2) Researchers and prospectors towards the country or origin; (3) Professionals towards academic communities and professional bodies guiding the process of exploring or extracting biodiversity; (4) International UN or other organizations possessing globally pooled germ plasm collections deposited in good faith but accessible to public or private institutions without reciprocal responsibilities; (5) Institutions of governance legitimizing various kinds of property right regimes and consequent ethical and moral dilemmas; (6) Civil society and consumers of products derived from prospected biodiversity or competing alternatives; (7) Present generation towards future generations and other living non-human sentient beings. In pursuant of Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and International Convention on Combating Desertification (ICCD), various ethical guidelines followed by private/public obligations were reviewed (Gupta 1994, Nietschman and Churchur, 1994) for discussion in a workshop organised by Pew Conservation Scholars last year. Several other scholars were also invited in the discussion to develop Ethical Guidelines for Accessing/Exploring Biological Diversity (See Annexure 1). These guidelines were endorsed in principle by all the Pew Conservation Scholars and are now being circulated for wider debate. Only three out of seven issues were covered comprehensively in these guidelines. In this paper I summarize some of the important issues not covered by the guidelines and offer suggestion for the remaining issues. It is hoped that Conference of Parties (COP) will reflect on these suggestions so that a global accord can be reached on general ethical principles. It is recognized that there may be culture specific differences in the perfection of moral issues. However, I submit that it should be possible to have an universal consensus on at least some basic ethical principles governing access to biodiversity.

The Legislation for Biodiversity Conservation in China

Abstract: Biodiversity conservation depends on a sound legislation in both international and national levels.China has promulgated a series of laws and regulations concerning biodiversity conservation,especially for protection of wild animals and other natural resources.As the enforcement of the statutes,a great progress for in-situ and ex-situ biodiversity conservation has been achieved.But some gaps for the legislation are still existed.Based on the present status of conservation legislation in China and in accordance with the Convention on Biological Diversity,an attention for the legislation should be paid to conservation of genetic resources,wild plant species and various natural ecosystems.

Field guides : useful tools in environmental planning and management

Abstract: Field guides are useful tools for promoting conservation awareness and action, and are implicitly supported by at least five Articles of the Convention on Biological Diversity. They can be used directly as information sources for environmental assessments of development projects, and to support national biodiversity databases, land use planning through GIS (Geographic Information Systems) applications, the production of red data books, and in other information systems. The usefulness of field guides in the fostering of biodiversity expertise is, however, not always fully appreciated, and as a result neither donors nor publishers have provided the necessary support. However, a number of funding mechanisms already in existence could be used to facilitate their production and dissemination.