Showing papers on "Convention on Biological Diversity published in 1999"

Selling Nature to save It? Biodiversity and Green Developmentalism

Abstract: New supranational environmental institutions, including the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the ‘green’ World Bank, reflect attempts to regulate international flows of ‘natural capital’ by means of an approach I call ‘green developmentalism’. These institutions are sources of eco-development dollars and of a new ‘global’ discourse, a postneoliberal environmental-economic paradigm. By the logic of this paradigm, nature is constructed as a world currency and ecosystems arc recoded as warehouses of genetic resources for biotechnology industries. Nature would earn its own right to survive through international trade in ecosystem services and permits to pollute, access to tourism and research sites, and exports of timber, minerals, and intellectual property rights to traditional crop varieties and shamans' recipes. I contend that green developmentalism, with its promise of market solutions to environmental problems, is blunting the North-South disputes that have embroiled international environment...

Invasive species and biodiversity management

Abstract: Contributors. Preface P.J. Schei. 1. Introduction: the many aspects of the invasive alien species problem O.T. Sandlund, P.J. Schei, A. Viken. Part 1: Human dimensions. 2. The great reshuffling: how alien species help feed the global economy J.A. McNeely. 3. Species invasions and the displacement of biological and cultural diversity V. Shiva. 4. Nile perch in Lake Victoria: the balance between benefits and negative impacts of aliens R. Ogutu-Ohwayo. 5. An alliance of biodiversity, agriculture, health and business interests for improved alien species management in Hawaii A. Holt. Part 2: Ecology of introductions. 6. Invasive plant species and invasible ecosystems M. Rejmanek. 7. Lag times in population explosions of invasive species: causes and implications J.A. Crooks, M.E. Soule. 8. Modelling of the impact of biological invasions R. Hengeveld. 9. Biological invasions and global change H.A. Mooney, A. Hofgaard. 10.Introductions at the level of genes and populations K. Hindar. 11. Alien species and emerging infectious diseases: past lessons and future implications R.T. Bryan. 12. Effects of invading species on freshwater and estuarine ecosystems P.B. Moyle. Part 3: International pathways. 13. The scale and ecological consequences of biological invasions in the World's oceans J.T. Carlton. 14. The Red Sea-Mediterranean link: unwanted effects of canals C.F. Boudouresque. 15. Trade and exotic species introductions P. Jenkins. 16. Commercial forestry and agroforestryas sources of invasive alien trees and shrubs D.M. Richardson. 17. Consequences of spreading of pathogens and genes through an increasing trade in foods E. Skjerve, Y. Wasteson. Part 4: Management tools. 18. Legal authorities for controlling alien species: a survey of tools and their effectiveness M.J. Bean. 19. Strategies for preventing the world movement of invasive plants. A United States perspective R. Westbrooks, R.E. Eplee. 20. Managing insect invasions by watching other countries M.J. Samways. 21. Biological pest control and invasives G. Oduor. Part 5: Country case studies. 22. Invasive species in Mauritius: examining the past and charting the future W. Strahm. 23. Biodiversity conservation and the management of invasive animals in New Zealand M.N. Clout. 24. South Africa's experience regarding alien species: impacts and controls B.J. Huntley. 25. Managing alien species: the Australian experience R.P. Pech. Part 6: Where do we go from here? 26. International instruments, processes, organizations and non-indigenous species introductions: is a protocol to the convention on biological diversity necessary? L. Glowka, C. de Klemm. 27. A Global Strategy for dealing with alien invasive species H.A. Mooney. Index.

Why biodiversity surveys are good value

Abstract: Article 8 of the Convention on Biological Diversity obliges contracting parties to establish protected areas for conservation. This can be achieved in smaller networks of reserves if their design is based on how well different sites complement one another biologically, rather than on more commonly used criteria, such as species richness or simple availability for acquisition1,2. However, this increase in efficiency3 requires species lists for each candidate site, and obtaining such data can be expensive; for example, a detailed survey of five taxa across 15,000 km2 of forest in Uganda took nearly 100 person-years and cost about US$1 million4,5. Here we ask whether investing in such surveys makes economic sense, or whether conservation agencies would be better advised to continue following more traditional reserve selection procedures, at the cost of having to conserve larger reserve networks.

Why is There a Biodiversity Convention? The International Interest in Centralized Development Planning

Abstract: The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is an unusual international environment agreement in that it does not concern an international or global resource. Most of the resources whose regulation is implicit in the CBD are in fact domestic terrestrial species, everything from elephants to medicinal plants. The rationale for international intervention in the sphere of national land use planning lies in the recurring themes of underprovided diversity: underfunded, underappreciated, undermanaged species. In many different areas of international affairs–ranging from the trade in endangered species to the management of agricultural gene banks–these same problems arise. How is it possible to induce countries hosting diverse biological resources to expend theresources necessary to maintain them? The CBD represents the confluenceof all these various movements, and it constitutes the recognition of the importance of a global perspective regarding national land use decision-making.

Access to genetic resources : strategies for sharing benefits

Abstract: For centuries, genetic resources not protected by Intellectual Property Rights were collected and used without any regulation. They were a free good available for everyone. Huge profits were made but never shared with the custodians of biological diversity. "Access to genetic resources" underscores the importance of informed national approaches to enforce access to genetic resources and benefit-sharing provisions of the Convention on biological diversity. It discusses key issues concerning access to genetic resources and sharing of benefits arising from their use; and examines ongoing efforts to formulate and implement national measures. It brings together contributions from leading authorities in policy and legal aspects of access to genetic resources. This volume is aimed at policy makers, researchers, inter-governmental officials, practitioners and students of international environmental law and diplomacy.

The Convention on Biological Diversity: exposing the flawed foundations

Abstract: Over five years have elapsed since the coming into force of the much heralded United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD or Convention) signed during the 'Earth Summit' at Rio de Janeiro in June 1992 (CBD 1992). Despite the warm, even euphoric welcome extended to this treaty by the environmental community, the difficulties of implementing the CBD in the last five years are unmasking and uncovering its flawed environmental foundations. The language of any legal instrument embodies and expresses the considered intentions of its creators, and may contain obligatory provisions that are legally binding. They may also contain hortatory and aspirational commitments that are not legally enforceable. The CBD rejected 'hard' environmental obligations that are legally binding for non-legal exhortations, and highly qualified 'soft' commitments. Whatever their value be as face-saving strategies for reaching agreement on the CBD, such aspirational expressions do not create a stable foundation for tough decisions in the world of realpolitik.

Biodiversity and intellectual property rights: Can the two co‐exist?

Abstract: The last few years have seen a range of significant developments related to intellectual property rights(IPRs) and biodiversity. At least two major international agreements, both legally binding, deal with thisissue: the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects ofIntellectual Property Rights (TRIPs) of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). In addition, the WorldIntellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) and other international institutions are increasingly becomingactive on the subject.At national levels, too, there is considerable activity. Several countries (Costa Rica, Eritrea, Fiji, India,Mexico, Peru, Philippines) are coming up with legislation, or other measures, which respond to theabove treaties or in other ways deal with the relationship between IPRs and biodiversity (Glowka1998). Of particular interest to many countries, especially in the 'developing' world, are the following:Protecting indigenous knowledge (traditional and modern) from being "pirated" and usedin IPR claims by industrial/commercial interests;Regulating access to biological resources so that historical "theft" of these resources bythe more powerful sections of the global society can be stopped, andcommunities/countries are able to gain control and benefits from their use.These issues relate not just to IPR regimes but also to the new provisions of Access and Benefit-sharing which the CBD contains, and which are being followed up by several countries withappropriate domestic legislation.Propelling the spurt in activity on this front are the IPR-related scandals that periodically shock theworld, such as:The patenting of ancient herbal remedies, e.g. the US Patent (No. 5,401,504) given tothe healing properties of turmeric, known for centuries to Indians; or the US plant patent(No. 5,751) on the 'ayahuasca' plant, considered sacred and used for medicinalpurposes by Amazon's indigenous peoples;The patenting of crop varieties which are similar to those grown for centuries in certaingeographical areas, e.g. for varieties of Basmati rice by Rice-Tec Corporation in the US(Patent No. 5,663,484); Rice-Tec even uses the term Basmati, long used to refer toaromatic rice grown in northern India and Pakistan, to describe its rice varieties;The patenting of human genetic material, e.g. on the human cell line of a Hagahaitribesman from Papua New Guinea (US Patent No. 5,397,696)Plant breeders' rights or patents on entire taxa rather than specific varieties or breeds,e.g. on all transgenic cotton or soybean granted to the company Agracetus; andPatents on technologies that threaten farming systems worldwide, such as US PatentNo. 5,723,765 granted to Delta and Pine Land Co., nick-named the Terminator

Trends in Agricultural Biodiversity

Abstract: Vernon Heywood“Biodiversity is a non-detachable part of the concept of sustainability. ... biodiversity is es-sential for agricultural production, as agriculture should be for biodiversity conservation.”Brazilian Government proposal to SBSTTA of the CBD, Second MeetingMontreal 2–6 September 1996Although the context of this paper is a “World Biodiversity Update,” any attempt at such would be pre-sumptuous if not impossible. What I will attempt, however, is to highlight some of the major developments inbiodiversity action and policy that have emerged during the past year or two. In fact, several of these aredirectly related to agricultural biodiversity, and indeed to the issue of new crops. Then I shall explore themain trends in the appreciation, conservation and sustainable use of what is termed agricultural biodiversity.The coming into effect of the Convention on Biological Diversity has led to a wide range of activitiesand initiatives as governments attempt to get to grips with the problems of implementing what is no more thanan outline convention. The deliberations of the Conference of the Parties (COP) of the Convention and itsSubsidiary Body for Scientific Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA) have been criticized by someas spending too much time on issues such as biotechnology, biosafety, and intellectual property rights (Raven1998) while issues such as the preservation of species have been ignored. Others regard the Convention asproviding incentives for countries to conserve and sustainably use their own biodiversity and ensure that thebenefits derived from it by third parties are equitably shared (Seyani 1998). Certainly, a great deal of contro-versy has been generated by matters such as access to genetic resources, farmers’ rights, and technology trans-fer, reflecting different attitudes and perceptions between developing and developed countries. These areserious issues that demand attention and while those of us who are alarmed at the growing rate of biodiversityloss and habitat destruction are naturally impatient and would like to see more urgent steps being taken tostem the losses, progress in reconciling the different positions is being made and at the same time many coun-tries are taking positive steps to put in place mechanisms for the conservation and sustainable use of theirbiodiversity.Another key development was the endorsement by governments of the Global Plan of Action (GPA) forthe “Conservation and Sustainable Use of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture” at the Interna-tional Technical Conference on Plant Genetic Resources held in Leipzig, 17–23 June 1996 (FAO 1996).The GPA sets out a global strategy for the conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources forfood and agriculture with an emphasis on productivity, sustainability and equity (Cooper et al. 1998) andcomplements the CBD. In fact, a significant development that followed from these two was the convergenceof interest between bodies such as FAO and IPGRI and conservation and development organizations and agenciessuch UNESCO-MAB, IUCN, WWF, and ITDG. On the one hand, the CBD recognized agricultural biodiversityas a focal area in view of its social and economic relevance and the prospects offered by sustainable agricul-ture for reducing the negative impacts of biological diversity, enhancing the value of biological diversity andlinking conservation efforts with social and economic benefits (Decision III/11 Conservation and SustainableUse of Agricultural Biological Diversity of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on BiologicalDiversity). On the other hand, it is recognized that the Global Plan of Action covers a number ofmultidisciplinary areas such as in situ conservation of wild plants and crop relatives in natural ecosystems thatextend the traditional activities of sustainable agriculture and plant genetic resource conservation and thatsuccessful implementation will require the development of new partnerships with a range of intergovernmen-tal and non-governmental organizations as well as with indigenous and local communities.Another area of developing concern is the role of indigenous communities in the conservation and sus-tainable use of biodiversity. Although the all-pervading influence of human action in modifying biodiversityis widely recognized, and the Global Biodiversity Assessment (Heywood 1985) included a whole section onthis topic, the complexity of the social, cultural, ethical, religious, and other human interactions with biodiversity

Intellectual property rights on biological resources: benefiting from biodiversity and people's knowledge

Abstract: The Indian Patent Act is being amended, in part, because of our commitments under General Agreement on Trade and Tariff (GATT). Similar considerations have prompted us to formulate a Protected Plant Varieties Act. At the same time, a National Biological Diversity Act is also on the anvil in response to our commitments to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The CBD has advanced beyond the conventional intellectual property rights (IPR) regime to accept the sovereign rights of nations over their biodiversity resources, and the need thereof to share benefits of commercial applications of traditional knowledge of sustainable uses of biodiversity resources with local communities. It is important for India to benefit from these provisions and create a legislative framework that would be a model for other developing countries as well. Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) are now being extended to biological resources, beyond the conventional domain of mechanical and chemical innovations. On this new biological frontier, considerable pertinent knowledge and resources already exist in the public domain, and CBD has clearly accepted the need to respect and share its benefits with these public-domain resources. These considerations must be reflected in the Amended Patent Act. It is also vital that we ensure a proper harmonization of the provisions of the new Patent Act, Protected Plant Varieties Act, and the Biological Diversity Act. In this article we discuss measures for disclosure of country of origin, relevant public knowledge or agreements in the IPR applications under these acts.

Transboundary biosphere reserves: a new framework for cooperation

Abstract: Despite the increasing call for cooperation amongst the states parties to the 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity (UNTS 3069; see especially its Articles 5, 17, 18 and 20), the management of protected areas adjacent to political borders is rarely thought of as a common necessity for neighbouring countries. Setting up a zone dedicated to conservation is already a formidable challenge in the face of strongly competing interests for land. Bringing this about with two or more sovereign states sometimes seems a ‘gratuitous layer of complexity that spells almost certain failure’ (Westing 1998b). Nevertheless, transboundary protected areas are becoming increasingly common (IUCN, unpublished 1998). In fact, no less than 136 such protected area complexes involving over 406 individual protected areas and 112 different international boundaries (Zbicz & Green 1997) have been identified around the world. If proposed areas are also included, this figure can be pushed up to 200 complexes (Brunner 1998).

Integrating Implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Rules of the World Trade Organization

Abstract: In the 1990s, the international community placed both biodiversity protection and trade liberalization high on its agenda, resulting in the formation of global agreements and institutions, such as the 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the World Trade Organization (WTO). Distinct in character, they are increasingly linked through the many ways that trade rules affect biodiversity. Developing separately and involving very different communities, there is a risk that the rules and policies of one regime could hinder the effectiveness of the other. This publication seeks to encourage sustainable development by examining and building upon the complementary aspects of these two international regimes. It describes specific proposals fo resolving or avoiding conflicts and for promoting synergies, including opportunities to support effective implementation of the trade-related aspects of the CBD. Intended as background for both trade and environment experts and officials, as well as for environment and development non-governmental organizations.

Innovative forest practice agreements–What could be done that would be innovative

Abstract: The concept and implementation of sustainable development are resulting in seemingly impossible goals for policy-makers and practitioners. Sustainability, in terms of government policies, tends to mean something quite different than what it means to Aboriginal peoples. Sustainability to Aboriginal peoples is not just about the environment and development; it is about survival of their peoples. Because of the close link between the social and economic elements of sustainable forest management, policies for strengthening the economic development of the forest sector are unlikely to be successful in the long run when they do not integrate environmental, social and cultural concerns. Innovative forest practice agreements (IFPAs) and other forms of community-based tenures offer vehicles to do so something unconventional–alternative mechanisms and means by which to incorporate indigenous knowledge and values and to implement Article 8(j) of the Convention on Biological Diversity. Key words: Indigenous peoples, ...

Biodiversity Issues in Road Environmental Impact Assessments: Guidance and Case Studies

Abstract: The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) specifically requires Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) to consider impacts on biodiversity (Article 14, CBD). However, while ecological assessment has always been an integral component of EIA, explicit treatment of biodiversity impacts in road EIAs is often poor or non-existent. The lack of guidance on biodiversity impacts in road EIAs is likely to be partly responsible for the failure to address these issues adequately. Hence, the provision of appropriate guidance might facilitate improved consideration of these impacts. The key goal of this research is to provide guidance on a systematic and rigorous approach for assessing biodiversity in road EIAs. Draft guidance was developed using relevant literature and a two-stage consultation process with over 30 experts in the field of road EIAs. The experts provided a range of perspectives (government, statutory nature conservation bodies, consultants, non-governmental organisations and academics). The draft guidance is being applied to a number of actual road case studies to examine its use in practice. This paper outlines the draft guidance and discusses its application to the case studies. Evaluation of the case studies will allow the draft guidance to be further refined to produce finalised guidance for dissemination.

Business and Biodiversity: A Guide for the Private Sector

Abstract: The Convention on biological diversity was drafted with in mind the conservation of the world's natural resources, their sustainable use and the equal sharing of their benefits. Among the primary utilisers of these natural resources is industry, the pharmaceutical industry, the food industry and many more. This short guide addresses the business community by describing which sections of the Convention appeal directly to the private sector and how the private sector can involve itself to ensure that the natural resources on which it too depends for its livelihood will be available for generations to come.

The Regime Building of the Convention on Biological Diversity on the Road to Nairobi

Abstract: The United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity touches upon the most basic of our daily activities: eating, drinking, clothing, housing. Where we obtain food, what quality water we drink, how we cure diseases, where we are able to enjoy recreational activities and where we obtain the most important resources such as timber, hemp, rattan, or cotton to clothe, construct and the creation of various kinds of utensils. In short, the Convention perhaps encapsulates all that we do, need or use in our day to day life.

Costa Rica's biodiversity law: Sharing the process 1

Abstract: This article assesses the prospects for Costa Rica's new Biodiversity Law. We believe that this analysis could also provide a valuable case study of national implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The article is not intended to be a primer on the CBD, nor will it defend its precepts. The authors believe that each nation must formulate a legal framework to regulate biodiversity that reflects their unique national circumstances.

Microorganisms, Australia and the Convention on Biological Diversity

Abstract: The Convention on Biological Diversity arose as an international agreement for the conservation and continued exploitation of Earth's biological diversity (biodiversity). It directly affects those involved in conservation, exploitation and investigation of biodiversity in all its forms, as well as affecting the viability of all life. Australia is one of more than 170 countries that have ratified the Convention. Its involvement in this Convention will be considered in terms of the National Strategy for the Conservation of Biological Diversity with a focus on the coverage of microorganisms within this strategy. Microorganisms represent a major part of the biodiversity on Earth but, as yet, remain relatively unknown. Among those microorganisms that have been described, many, originating from a range of countries, have been deposited in culture collections worldwide. The Convention contains articles that impact on ex situ collections, although precise protocols are not set out therein. An international code of conduct is now being formulated to ensure ongoing access to and exchange of microorganisms in the interests of sustainable development in industrialised and developing nations.

Interim assessment of biodiversity enabling activities : national biodiversity strategies and action plans

Abstract: This report describes the findings of an assessment of GEF-financed enabling activity projects for biodiversity conservation. These projects are mainly assisting recipient countries (1) to develop national biodiversity strategies and action plans as required by Article 6 of the Convention on Biological Diversity (the Convention) and (2) to complete their first national reports to the Conference of the Parties (COP) of the Convention. The progress made towards completing national biodiversity planning efforts varies significantly. Some countries have moved fairly quickly and, by early 1999, were about to finalize impressive national biodiversity strategies and action plans, based on in-depth consultations with key stakeholders, solid technical analysis of major issues, and careful development of a plan consisting of clearly defined and prioritized activities. In contrast, other countries have experienced significant start up delays, have not managed to consult widely, and seem to be developing action plans consisting mainly of projects requiring international funding. Very few countries have started implementing their action plans. The report notes that although notable and significant progress in biodiversity planning has indeed been made by many countries implementing enabling activities, the development and implementation of national biodiversity plans that can make a real difference to current rates of biodiversity loss, and the commitment and capacity to implement such plans, are still some way in the future. Thus, continued follow-up action by the countries and the Global Environment Facility is critical.

Precise Precaution Versus Sloppy Science

Abstract: The Convention on Biological Diversity opens the possibility to negotiate a legally binding Biosafety Protocol to assess and minimize risks in the field of transboundary transfer, handling, and use of organisms modified by genetic engineering. Two principles— the Precautionary Principle and the Principle of Familiarity—guiding the risk assessment as basis of import decisions on such organisms are discussed. Developing and European industrialized countries favor the Precautionary Principle. The U.S., Australia, Japan, and some others call for the Principle of Familiarity. These two principles exhibit opposite effects on scientific progress in general and on scientific methodology of risk assessment in particular. With the example of risk assessment by the U.S. company Monsanto discussed below, it could be illustrated that the Principle of Familiarity opens the way for superficial evaluations based on citing arbitrary references while the Precautionary Principle is an incentive for developing and applying s...

The Convention on Biological Diversity: a solid foundation for effective action

Abstract: Having been deeply involved with the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) since it was first conceived at the World Parks Congress in Bali in 1982 (de Klemm 1984), I wish to respond to Guruswamy's (1999) critique of it.

Health : Indigenous Knowledge, Equitable Benefits

Abstract: The note looks at the intellectual property rights connected with the use, and value of medicinal plants, which has become a metaphor to describe indigenous ownership of traditional knowledge, generating options for contractual mechanisms to ensure benefits return to source cultures, and countries. However, through time, the extinction rate of species, and cultures continues to accelerate, while human health further deteriorates from diseases for which no cure exists. The note seeks answers on how to apply lessons from the Convention on Biological Diversity, and how to move on to implementing such lessons. Through the case study in Nigeria, practical information shows how countries, companies, and cultures can cooperate. It explains the work of the Bio-Resources Development and Conservation Program, organized as a focal point for collaborative research, that builds technical skills in Nigeria, thus generating pharmaceutical leads that target therapeutic categories for tropical diseases. Within this setting, Sharman Pharmaceuticals established a research relationship with scientific institutions, village communities, and traditional healers, which uses the science of ethno-botany, and that of natural product chemistry, medicine and pharmacology, to create an efficient drug discovery process. Recommendations on remaining issues, and future progress are presented. A webpage on IK is available at http://www.worldbank.org/aftdr/ik/default.htm

A Virtual Catalogue of Invertebrate Life on Earth

Abstract: In signing the Convention on Biological Diversity, more than 160 countries pledged to produce inventories of their biodiversity - workable catalogues of the variety of life. Some countries have already passed legislation to include this biological information in land-use planning processes. Invertebrate diversity remains largely unknown despite their presence in all habitats and critical role in the maintenance of ecosystem health and ultimately, human well-being. Recent estimates suggest that there may be as many as 30 million species of arthropods alone, yet taxonomists have formally identified less than one million. Consequently, species inventories that document the numbers and identities of invertebrates in space and time are difficult to produce and the catalogue of the Earth's invertebrate biodiversity is very incomplete. New and exciting methodological and technological solutions to this global problem are now emerging, for example: the use of local non-specialist taxonomic workers to increase rates of specimen collection and processing; morphospecies in place of formal species names (Latin binomials) and the most recent of bioinformatic s technologies. The use of bioinformatic s (application of information technology to the solution of biological problems) includes: the addition of unique micro-barcodes to samples and specimens to remove the need for hand written labels and increase the speed of data entry and retrieval; and sophisticated biodiversity database management systems for the capture, storage, manipulation and retrieval of biodiversity data. These data may include taxonomic and ecological information or digital images of species which can be used as virtual voucher specimens in the process of sorting and identification. This paper discusses these recent advances and explores the potential of bioinformatics to provide a digital image database or virtual catalogue of the Earth's invertebrate biodiversity.