Showing papers on "Convention on Biological Diversity published in 2008"

Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

Abstract: The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is very pleased to be celebrating the International Year of Deserts and Desertification (IYDD). Deserts and other drylands present some of the harshest conditions on Earth. In the Kalahari Basin, temperatures regularly fluctuate 40 C between day and night while some areas of the Atacama Desert in Chile receive rainfall only once in every hundred years. Despite these challenges, drylands host some of the most spectacular life on Earth. The Serengeti grasslands in sub-Saharan Africa support an annual migration of more than two million ungulates, while the Mediterranean Basin contains no less than 11,700 endemic plant species. Unfortunately drylands are under threat. Desertification and biodiversity loss are threatening the ability of dryland ecosystems to support life and livelihoods. In fact, 2,311 species are threatened or endangered in dry and sub-humid lands and 15 known species have disappeared entirely from the wild. The CBD Programme of Work on the biological diversity of dry and sub-humid lands and the joint work programme with the UNCCD seek to address these threats and preserve the value of deserts and other drylands. At the eighth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the CBD, a set of provisional goals and targets, within the framework of the 2010 Biodiversity Targets, were applied to dry and sub-humid lands. These goals and targets complement the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), recognizing the link between biodiversity conservation and the achievement of adequate and equitable development. Perhaps nowhere is this link stronger than in drylands. Approximately 90% of the inhabitants of drylands live in developing countries, where biodiversity resources play a key role in supporting livelihoods. In Senegal, for example, wild resources and non-timber forest products provide more than 50% of rural household incomes. Promoting the sustainable use of biodiversity resources is the second Focal Area of the 2010 Biodiversity Targets and a key prerequisite to the achievement of MDG 1 – reducing extreme poverty and hunger – in drylands areas.

The Tropical Biodiversity Data Gap: Addressing Disparity in Global Monitoring:

Abstract: Nations around the world are required to measure their progress towards key biodiversity goals. One important example of this, the Convention on Biological Diversity's 2010 target, is soon approaching. The target set is to significantly reduce the rate of biodiversity loss by the year 2010. However, to what extent are the data, especially for tropical countries, available to indicate biodiversity change and to what extent is current knowledge of biodiversity change truly a global picture? While species richness is greatest in the tropics, biodiversity data richness is skewed towards the poles. This not only provides a significant challenge for global indicators to accurately represent biodiversity, but also for individual countries that are responsible under such legislation for measuring their own impact on biodiversity. We examine the coverage of biodiversity data using four global biodiversity datasets, and look at how effective current efforts are at addressing this discrepancy, and what countries mig...

The role of indigenous peoples in biodiversity conservation : the natural but often forgotten partners

Abstract: A principal aim of this study is to get a better sense of what the World Bank (WB) needs to know in order to engage Indigenous Peoples (IPs) more effectively in biodiversity conservation projects and programs. It is in this sense that the reporting is geared to Bank Task Team leaders, advisors, directors, and managers and also government and nongovernmental organization (NGO) personnel engaged in biodiversity conservation programs. Indigenous peoples might also benefit from the report's presentation of tools to seeking international funding for biodiversity-related activities in their ancestral territories. In addition, the report assesses some of the current forms of engagement with indigenous peoples in biodiversity and identifies concrete recommendations for improving that engagement. These recommendations will give Bank management an opportunity to lead the way among many development agencies and governments toward different forms of engaging indigenous peoples; respecting and realizing the rights to their territories, culture, and spirituality; enhancing their environment and development; and satisfying the IPs' aspirations contained in the United Nations declaration on the rights of indigenous peoples. The report's findings are relevant to other Bank's programs such as the climate change strategic framework and the carbon finance initiatives and can be used to incorporate the lessons learned from 18 years of biodiversity portfolio experience into these new programs. The findings of this report support the contention that engaging IPs more effectively in biodiversity conservation represents a win-win situation.

Agri‐environment schemes and their contribution to the conservation of biodiversity in England

Abstract: Agri-environment schemes were first launched in England in 1987. A number of schemes are now operated by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food that invite farmers and landowners to enter formal agreements to change their management practices in order to achieve a range of nature, landscape and archaeological conservation objectives. Agreements are based on payments to compensate for loss of income incurred by adopting less intensive, low-input practices that offer potential benefits for biodiversity conservation within agricultural landscapes. The UK Government's response to the Convention on Biological Diversity has included producing a list of priority species and habitats for conservation action. Each of these has its own detailed action plan, including time-limited targets. A significant proportion of these targets can at least in part be met through the agri-environment schemes; the way this is being done is illustrated through examples of lowland heathland and a bird, the cirl bunting Emberiza cirlus. Linking of biodiversity and agri-environment objectives is an important step towards achieving a more sustainable agriculture.

BioBanking : an environmental scientist's view of the role of biodiversity banking offsets in conservation

Abstract: Offsets, first formalised in the United States of America in the 1970s for wetland mitigation, are now widely used globally with the aim to mitigate loss of biodiversity due to development. Embracing biodiversity offsets is one method of governments to meet their commitments under the Millennium Development Goals and the Convention on Biological Diversity. Resource extraction companies see them as a method of gaining access to land, while the community may perceive them as a way of enhancing environmental outcomes. In New South Wales, Australia, BioBanking legislation was introduced in late 2006 with the aim of ‘no net loss’ of biodiversity associated with development, particularly expanding urban and coastal development. The strengths of the legislation are that it aims to enhance threatened species conservation, and raise the profile of conservation of threatened species and habitats. Weaknesses include (1) the narrowness of the definition of biodiversity; (2) the concepts are based on a flawed logic and immature, imprecise and complex science which results in difficulties in determining biodiversity values; (3) likely problems with management and compliance; and (4) an overall lack of resources for implementation and long-term monitoring. It is concluded that the legislation is a concerted effort to deal with biodiversity loss, however, stakeholders have concerns with the process, and it is unworkable with the complexity of such ecosystems (compared for example to carbon credit trading), and underdeveloped disciplines such as restoration biology and ecology. Despite these criticisms, there is a need for all stakeholders to work to improve the outcomes.

Influenza virus samples, international law, and global health diplomacy.

Abstract: Indonesia’s decision to withhold samples of avian influenza virus A (H5N1) from the World Health Organization for much of 2007 caused a crisis in global health. The World Health Assembly produced a resolution to try to address the crisis at its May 2007 meeting. I examine how the parties to this controversy used international law in framing and negotiating the dispute. Specifically, I analyze Indonesia’s use of the international legal principle of sovereignty and its appeal to rules on the protection of biological and genetic resources found in the Convention on Biological Diversity. In addition, I consider how the International Health Regulations 2005 applied to the controversy. The incident involving Indonesia’s actions with virus samples illustrates both the importance and the limitations of international law in global health diplomacy.

Conflicts in Environmental Regulation and the Internationalisation of the State: Contested Terrains

Abstract: Introduction: Genetic Resources and the Internationalisation of the State 1. The Regulation of Nature in Post-Fordism 2. On the Value of Nature: The Convention on Biological Diversity and the Commercialisation of Genetic Resources 3. Limits to Commercialisation?: Genetic Resources in Agriculture and the Conflict over a Multilateral Exchange System 4. Politicising Intellectual Property Rights: The Conflicts around the TRIPS Agreement and the World Intellectual Property Organisation 5. The Relevance of the National and the Local: The Disputes over a Valorization Paradigm in Mexico and Chiapas 6. Contested Terrains: Towards a Neo-Poulantzian Approach to International Political Economy

Establishing Forest Inventory Reference Definitions for Forest and Growing Stock: a Study towards Common Reporting

Abstract: International agreements such as the Kyoto protocol and Convention on Biological Diversity (1992), as well as, criteria and indicator processes require reports on the status of nations’ forests. Any comparison of the current status and trends of forest resources among nations presumes that the nations’ applied definitions and concepts produce comparable estimates of the status of forests. In spite of this, the FAO has already collected global information for 60 years and made noticeable efforts in creating common definitions, but forest related data are still collected using diverse definitions, even regarding basic concepts such as forest and forest area. A simple consequence is that the cross-countries estimates are not comparable. The reasons behind the differences in the definitions are diverse histories, and sometimes different use of forests. In an ideal case, national forest inventories should fulfil both national and international needs. In addition to the FAO’s Forest Resources Assessment process, other efforts are made to assess the status of forests in European countries, e.g. European Forest Information and Communication System (EFICS). EFICS produced reports about forest inventories but does not suggest any common definition or method to convert estimates from one definition to another one. This article presents principles and methods to create commonly acceptable and adoptable definitions for forest inventories. The principles and methods are demonstrated using two examples: the reference definitions of forest and growing stock. The article is based on the work of COST Action E43 (http://www.metla.fi/eu/cost/e43/).

The Future Control of Food : A Guide to International Negotiations and Rules on Intellectual Property, Biodiversity and Food Security

Abstract: Preface * Part I: A Changing Food System * Food, Farming and Global Rules * Part II: The Key Global Negotiations and Agreements * Turning Plant Varieties into Intellectual Property: The UPOV Convention * Bringing Minimum Global Intellectual Property Standards into Agriculture: The Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) * Promoting and Extending the Reach of Intellectual Property: The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) * Safeguarding Biodiversity: The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) * Giving Priority to the Commons: The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) * The Negotiations Web: Complex Connections * Part III: Responses, Observations and Prospects * Responding to Change * Postcards from International Negotiations * Global Rules, Local Needs * Glossary * Index

Potentials for monitoring gene level biodiversity: using Sweden as an example

Abstract: Programs for monitoring biological diversity over time are needed to detect changes that can constitute threats to biological resources. The convention on biological diversity regards effective monitoring as necessary to halt the ongoing erosion of biological variation, and such programs at the ecosystem and species levels are enforced in several countries. However, at the level of genetic biodiversity, little has been accomplished, and monitoring programs need to be developed. We define “conservation genetic monitoring” to imply the systematic, temporal study of genetic variation within particular species/populations with the aim to detect changes that indicate compromise or loss of such diversity. We also (i) identify basic starting points for conservation genetic monitoring, (ii) review the availability of such information using Sweden as an example, (iii) suggest categories of species for pilot monitoring programs, and (iv) identify some scientific and logistic issues that need to be addressed in the context of conservation genetic monitoring. We suggest that such programs are particularly warranted for species subject to large scale enhancement and harvest—operations that are known to potentially alter the genetic composition and reduce the variability of populations.

Integrating invasive mammal eradications and biodiversity offsets for fisheries bycatch: conservation opportunities and challenges for seabirds and sea turtles

Abstract: The removal of invasive mammals from islands is one of society's most powerful tools for preventing extinctions and restoring ecosystems. Given the demonstrable high conservation impact and return on investment of eradications, new networks are needed to fully leverage invasive mammal eradications programs for biodiversity con- servation at-large. There have been over 800 invasive mammal eradications from islands, and emerging innovations in technology and techniques suggest that island area will soon no longer be the limiting factor for removing invasive mammals from islands. Rather, securing the necessary social and economic capital will be one main challenge as practitioners target larger and more biologically complex islands. With a new alliance between conservation practitioners and the fisheries sector, biodiversity offsets may be a promising source of capital. A suite of incentives exists for fisheries, NGOs, and governments to embrace a framework that includes fishery bycatch offsets for seabirds and sea turtles. A bycatch management framework based on the hierarchy of ''avoid, minimize, and offset'' from the Convention on Biological Diversity would result in cost-effective conservation gains for many threatened seabirds and sea turtles affected by fisheries. Those involved with island conservation and fisheries management are presented with unprecedented opportunities and challenges to operationalize a scheme that will allow for the verifiable offset of fisheries impacts to seabirds and sea turtles, which would likely result in unparalleled marine conservation gains and novel cross-sector alliances.

South Africa's bioprospecting, access and benefit-sharing legislation: current realities, future complications, and a proposed alternative

Abstract: lobally, many nations are legislating access for bioprospecting purposes to their biological and genetic resources. South Africa, as a megadiverse country, has recently regulated bioprospecting, access and benefit-sharing activities in accordance with its obligations as a ratifying party to the Convention on Biological Diversity. The context and process of key legislation devel- opments in South Africa are discussed, prior to our presenting a critique which emphasizes the practical impacts, especially on drug dis- covery, arising from the newly introduced systems. Probable effects on existing bio- resource-based industries within South Africa, together with current as well as future bioprospecting activities, are assessed. Several practicalities of bioprospecting meth- ods have been poorly accommodated, result- ing in the development of impracticable and unnecessarily restrictive regulations. We con- clude that though well-intentioned, these non-facilitative regulations have placed a dead hand on value-addition to South Africa's biodiversity. Bioprospectors will find it diffi- cult to continue with broad-scale screening programmes given their user insecurity, legal uncertainty, and cost-inefficiency. Existing bioresource-based industries within South Africa face potential closure in view of onerous bioprospecting permit application require- ments. An alternative, practical, CBD-com- pliant model on which to base urgently required legislative reforms is presented. one of the six most signifi- cant concentrations of plant diversity in the world, being the smallest but most diverse floristic kingdom known. With over 19 500 indigenous plant species in about 350 plant families, South Africa indeed has the richest temperate flora in the world. In addition, three global hotspots of biodiversity are currently recognized within the country: the CFR, the Succulent Karoo, and Maputaland- Pondoland-Albany. 4 Regional biotic ele- ments other than plants are similarly diverse, exemplified by the fungi which have recently been estimated conserva- tively at 200 000 species 5 and coastline

Governing Agrobiodiversity: Plant Genetics and Developing Countries

Abstract: Contents: Preface Part 1 Introduction: Relevance and objectives of the study Plant genetic resources for food and agriculture: foundations of the topic. Part 2 Research Design: Research questions and analytical framework Research strategy and methods. Part 3 The Constellations of International Regimes Pertaining to Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture: The international treaty on plant genetic resources for food and agriculture with the international undertaking on plant genetic resources The convention on biological diversity The agreement on trade-related aspects of intellectual property rights and the convention for the protection of new varieties of plants Regime overlap, interaction and resulting constellations. Part 4 Domestic Responses to the International Regime Constellation Pertaining to Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture: Cases from The Philippines: Effects in The Philippines Mechanisms of influence of international regimes: 2 cases. Part 5 Conclusions, Relevance and Challenges: The aggregate effects of international regimes on PGRFA management in developing countries Implications of the findings and challenges ahead Bibliography Interviews Index.

The HELCOM system of a vision, strategic goals and ecological objectives: implementing an ecosystem approach to the management of human activities in the Baltic Sea

Abstract: 1. Since signing the Helsinki Convention in 1974, the countries with coasts around the Baltic Sea have striven jointly within the Helsinki Commission (HELCOM) towards the ecological restoration of the Baltic Sea. The European Community signed the revised Convention in 1992. 2. Work under HELCOM includes implementing joint recommendations to curb pollution originating from land and marine sources, ensuring safer maritime traffic, and protecting biodiversity, for example, by setting up a network of Baltic Sea protected areas. 3. A new concept — the ecosystem approach to the management of human activities — was adopted by the Contracting Parties of HELCOM in 2003 to serve as the new framework for further efforts towards attaining good ecological status of the Baltic Sea. 4. Stepwise progress towards the development of quantitative definitions of good ecological status has been made since 2003 to implement the new approach: a common vision reflecting the ecosystem approach was adopted in 2004 and a number of more targeted goals and objectives were agreed in 2006. 5. The Contracting Parties to the Helsinki Convention will use the objectives adopted covering eutrophication, impacts of hazardous substances, and the overall status of biodiversity, including the impact of fisheries and shipping, to draft a new set of joint management actions. 6. In the future, an agreement under development among the Contracting Parties on indicators with quantitative targets will enable a quantitative assessment of ‘good ecological status’ and progress towards the goals of HELCOM, the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), as well European legislation concerning marine environmental protection. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The maintenance of crop genetic diversity on farm: Supporting the Convention on Biological Diversity's Programme of Work on Agricultural Biodiversity

Abstract: Over the last decade, Bioversity International has worked with national, regional and local partners in eight countries (Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Hungary, Mexico, Morocco, Nepal, Peru, and Vietnam) on the maintenance and use of crop genetic diversity on farm, particularly that found in traditional varieties (or landraces). The work has involved investigating the extent and distribution of diversity in over 27 crops and exploring with farmers and rural communities the management practices used to maintain traditional varieties. The results of this collaboration have (i) provided tools to assess the amount and distribution of crop genetic diversity in production systems (ii) increased our understanding of when, where and how this diversity will be maintained, (iii) identified practices, communities and institutions that support maintenance and evolution of crop genetic diversity in production systems, and (iv) provided possible mechanisms for ensuring that the custodians of these systems and genetic...

Framework for participatory assessments and implementation of global environmental conventions at the community level

Abstract: Participation by local communities in the assessment and monitoring of efforts to implement global environmental conventions (GECs), such as Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), is a topic of growing interest worldwide. Previous implementation efforts were constrained by the lack of a methodological framework that integrates local knowledge and ecological methods. This study, conducted with assistance from Maasai herders in northern Tanzania, evaluated a socio-economic and ecological framework for integrating local communities into assessments of the GECs. To reach decisions related to CBD, herders used livestock grazing suitability (GS) and proxy indicators of biodiversity, while to reach decisions related to CCD herders used potential grazing capacity (PGC) related to the risk of degradation. We proposed criteria for indicator selection and developed step-wise research methods to assess performance of the indicators at spatial scales. The ecological and anthropogenic indicators were then analysed using a correlation matrix to evaluate management decisions. We showed that changes in ecological indicators influenced herder decisions. The anthropogenic indicators for potential were more sensitive to changes in soil degradation, range conditions and trends; while the decisions related to GS were more sensitive to the majority of the proxy indicators of biodiversity. The decisions reflected the potential responses to management, which had implications for CBD and CCD. Because decisions constitute a multiplicity of activities, the responses by local communities could be related to the potential role played by each indicator in the implementation of the convention at the local level. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Links between biological and cultural diversity: report of an international workshop

Abstract: The myriad links between cultural and biological diversity are increasingly viewed as key elements in achieving sustainable development and the Millennium Development Goals. Because of its interdisciplinary nature, combining natural and social sciences, culture, education and communication, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is in a unique position to mainstream the links between biological and cultural diversity in research, political dialogue and action from local to international levels. As a subset but key component of the interlinkages between biological and cultural diversity, the use of local and traditional knowledge for biodiversity and heritage conservation will be further studied and documented as well as the status and trends in linguistic diversity and the numbers of speakers of indigenous languages. Attention will be paid to distilling principles of biological-cultural diversity interactions that may assist with the design and implementation of relevant policies. Ultimately, the analytical and scientific work conducted by UNESCO in this area will assist the implementation and enhanced cooperation between normative instruments related to biological and cultural diversity, which will include but will not be limited to the Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage and the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions.

Bush Meat Trading in the Oban Hills Region of South-Eastern Nigeria: Implications for Sustainable Livelihoods and Conservation

Abstract: A year long markets survey of bush meat trade and consumption was organized to assess the volume and components of bush meat trade in the Oban Hills region of Cross River State, Nigeria with the specific objectives to determine (types and kinds) or species of animals (especially primates) involved in the bush meat trade and investigate their sources, quantity, prices and trends in trade as well as seasonal variations in bush meat (primate) supplies and order to determine their implications for sustainable livelihoods and conservation while creating awareness on need for sustainable harvesting and conservation of wildlife among the operators of bush meat trade and consumptive activities. Reconnaissance surveys, intensive dry and wet season markets survey using formal and informal investigative carcass examination and bargaining to inspect and price bush meat. Results show that bush meat trade is growing at an alarming rate with increasing number of hunters and traders, driven by profit motive and destructive consequences on the population of all categories of vertebrate fauna including endangered species. The paper calls for the adoption of the provisions of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) of the United Nations by Nigerian government to safeguard the sustainable livelihoods and biodiversity of the nation. Ethiopian Journal of Environmental Studies and Management Vol. 1 (1) 2008: pp. 70-83

Deforestation and its Impacts on Indigenous Women: A Case from the Chittagong Hill Tracts in Bangladesh

Abstract: In 1994, Bangladesh ratifi ed the Convention on Biological Diversity, agreed at the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. The country has also adopted various policies, approaches and programs to pr...

Intellectual Property Rights, Traditional Knowledge and Biodiversity of India

Abstract: India is one of the mega-biodiverse countries with different combinations of ecosystems. The biodiversity of India occurs at three levels, namely, species, genetic and ecosystem and most of the times are associated with traditional knowledge and practices. The loss of biodiversity and commercialization of bioresources and associated knowledge have been causing great concern especially when the IPRs are applied to claim monopoly. The negotiations at international and national level for the protection of traditional knowledge and for the conservation of biological resources are now carried out on various issues of implementing the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), 1992. India being a party to the Convention is the first to implement it by enacting the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 with a three tired institutional mechanism established there under. However, the Act still needs more clarifications on the issues of implementation like benefit sharing. This article analyses and clarifies some of these issues and concerns and thus, suggests further actions for the effective implementation of the Act.

Wanted: Scientists in the CBD Process

Abstract: An international, high-profile scientificconference that is central to thereaders of Conservation Biology andthat may be of utmost importancefor the future of biodiversity was recentlyheld in Rome. At the 13thmeeting of the scientific board of theConvention on Biological Diversity,over 700 participants gathered fromall over the world for 5 days. Nevertheless,one group was conspicuouslymissing at this conference:scientists.The Convention on Biological Diversity(CBD; www.cbd.int) is currentlythe most important internationalpolitical instrument that dealswith the increasing threat of biodiversityloss. Almost every countryin the world is party to the convention,and the work of implementationshapes the political processwith respect to biological resourcesworldwide. We write to express ourdeep concern over the fact that scientificparticipation in the work of theCBD is extremely limited and is beingweakened. The scientific boardof the convention—the SubsidiaryBody on Scientific, Technical andTechnological Advice (SBSTTA)—isincreasingly being politicized, effectivelyhalting scientific discussionand progress, strongly limiting thequality of recommendations that willbe taken to the decision-making biannualConference of the Parties (COP).We stress the urgent need to improvethe scientific input and influence inthe CBD process.Together with the United NationsFramework Convention on ClimateChange (UNFCCC), the Conventionon Biological Diversity representskey agreements adopted at the 2ndEarth Summit in 1992. The Conventionon Climate Change has been exceedinglysuccessful in raising the importantissue of global warming tothe general public and political leaders.Underlining this significant impactwas the awarding of the 2007Nobel Peace Prize to the IntergovernmentalPanel on Climate Change(IPCC) and Al Gore. In contrast, theUNFCCC’s sister convention on biologicaldiversity leads a much lessrecognized and scientifically poorexistence.The objectives of the CBD are conservationof biological diversity, sustainableuse of its components, andfair and equitable sharing of benefitsarising from the use of geneticresources. In the 42 articles of theconvention, and especially in its associatedwork programs, relatively detailedrequests are made of individualparties to ensure progress towardthese objectives. They include developingnational strategies and programsfor assessing and monitoringall levels of biological diversity, andhalting activities that erode such diversity.Currently, 190 nations areparties to the CBD. Andorra, Somalia,Iraq, the Holy See, and the UnitedStates are not parties to CBD.The clear messages and detailedrecommendations of the CBD, togetherwith the worldwide supportand active process of meetings,developed strategies, and workinggroups provide the CBD with the potentialto truly make a difference withrespect to the ongoing sixth megaextinctionevent. Yet, effective actionon the basis of our best possiblescientific knowledge is increasinglyhindered by political quarrelsand turns of phrases.This is not to say that progress hasnot been made within the frameworkof the CBD during its 16 years of existence.For instance, adopted agreementsinclude a protocol that seeksto protect biological diversity fromthe potential risks posed by livingmodified organisms resulting frommodern biotechnology (The CartagenaProtocol on Biosafety), a cleargoal of halting all further loss ofbiodiversity by 2010 (the so-called2010 target), guiding principles forhow to deal with alien species (thespread of which constitutes one ofthemajor agents of biodiversity loss),and practical measures for assuringmaintenance and developmentof taxonomic competence for assessmentof species diversity (GlobalTaxonomic Initiative). Furthermore,thematic programs of work focus attentionon particular issues, for example,on forest and agricultural biodiversity.Nevertheless, the scientific bodyof the convention, the SBSTTA, is increasinglydominated by politiciansand professional negotiators. We, theundersigned of this letter, constitutedthe Swedish delegation at the13th meeting of the SBSTTA (18–22 February 2008). We are active researchersand conservation managersand as such felt very much alone atthis SBSTTA. We had come to discussand provide recommendationson how to identify conservation priorityareas in deep sea waters, manageforest biodiversity in relation toclimate change, minimize and monitorspread of alien species andpopulations, and manage agriculturalbiodiversity with an ecosystemapproach. Instead, we foundourselves devoting hours of discussionson whether to “welcome” or“bear in mind” a report from a particularworking group, or whetherreptiles, amphibians, fishes, and associatedspecies kept ex situ by privatepersons or institutions shouldbe called “aquarium species,” “terrariumspecies,” or both, and whetherthe Conference of the Parties shouldeven be informed about the potentialrisks for biodiversity associated withthe introduction of genetically modifiedtrees. One of the delegates revealedhis biological ignorance whenstating his country’s position on alienspecies with respect to “inter- andintraspecific biodiversity—whateverthe hell that means.”Of course, scientists are not theonly ones responsible for the failureto keep the SBSTTA a scientific forum.Some parties evidently want tosteer the process away from scienceto be able to make sure that decisionstaken within the CBD framework donot interfere with national issues oftrade and economic growth. Manyother parties have given in to thechanging nature of the discussionsand nowadays send a delegation predominantlyconsisting of nonscientists,although they maintain the viewthat SBSTTA ought to be scientific.Clearly, the process of increasingscientific input in convention workmust to be two-fold—political willand scientific interest are needed. Butpoliticians typically do not act withoutpressure, and there is a strongneed for increased pressure on politiciansto halt the ongoing erosion ofscientific quality of the SBSTTA.The fact that political and economicalinterests are currently strongwithin the CBD process should, however,not deter the scientific communityfrom getting involved in theprocess. Rather, this should motivateus even more to take a strongposition. If the current ineffectivetrend for the CBD work is to bereversed, we as scientists need toreclaim our position as providers ofguidelines, knowledge, and perspectivesfor the decision-making parties.As David Johns concludes in his editorialin 2007, “The knowledge—andthe proposals from that knowledge—will be naught if we lack politicaleffectiveness.” The CBD processis the largest global forum forprotecting biodiversity and a placewhere conservation scientists shouldstrive to become politically effective.Here, if anywhere, we need “thedefenders of nature to please rise”(Naess 1986).The Swedish government has appointeda Scientific Council on BiologicalDiversitywith the primary aimof providing advice with respect tothe CBD and its implementation. Thiscouncil was established soon afterSweden became a party to the conventionin 1993, and its members areselected to represent a broad field ofbiological diversity research with insightin practical management. Membersof the council attend SBSTTAand other expert meetings dependingon their particular expertise in relationto the issues being discussed.This strategy is considered to workwell both from a political and scientificperspective and may well be appropriatefor other countries.We urge our colleagues in scienceto become familiar with the currentwork of the convention. Find outwho represents your country in thescientific body, provide your scientificinput on the issues dealt with tothose representatives, and stress theneed for a scientific advisory functionfor CBD implementation within yourcountry. Colleagues in the UnitedStates need to voice the importanceof their country becoming a partyto the CBD, thereby sharing the responsibilityto secure and maintainbiodiversity globally. The voices ofconservation biologists worldwideare badly needed—please get involvedin the CBD process now!

Global Property Rights in Genetic Resources: Do They Involve Sound Economics? Will they Conserve Nature and Biodiversity?

Abstract: In recent years, growing economic globalisation has been accompanied by rising social support for market systems as a means of managing resource-use. In turn, the free market movement considers definite and secure property rights (especially private rights and, sometimes, communal rights) in resources to be the necessary basis for a desirable market system. Global policies for managing the Earth’s genetic resources have been influenced by this approach. As outlined in this article, there has been a global expansion of property rights in genetic resources, and further extensions have been advocated. In order to assess the possible social benefits and costs of granting property rights in genetic resources, these are classified. This classification is shown to be useful in discussing economic and legal reasons for granting or denying property rights in genetic resources. Furthermore, this classification is demonstrated to be pertinent to the consideration of market failures that may accompany the granting of property rights in genetic resources and which limit the potential social economic benefits from establishing property rights in these resources. It is concluded that many of those who advocate the management of genetic resources by means of secure property rights and market systems have been overly optimistic about the economic potential of this policy, its social benefits, its impact on the conservation of biodiversity, and its workability. There is a need for more informed debate on these matters before concluding that wholesale global extension of property rights in genetic material is desirable. In addition to the above, this paper compares and assesses the approach on property rights in wildlife and nature adopted in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) with that advocated in the international Convention on Biological Diversity.

How to Break the Deadlock Preventing a Fair and Rational Use of Biodiversity

Abstract: Sixteen years after the adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the hopes in successful exploitation of genetic resources for the benefit of biodiversity-rich host countries, as well as of humanity at large, have not materialized. Instead of aiming all efforts at achieving “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”, the defined objectives of the CBD, based on the logical pattern that benefit sharing presupposes a generation of benefits, which in turn presupposes successful utilization of genetic resources, the international debate is captured by more or less politicized and fruitless debates as to how to anchor internationally in patent law a requirement of indication of origin of biological material. Here some reflections on the recent negotiations within the World Trade Organization and the World Intellectual Property Organization are offered. However, the main focus is on national access and benefit-sharing legislation of some biodiversity-rich countries, which although is the key for achieving the CBD objectives, has not been paid the attention it necessitates. Based on a catalogue of questions of high practical importance, laws of Brazil, India, Peru, the Philippines, South Africa and some other countries are examined and suggestions made as to how to overcome the overall detrimental existing deadlock.

Ten years of international scientific cooperation in fisheries, aquaculture and coastal zones: some preliminary lessons

Abstract: The paper examines preliminary experiences with international scientific cooperation in fisheries, aquaculture and coastal zone issues through 90 projects in successive European Research Framework Programmes (FP4–FP6: 1994–2006). FPs had increasingly ambitious objectives in response to international commitments, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Millennium Development Goals, the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation and dialogue with partner regions. Sustainable aquatic food production in the context of respect for ecosystems was a central concern. Engagement with different social actors and attention to investment in education, people and institutions enabled uptake of research results in education, innovation and some impact. The emphasis in several recent projects on more integrated analyses and knowledge products in the public domain is an encouraging response to the growing crisis of aquatic resource systems. It is suggested that significant up-scaling will be required. This might be done through institutional internalisation and better translation of research results into policy developments supportive of transitions towards sustainable production systems and ecosystem rehabilitation. Capacity building to use research in novel ways and other enabling mechanisms need to be put in place to increase societal and environmental benefits of the research.

Unsettled International Intellectual Property Issues

Abstract: The interface between intellectual property and other fields, such as public health and biotechnology, has raised expectations from both developed and developing countries. At the same time, a variety of issues have arisen from these relationships. Debates over public health, protection of traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expressions or expressions of folklore, and the control of biological resources and access to genetic resources pose major challenges to the current global system of intellectual property. This thoughtful book serves not only to contribute to these ongoing debates but also, through in-depth analysis and well-grounded recommendations, to move them closer to resolution in a manner beneficial to all interested parties.Among the matters discussed are the following: intellectual property and public health; intellectual property and traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expressions or expressions of folklore; intellectual property and plant varieties, biodiversity and access to genetic resources; use of marks and other signs on the Internet; and the international framework in respect to geographical indications.Drawing on prodigious familiarity with relevant conventions and international legal instruments in the field and debates on these issues as carried out under international bodies; including the World Trade Organization (WTO), the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) and the World Health Organization(WHO), as well as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the African Model Legislation, the author offers clear, well-thought-out proposals on how to respond to these issues. In the same vein, the author makes a number of proposals on how to strike a balance between the exclusive rights of the patentee and the right to public health or access to medicines, especially in the context of the HIV/AIDS crisis.In addition, holding that the owners or possessors of traditional knowledge or traditional cultural expressions or expressions of folklore are entitled to intellectual property rights protection, he advocates the development of a global and binding international protection instrument that takes particular features of these rights into consideration. He proposes the extension of the scope of applicability of the requirement of the disclosure of the country of origin of genetic resources, both at the international and national levels. He also proposes refinements to the system for multilateral notification and registration of geographical indications in respect to wine and spirits and the extension of the higher protection of geographical indications to other products and suggests new ways to approach unsettled issues arising from the use of marks or other signs on the Internet.As a deeply informed analysis of how to integrate intellectual property rights into the international development process, this book takes some giant steps toward the general recognition of the real parameters of the most severe problems plaguing the developing world and offers reachable measures toward significant improvement of those problems. It will be of interest to all professionals, officials, and academics concerned with the equitable administration of intellectual property rights.

The International Law on Ballast Water: Preventing Biopollution

Abstract: "In providing a broad overview of the legal aspects related to marine pollution caused by ballast water and tank sediments, this book offers a pragmatic analysis of the current international legal system, and includes principles of international customary law and also references to a comprehensive environmental treaty law framework which relates the Ballast Water Convention to other treaties, such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), MARPOL and the Convention on Biological Diversity." From the Foreword by Efthimios E. Mitropoulos