Convention on Biological Diversity

About: Convention on Biological Diversity is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 2232 publications have been published within this topic receiving 65599 citations. The topic is also known as: CBD & United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity.

The Ecosystem Approach in International Marine Environmental Law and Governance

Abstract: An ecosystem approach to the management of human activities in the marine environment began to feature as a normative concept in international instruments in the 1980s, beginning with the pioneering Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources. While an implicit basis for the ecosystem approach can be found in the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention, much of the additional conceptual development at the global level has occurred within the framework of the 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity. The subsequent widespread acceptance of the ecosystem approach has been described as a response to the failure of reactive and fragmented sectoral and zonal approaches to environmental protection and management. A consensus has emerged that a paradigm shift in thinking is needed, whereby traditional modalities of governance are replaced by proactive, integrative and holistic approaches involving adaptive management and greater cooperation between States, international institutions and other stakeholders in order to achieve effective and long-term, coherent implementation of policies across sectors. This chapter will discuss the origins and evolution of the ecosystem approach in international law, which can now be found in a wide range of international and regional instruments, including the regional seas conventions, fisheries management agreements, as well as the ongoing negotiations to develop an internationally legally binding instrument for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction. Finally, challenges to the operationalization of the concept in practice will be discussed.

Developing a monitoring program of genetic diversity: what do stakeholders say?

Abstract: Genetic diversity is a fundamental component of biological diversity, and its conservation is considered key to ensure the long-term survival of natural populations and species. National and international legislation increasingly mandates a monitoring of genetic diversity. Examples are the United Nation’s Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Aichi target 13 and the current post-2020 negotiations to specify a new target for maintaining genetic diversity. To date, only a few pilot projects have been launched that systematically monitor genetic diversity over time in natural populations of a broad variety of wild species. The Swiss Federal Office for the Environment mandated a feasibility study in 2019 for implementing a national monitoring of genetic diversity in natural populations. To obtain information on whether stakeholders are interested in such a systematic monitoring, what they would expect from such a monitoring and where they see respective caveats, we conducted an online survey, which 138 (42% of those surveyed) Swiss stakeholders answered. We find that Swiss stakeholders are generally aware of the lacking evidence regarding the status of genetic diversity in wild populations and species. Accordingly, most stakeholders are interested in a monitoring of genetic diversity and see opportunities for the application of its results in their work. Nevertheless, stakeholders also expressed concerns regarding financial resources and that the results of a genetic diversity monitoring program would not benefit conservation practice. Our findings highlight the importance of stakeholder engagement and demonstrate the value of a detailed stakeholder analysis prior to developing and implementing a genetic diversity monitoring program. A powerful tool for examining the constellation and interactions of the different stakeholders are social network analyses (SNAs). Finally, it is particularly important to communicate transparently about the possibilities and limitations of a genetic diversity monitoring program as well as to closely involve stakeholders from the beginning to increase the acceptance of genetic diversity monitoring and facilitate its implementation.

Conservação da Biodiversidade e Políticas Públicas para as áreas protegidas no Brasil: desafios e tendências da origem da CDB às Metas de Aichi

Abstract: Brazil has the richest biodiversity worldwide and was the first country to sign the Convention on Biological Diversity that established protected as one of the main instruments for biodiversity conservation areas. Within this context, the aim of the paper is to interpret, critically, advances, trends and challenges of public policies for protected in Brazil, in the light of the commitments made by the country under the Convention on Biological Diversity since its origin to the current areas Aichi Targets agreed at COP10 in Nagoya, Japan (2010) to contain the global loss of biodiversity. With this goal, the work focuses primarily on the analysis of the Aichi Target 11, relating to protected areas, compared to the obstacles and challenges of an emerging country. The product was developed based on literature and documentary research and also takes its inspiration from information obtained through direct participation in some of the Conferences of the Parties, recorded in a field notebook and systematic process for retrospective analysis. It can be concluded from the survey that Brazil has numerous instruments of public policy aimed at conserving biodiversity, particularly protected areas. However, at this juncture, as the central challenge remains the integration between public policies for biodiversity conservation and development and the inclusion of society in the process.

Towards a political economy approach to the Convention on Biological Diversity

Abstract: International conventions are seldom reviewed in the literature devoted to environmental policy instruments However, coordination is needed at a global level for global environmental problems characterised by scientific controversies, uncertainty, irreversibility, long-term impacts, economic and geopolitical dimensions The Convention on Biological Diversity is a good illustration in this regard The rules it promotes are clearly inspired by mainstream economics It has therefore been celebrated as a textbook example of sound environmental policy However, its success has been limited so far and its position within the international conservation regime is challenged We argue that an alternative analytical approach to environmental global policies is needed and that the French theories of conventions and regulation open up promising prospects in this respect

Plant Genetic Resources and Traditional Knowledge: Emerging Needs for Conservation

Abstract: Plant genetic resources and traditional knowledge comprise an inimitable universal heritage, and their conservation and utilization are of instantaneous concern. As it is the basic source of all types of agricultural activity, the conservation and protection of these precious materials are of immense potential. Plant genetic resources conserved by the farmers constitute our invaluable assets to meet the growing demands to increase crop production and productivity. The Convention on Biological Diversity is engaged with the genetic erosion and waning use of agrobiodiversity in modern-day agriculture. This is perhaps the most comprehensive intergovernmental agreement concerning for conservation, proper utilization of genetic resources, and giving out the benefits arising out of exploitation in an equitable way. Concern about the looming accessibility of agricultural production, food security, and environmental stability has encouraged the conservation of plant genetic resources and indigenous knowledge to the pinnacle of the international development strategies. Plant genetic resource and traditional knowledge conservation and utilization have been the source of dramatic scientific changes over the course of the last few decades. Precise evaluation and documentation of plant genetic resources and traditional knowledge are a prerequisite for their sustainable utilization to secure the food security.