BINDURA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE EDUCATION
FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
COURSE: ENVIRONMENTAL LAW
COURSE CODE: ES205
PROGRAMME : SHEM
QUESTION: Convention on biological Diversity
Title: Convention
on Biological
Diversity (CBD)
Introduction:
The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is an
international treaty aimed at preserving biological
diversity, including the sustainable use of its
components, and fair and equitable sharing of the
benefits arising from the use of genetic resources.
Adopted in 1992 during the United Nations
Conference on Environment and Development
(UNCED), it entered into force on December 29, 1993.
Three Main Goals of CBD
The CBD has three main goals which are:
Conservation of Biological Diversity;
Sustainable use of its components; and
Fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the
use of genetic resources.
• These goals are interconnected, as sustainable use can
contribute to conservation, while fair and equitable sharing
can provide incentives for conservation efforts.
Conservation of Biological Diversity:
The CBD aims to conserve biological diversity by protecting
ecosystems, species, and genetic resources.
This includes setting targets for the protection of specific areas
under national jurisdiction or through international cooperation.
For example, countries may designate protected areas or
implement measures to reduce threats to biodiversity such as
habitat destruction or overexploitation.
The CBD also encourages the restoration of degraded
ecosystems.
Sustainable Use of Biological Resources
Sustainable use refers to the use of renewable natural resources in a
way that maintains their availability for future generations while
providing economic benefits today.
The CBD promotes sustainable use by encouraging responsible
management practices that minimize negative impacts on
biodiversity.
This includes implementing regulations to ensure sustainable
harvesting levels for wild species or promoting eco-certification
schemes for sustainably produced goods.
Sustainable use can also contribute to poverty alleviation by
providing income opportunities for local communities reliant on
natural resources.
Fair and Equitable Sharing
Fair and equitable sharing refers to ensuring that benefits derived from the utilization of genetic resources are
shared fairly among all parties involved – especially those who are indigenous or local communities whose
traditional knowledge has contributed significantly to scientific discoveries.
Access and Benefit-sharing (ABS) is a key mechanism used by the CBD to facilitate this goal. ABS
agreements outline terms for accessing genetic resources and sharing any resulting benefits with source
countries or communities.
These agreements aim to promote mutually beneficial partnerships between users and providers while
respecting traditional knowledge systems.
The Nagoya Protocol under CBD further strengthens ABS mechanisms by providing legal frameworks for
implementing these agreements at national levels.
The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety – focuses on ensuring safe transfer, handling, and use of living modified
organisms (LMOs), particularly those intended for deliberate release into the environment .
Parties to CBD
The Convention on Biological Diversity currently has 196 parties
– almost every country in the world – making it one of the most
widely ratified international environmental agreements.
Parties commit to implementing measures outlined in the treaty at
both national and international levels through regular reporting on
progress towards achieving their biodiversity targets.
This global participation is crucial for effectively addressing
transboundary issues related to biodiversity loss, such as climate
change or invasive species spread
Implementation Mechanisms
National Biodiversity Strategies & Action Plans
(NBSAPs) are essential tools used by parties to
implement their commitments under CBD at national
levels.
NBSAPs outline priority actions aimed at achieving
specific biodiversity targets within a given timeframe
while engaging stakeholders from various sectors in their
development and implementation process.
Role of NGOs & Civil Society Organizations in
Implementing CBD Objectives.
NGOs play a crucial role in raising awareness about
biodiversity conservation issues, advocating for
stronger policies, providing technical expertise,
monitoring progress towards achieving targets set by
governments under NBSAPs.
[Reference: International Union for Conservation of
Nature]
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) plays a significant role in
supporting developing countries’ implementation efforts under CBD
through financial assistance and capacity building initiatives focused on
biodiversity conservation projects worldwide.
There have been numerous success stories demonstrating effective
implementation of CBD objectives across various regions worldwide.
However, challenges remain due to limited financial resources, competing
priorities among stakeholders, insufficient political will, lack of
enforcement mechanisms, among others.
Success Stories under CBD – Brazil’s Amazon Rainforest
Conservation Programme
Brazil has implemented successful initiatives like
Sustainable Forest Management Certification Schemes that
promote sustainable forest management practices while
generating revenue through eco-certification schemes.
Costa Rica’s Payment for Ecosystem Services Programme,
Costa Rica has implemented a Payment for Ecosystem
Services programme where landowners receive financial
incentives for conserving forests instead of converting them
into agricultural lands.
MUPINDWA ALICE B227033A
SASA DONALD P B224016B
TINASHE P CHIKUNGA B221316B
MUVIRIMI DELMA V.M B22804B
TAFARANASHE L KUZONYEI B224873B
Michelle Mahonzo B220698B
Tadiwanashe J.H Nyambira
B223584B
Sasa Ronald T B222021B
Pretty Mudarikiri B220487B
Ruvimbo I
Mararambe
