The Convention on Biological Diversity, known informally as the Biodiversity Convention, is an international treaty that was adopted in Rio de Janeiro in June, 1992. What were the goals of the convention?

The Convention on Biological Diversity which was signed by Government leaders at the 1992 Rio Earth Summit is dedicated to promoting sustainable development. Conceived as a practical tool for translating the principles of Agenda 21 into reality, the Convention recognizes that biological diversity is about more than plants, animals and micro organisms and their ecosystems - it is about people and our need for food security, medicines, fresh air and water, shelter, and a clean and healthy environment in which to live. Its objective is to develop national strategies for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity. It is often seen as the key document regarding sustainable development. It has the following 3 main objectives: The conservation of biological diversity The sustainable use of the components of biological diversity The fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources Some of the issues dealt within the convention include: Measures and incentives for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity. Regulated access to genetic resources and traditional knowledge, including Prior Informed Consent of the party providing resources. Sharing, in a fair and equitable way, the results of research and development and the benefits arising from the commercial and other utilization of genetic resources with the Contracting Party providing such resources (governments and/or local communities providing the traditional knowledge or biodiversity resources utilized). Access to and transfer of technology, including biotechnology, to the governments and/or local communities that provide traditional knowledge and/ or biodiversity resources. Technical and scientific cooperation. Impact assessment. Education and public awareness. Provision of financial resources. National reporting on efforts to implement treaty commitments.