Overview
The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is an international treaty adopted at the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. It is one of the "Rio Conventions" alongside the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and can be considered the constitution of the biodiversity field.
196 countries and regions are parties (the United States has not ratified), and they hold regular Conferences of the Parties (COP) to determine global policy.
Detailed Explanation
Three Objectives
This convention has three equally important objectives. The key point is that it's not just about conservation.
- Conservation of Biological Diversity:
Protecting diverse organisms and ecosystems.
- Sustainable Use of Components of Biological Diversity:
Using biodiversity wisely in hunting, fishing, forestry, etc., so future generations can continue to use them.
- Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits from Genetic Resources (ABS):
When new drugs are created from plants in developing countries, sharing those benefits with the countries of origin (detailed in the Nagoya Protocol).
Historical Milestones at COPs
A historic meeting where the "Aichi Targets" and "Nagoya Protocol" were adopted. Citizen participation and the role of local governments were emphasized.
Adopted the "Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (
GBF)" as the successor to the Aichi Targets. This is where
30by30 was decided.
- 2024 COP16 (Cali, Colombia):
Main topics include reviewing
GBF implementation status and benefit-sharing of Digital Sequence Information (DSI).
Critical Examination
A Stage for Political Conflict
The conflict between developed countries (with money and technology but little nature) and developing countries (with nature but little money) is intense, and discussions often become contentious, especially regarding benefit-sharing of genetic resources and financial support. There is also a tendency for political compromise to take precedence over scientific necessity.
What IKIMON Can Do
IKIMON is a powerful engine for promoting
"Mainstreaming" as advocated by the CBD.
The CBD calls for all sectors (businesses, local governments, citizens)—not just the Ministry of the Environment or experts—to consider biodiversity. IKIMON makes this "mainstreaming" real by providing a space where anyone can engage with biodiversity with just a smartphone.
References
- CBD. Text of the Convention.
- Ministry of the Environment, Japan. Overview of the Convention on Biological Diversity.
