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International Day for Biological Diversity
Posted by Montreal Environment in Biodiversity, Events/Conferences
International Day for Biological Diversity 2007On May 22nd the world celebrates the International Day for Biological Diversity (IBD) which commemorates the adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 1992 by the Nairobi Final Act of the Conference for the Adoption of the Agreed Text of the Convention on Biological Diversity. The CBD is the first legally-biding global agreement on the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity adopted at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro and has the following three main goals: 1) the conservation of biological diversity, 2) the sustainable use of its components, and 3) the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits from the use of genetic resources. Since 1992, 187 countries have ratified the convention. Specific criteria and guidelines for meeting the three main goals are outlined in its 42 Articles.
Although legally-biding, the responsibility for its implementation rests with national governments which are required to develop national strategies and action plans to be integrated into broader national environmental and developmental policy (Article 6). The approach to developing national strategies under the CBD begins by conducting biodiversity surveys and developing measurable targets for conservation and sustainable use. Under Article 26, Parties are required to submit national reports on measures undertaken for its implementation and their effectiveness in meeting the objectives of the CBD.
Each year the IBD is dedicated to a specific issue. The 2007 IBD is focused on Biodiversity and Climate Change, recognizing the important links between biodiversity and changing global climate, especially the ability of biodiversity resources to mitigate impacts on “people and production”. “Lectures, seminars, film presentations, cultural events, exhibitions and school outreach activities are just some suggestions that you may wish to implement to help draw attention to one of the most critical issues facing our planet today.” (CBD)
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