Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

The convention on biological diversity (cbd) is an international treaty signed by a coalition of 153 countries at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED). The convention became officially recognized in December 1993 and has 188 members. The United States is the only country that has signed but not yet ratified the CBD. Based on the principle of sustainable development, the main goals include “the conservation of biodiversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources.” Member countries, adopting a precautionary principle approach, are legally required to create plans for identifying and protecting biodiversity, restoring degraded areas, and preventing possible impacts of the introduction of nonnative species and ...