About the Convention on Biological Diversity
The Convention on Biological Diversity was adopted in 1992 as a way to help develop national strategies for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.
It recognised for the first time in international law that the conservation of biological diversity is "a common concern of humankind". The agreement covers all ecosystems, species, and genetic resources.
Fern
The Convention has three main goals:
- conservation of biological diversity (or biodiversity);
- sustainable use of its components; and
- fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources.
As of February 2009, 191 countries had ratified the Convention.
Convention Bodies
To guide the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity Conservation, a governing body and a number of working groups have been established.