The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), also known as the Biodiversity Convention, is an international treaty signed at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992

 The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), also known as the Biodiversity Convention, is an international treaty signed at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. It entered into force in 1993. The CBD's primary goals are to conserve biological diversity, sustainably use its components, and ensure the fair and equitable sharing of benefits from the utilization of genetic resources. 

Key aspects of the CBD:

Objectives:

Conservation of biological diversity: Protecting ecosystems, species, and genetic resources. 

Sustainable use of biological diversity: Utilizing its components in a way that does not threaten their long-term existence. 

Fair and equitable sharing of benefits: Ensuring that benefits from the use of genetic resources are shared fairly between countries. 

Scope:

The CBD covers biodiversity at all levels, including ecosystems, species, and genetic resources. It also addresses biotechnology through the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. 

Parties:

196 countries are parties to the CBD, including India. Only two member states of the United Nations are not parties: the USA and the Vatican. 

Governing Body:

The Conference of the Parties (COP) is the governing body of the CBD, consisting of the governments that have ratified the treaty. 

Implementation:

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) oversees the CBD. In India, the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, and the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) implement the convention's provisions. 

Protocols:

The CBD has two protocols: the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety and the Nagoya Protocol. 

Benefits of Conservation:

The CBD recognizes that conservation of biodiversity is essential for sustainable development and provides numerous environmental, economic, and social benefits.