International Conventions
A number of international conventions relate to biodiversity and impact assessment in some form or other. The big three
are:
- The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), which defines biological diversity (biodiversity), sets out requirements for the inclusion of biodiverity in impact assessment and (so on and so forth). See more...
- The Bonn Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), which attempts to DO WHAT?! See more...
- The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), which regulates signatories in the trade of endangered fauna, flora and their products. See more...
Each of these Conventions sets out agreed Articles, stating requirements to which signatories must (should) adhere.
In addition to the big three
Conventions, there are a number of others [bookmark below], many of which have a more regional focus. Perhaps most significant of these is the Ramsar Convention on the Wise Use of Wetlands (?) (more generally known as the Ramsar Convention).
Find out which countries are Party to which Conventions here
Convention on Biological Diversity
The objectives of the CBD are threefold: conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of its components and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources. It is one of the most widely-accepted conventions, with over 188 Parties to the convention
Biodiversity
Biodiversity is defined by the CBD as:
"the variability among living organisms from all sources including, inter alia, terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part; this includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems." (Article 2, CBD)
Conservation and sustainable use of resources
The Convention also addresses the need for signatories (a.k.a. Parties) to:
- (a) Develop national strategies, plans or programmes for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity or adapt for this purpose existing strategies, plans or programmes which shall reflect, inter alia, the measures set out in this Convention relevant to the Contracting Party concerned; and
- (b) Integrate, as far as possible and as appropriate, the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity into relevant sectorial or cross-sectoral plans, programmes and policies. (Article 6)
Sustainable use of components of biological diversity
The CBD requires signatories to:
- (a) Integrate consideration of the conservation and sustainable use of biological resources into national decision-making;
- (b) Adopt measures relating to the use of biological resources to avoid or minimize adverse impacts on biological diversity (Article 10) [link]
Impact Assessment
Finally, in relation to the need for impact assessment, the CBD asks that countries:
- Introduce appropriate procedures requiring environmental impact assessment of its proposed projects that are likely to have significant adverse effects on biological diversity with a view to avoiding or minimizing such effects and, where appropriate, allow for public participation in such procedures;
- Introduce appropriate arrangements to ensure that the environmental consequences of its programmes and policies that are likely to have significant adverse impacts on biological diversity are duly taken into account;
- Promote, on the basis of reciprocity, notification, exchange of information and consultation on activities under their jurisdiction or control which are likely to significantly affect adversely the biological diversity of other States or areas beyond the limits of national jurisdiction, by encouraging the conclusion of bilateral, regional or multilateral arrangements, as appropriate (Article 14)
Since the creation of the CBD, a number of decisions relating to biodiversity and impact assessment have since been agreed, notably Decisions VI/7a (identification, monitoring, indicators and assessments); V/6 (the ecosystem approach); V/18 (impact assessment, liability and redress); IV/10c (measures for implementing the Convention); and III/18 (incentive measures) [link all]
CMS
The Bonn Convention on Migratory Species is an instrument designed to encourage effective information-sharing and protection of migratory species across the world.
CITES
The CITES Convention aims to control and restrict the global international trade in endangered species.
Ramsar
The Ramsar Convention is an international convention that began in Ramsar, Iran in (DATE?). The Convention aims to protect wetlands throughout the world and encourage their wise use.