Home | Convention on Biological Diversity Overview & Contact Data

The Convention on Biological Diversity, accessible through the website cbd.int, serves as the primary international agreement focused on conserving and sustainably utilizing the world's biological resources. Established in 1992, the Convention represents the first global agreement to comprehensively address all aspects of biological diversity. This includes the conservation of ecosystems and species, the sustainable use of biological resources, and the equitable sharing of benefits derived from the use of genetic resources. The CBD aims to promote the preservation of biodiversity, which is essential for maintaining ecosystem services, ensuring food security, and mitigating the impacts of climate change. The CBD addresses the needs of a wide range of stakeholders, including governments, civil society organizations, indigenous peoples, and the private sector. The Convention provides a framework for countries to develop and implement national biodiversity strategies and action plans, which are essential for achieving the CBD's goals. The CBD Secretariat, based in Montreal, Canada, plays a crucial role in supporting countries in their efforts to conserve and sustainably use biological resources. The Secretariat also facilitates international cooperation and provides technical and scientific guidance to countries. The CBD is notable for its efforts to address the pressing issue of biodiversity loss, which is estimated to be occurring at an unprecedented rate. The Convention has played a key role in raising awareness about the importance of biodiversity and has helped to galvanize international action to address this global challenge. The CBD has also facilitated the development of various international agreements and initiatives aimed at conserving and sustainably using biological resources.