1. Negotiations

Convention on Biological Diversity – CBD

The 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) has three objectives: the conservation of biological diversity; the sustainable use of its components; and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the use of genetic resources. Parties are obligated to inventory and monitor biodiversity, incorporate the concepts of conservation and sustainable development into national strategies and economic development, and preserve indigenous conservation practices.

The Convention has three protocols. The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (2000) addresses the safe transfer, handling, and use of living modified organisms (LMOs) that may have adverse effects on biodiversity, taking into account human health. The Nagoya-Kuala Lumpur Supplementary Protocol on Liability and Redress to the Cartagena Protocol (2010) provides international rules and procedures on liability and redress for damage to biodiversity resulting from LMOs. The Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits arising from their Utilization (2010) sets out an international framework for the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources, including by appropriate access to genetic resources and transfer of relevant technologies.

Events

Showing 1 - 10 of 117 results

27th Session of the CBD Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA 27) and 1st Session of the Subsidiary Body on Article 8(j) and Other Provisions Related to Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (SB8j 1)

Both subsidiary bodies demonstrated support for biodiversity-related policies and governance rooted in diverse experiences to deliver comprehensive outcomes for people and planet, but negotiations were challenging, with many expressing concerns and calling for a spirit of compromise and solidarity going forward.
Event 20 October 2025 - 30 October 2025

12th Meeting of the Ad Hoc Open-ended Intersessional Working Group on Article 8(j) and Related Provisions and 1st Meeting of the Ad Hoc Open-ended Working Group on Benefit-sharing from the Use of Digital Sequence Information on Genetic Resources

Although they appear distinct, the issues under the two Working Groups’ consideration are interrelated as they are developing ways to implement the targets and goals of the landmark Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and both address issues of fair and equitable participation and sharing of benefits in relation to biodiversity.
Event 12 November 2023 - 18 November 2023

25th Meeting of the CBD Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical, and Technological Advice (SBSTTA 25) and Resumed Second Part of the 15th Meeting of the CBD Conference of the Parties

Ten months after adopting the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), delegates met to provide expert advice on the scientific, technical, and technological aspects of GBF implementation. At the resumed 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP), delegates conducted elections and discussed the date and venue of COP 16.
Conference of the Parties (COP) 15 October 2023 - 20 October 2023

United Nations Biodiversity Conference - OEWG 5/CBD COP 15/CP-MOP 10/NP-MOP 4

At the conclusion of an often fractious two-week meeting and after four years of negotiation, parties adopted the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, a historic package of measures that addresses the dangerous loss of biodiversity and the need to restore natural ecosystems and will guide biodiversity policy through 2030.
Conference of the Parties (COP) 3 December 2022 - 19 December 2022