1 The CBD for Botanists An introduction to the Convention on Biological Diversity for people working with botanical collections The aim of this presentation is to give people working with botanical collections, such as botanists, curators, horticulturalists and technicians, an introduction to the 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity, more commonly known as the CBD.
2 What this presentation will cover Introduction to the CBD How the CBD operates The CBD and botanical institutions Practical implementation This presentation will cover the following areas: First, an introduction to the Convention on Biological Diversity; secondly, we will look at how the CBD actually operates at a policy and administrative level; thirdly, we will focus on how the CBD is relevant to botanical institutions, looking particularly at its provisions on access and benefit-sharing; and finally, we will look at some practical ways botanical institutions can implement the CBD [Note to speaker: This is just a guide. You will need to write your own index slide to reflect the order and content of your own talk].
Introduction 3 Introduction
Introduction 4 What is the CBD? Result of Rio Earth Summit A commitment to: conserve biological diversity use biological resources sustainably share benefits fairly and equitably So, what is the Convention on Biological Diversity, or CBD? The CBD is one of the two conventions signed by the international community during the Earth Summit, at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1992. The other convention is the Convention on Climate Change. The CBD came into force on 29 th December 1993, when it had gained enough international support. The CBD has three objectives. These represent a commitment by the nations of the world to: conserve biological diversity; use biological resources sustainably - to ensure that we do not use up our resources faster than they can recover; and share the benefits arising from the use of genetic resources fairly and equitably.
Introduction 5 What is unique about this treaty? A framework for action Decisions at the national level Recognition that biodiversity is not equally distributed Benefit-sharing So, what is unique about this treaty? The CBD sets out a framework for action. Unlike many other international conventions, it does not lay down a particular work programme or a list of activities for members to carry out. The text takes the form of a series of Articles. A read through these will show you that its provisions are expressed as overall goals rather than defined obligations. Instead, decision-making is placed at the national level. Individual countries interpret the provisions of the CBD according to their own national or regional priorities, and implement them through the development of national strategies, plans or programmes. The CBD recognises that biodiversity is not equally distributed and that conservation can place a heavier burden on developing countries that are often rich in biodiversity, but generally poor in financial resources. So the CBD takes a practical approach in recognising that countries need money and incentives to be able to develop sustainably, and to conserve biological resources. It aims to share the benefits from the use of genetic resources - largely through the transfer of funds, opportunities and technologies from developed countries to developing countries.
Introduction 6 Parties to the CBD Party Non-Party This map shows the Parties to the CBD as of January 2003. A country becomes a Party to the CBD once it has made a formal declaration of its willingness to be legally bound by the CBD. This process is called ratification. The CBD currently has 187 Parties - 186 countries and the European Union. In fact, only seven countries in the world are not yet a Party to the CBD. The CBD has been ratified by more countries than any other international convention. [Note to speaker: As at January 2003 only 7 countries have not ratified the CBD. These are: Andorra, Brunei, the Holy See, Iraq, Somalia, Thailand, and The United States of America. Check latest number of Parties on www.biodiv.org before giving your presentation].
Introduction 7 Scope of the CBD: What is biological diversity? The CBD definition of biodiversity covers the variability: within species (such as species varieties); between species; and of ecosystems. The CBD is ambitious and wide-ranging in its scope. It is the first international treaty to try to protect all levels of diversity and living organisms on Earth. The CBD recognises that these three levels of diversity cannot realistically be separated, as each interacts with and influences the others. Long-term species conservation depends on the maintenance of viable populations and healthy ecosystems. In this way, the CBD represents a new style of international environmental treaty, as past efforts have tended to focus on the protection of particular species and habitats, for instance the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
Introduction 8 Importance of biodiversity Why does biodiversity need to be protected? Biodiversity provides goods for the most fundamental of our needs: food, fuel, fibres, medicine and shelter. Ecosystems clean our air and water, provide pollinators for our crops and help control disease. Ecosystems also play a major role in stabilising our climate and protecting us from floods and droughts. The variety of life on earth provides recreational, spiritual and cultural value to societies around the world. Furthermore, there is the huge potential economic value of currently unexplored biodiversity. Biodiversity is decreasing at an alarming rate, and for all these reasons it is vital we protect it.
Introduction 9 Financial value of biodiversity (1) Estimates of annual markets for some products derived from genetic resources Products Annual Sales (billion US$) Low High Pharmaceuticals 75 150 Botanical medicines 20 40 Agricultural produce 300+ 450+ Ornamental horticulture 16 19 Crop protection 0.6 3 Biotech (except health & agriculture) 60 120 Personal care & cosmetics 2.8 2.8 ROUNDED TOTAL 500 800 Source: ten Kate K and Laird SA (1999), The Commercial Use of Biodiversiy, Earthscan Publications Ltd. This slide shows low and high estimates of the annual markets for some of the products derived from genetic resources. The figures given are in billions of US dollars. You can see that the total market for these products is estimated to be between 500 and 800 billion US dollars per year. By recognising the financial value of biodiversity, it may be possible to create economic incentives, and provide resources, for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.
Introduction 10 Financial value of biodiversity (2) Let s have a look at two important examples of plants as a vital source of our basic needs: food and medicine. First, food. Although about 7,000 species have been cultivated or collected by humans for food at one time or another, it is often stated that only 30 crops feed the world. Wheat, rice and maize alone provide more than half of the global plant-derived intake. Given the importance of a relatively small number of crops for global food security, it is particularly important that the agricultural diversity within crops is conserved. This maintains their health, productivity and pest resistance. Next, medicine. Around the world, many billions of people still use plants as their primary source of medicine. Much of this use is based on knowledge passed down through generations. In addition, between 25-50% of new medicines are derived from natural products. For example: Aspirin is made from an organic molecule derived from willow trees (Salix spp.)- see picture. Quinine, a treatment for malaria, is derived from the bark of the Cinchona tree. Rosy periwinkle, native to Madagascar, is the source of alkaloids used to treat childhood leukaemia and Hodgkin s disease. Most biodiversity has yet to be tested for its potential medicinal properties. The cures for some of the world s most serious diseases, such as cancer or HIV/AIDS, could be derived from natural products.
Introduction 11 Threats to biodiversity Habitat loss Invasive alien species Over-exploitation Pollution and climate change Biodiversity is under considerable threat from a variety of human-generated factors. Based on current trends, an estimated 34,000 plant and 5,200 animal species face extinction. Some of the main threats to biodiversity are: habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation; spread of invasive alien species; over-exploitation of species; and pollution and climate change. [Note to speaker: you can add your own examples to illustrate th e above list, or use some of the examples in the Resources section for this slide]
Introduction 12 How does the CBD approach the challenge? (1) Common concern of humankind Sovereign rights Countries responsible for conservation Preventative and precautionary approach It is clear that a huge international effort is needed to protect biodiversity. Now we need to look at the framework and approach that the CBD uses to tackle the task. First, the CBD asserts that conservation of biological diversity is a common concern of humankind. Even if the components of biodiversity exist within national borders, biodiversity is fundamental to all life on earth, and we must work together to ensure its conservation. Secondly, the CBD reasserts that countries have sovereign rights over their biological resources. Sovereign rights doesn t necessarily mean ownership; it is left to individual countries to decide who owns the resources, how they will regulate access to these resources, and how best to achieve the CBD s objectives. Thirdly, sovereign rights bring responsibilities: countries are responsible for conserving their biodiversity, for using it sustainably, and for facilitating access to genetic resources for environmentally sound uses. Fourthly, the CBD takes a preventive approach, calling for measures to anticipate and prevent the causes of biodiversity loss. It also takes a precautionary approach - measures to avoid or minimize threats to biodiversity should not be postponed because of scientific uncertainty. In order to meet the objectives of the CBD, there must be positive action at all levels of society! Scientists, such as botanists, have a very important role to play in achieving these objectives.
Introduction 13 How does the CBD approach the challenge? (2) Ecosystem approach: prioritises in situ conservation backed up by ex situ conservation Sustainable use The primary way that the CBD attempts to stem the tide of biodiversity loss is by promoting an ecosystem approach. This is a strategy for the integrated management of land, water and living resources, to promote conservation and sustainable use in an equitable way. Therefore the CBD prioritises in situ conservation - the conservation of genes, species and ecosystems in their natural surroundings. Examples of in situ conservation measures include establishing protected areas and legislation to protect habitats. This is backed up by the use of ex situ conservation - the conservation of genes and species outside their natural habitats, in collections such as zoos, botanic gardens and gene banks. In addition, the CBD calls for initiatives to promote sustainable use as a way of maintaining biodiversity in years to come. Examples of such initiatives include: locally-based projects on the management and use of forest resources; sustainable tourism; sustainable fishing and harvesting; and encouraging sustainability in areas such as trade and investment, and pharmaceutical drug development. The CBD recognises that there must be a balance between our need to use biological material, and the need to conserve biodiversity for future generations.