Biological diversity (biodiversity) refers to the vast variety of life forms on earth (plants, animals and microorganisms). They have many types of relationships and interdependencies between them which shape the world we live in. There is also genetic biodiversity which encompasses the variations between members of a single species e.g. people can have brown, blue, black, green, violet, grey eyes. Further, there is ecosystem biodiversity which related to the different habitats on earth e.g. savannah, tropical rainforest, lakes, tundra, mangroves, alpine forest, desert, etc and the living organisms (biota) within them which interact with each other and the non-living (abiotic) environment around them i.e. air, soil, water.

Entering into force on 29 December 1993, the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) was designed with the main aims of:

• Conserving biodiversity
• Sustainable use of the components of biodiversity
• Sharing the benefits arising from commercial and other utilisation of genetic resources in a fair and equitable way

Parties to the Convention are required, among other tasks, to complete periodic national reporting on efforts to implement commitments made under the Convention. Each Party must also develop National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) reflecting the implementation and effectives of the measures stipulated in the Convention; as well as integrate conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity into national decision making frameworks, and mainstream relevant issues into sectoral plans, policies and programmes.

Each Party is also to develop a national Clearing House Mechanism (CHM) which is to promote and facilitate scientific and technical cooperation, information exchange, and development of partner networks.

Currently, Parties are working on submission of their Fourth National Reports, due on 30 March 2009. These are vital tools for assessing progress toward the 2010 Biodiversity Target. This target, adopted in 2002, commits the Parties to achieving a significant reduction in the rate of biodiversity loss at the global, regional and national levels, as a contribution to poverty alleviation and to the benefit of all life on earth. This was subsequently incorporated as a new target under the MDGs.

Related Links

Archived News Articles and Press Releases Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) Caribbean Energy Information System (CEIS) Caribbean Information Platform on Renewable Energy (CIPORE) GEF Small Grants Programme Global Environment Facility (GEF)