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Earth Summit > Background
> Convention on Biological Diversity
The Convention on Biological Diversity
Tigers, bears, ants, mosquitos, mangrove forests,
the Caspian sea, Basmati rice and corn are all examples of life
on Earth or in technical terms, biological diversity - the diversity
of ecosystems, and the diversity within and between species.
Commonly referred to as biodiversity, the Earth's
multitude of species and ecosystems is the fruit of billions of
years of evolution. It is the sum total of all the building blocks
of life and the differences between them - the huge variety of ecosystems,
from peat swamps to mountain rainforests; and the natural genetic
differences within each species, such as those between crop varieties
and breeds of livestock, as well as the chromosomes and DNA that
make each species distinct.
The world's species and the ecosystems in which
they live, however, are in trouble. Many scientists believe the
world is facing the largest wave of extinction since the dinosaurs
became extinct some 65 million years ago. Today, it is estimated
that 24 percent of mammals, 14 percent of plants and 12 percent
of birds face extinction, mostly because of changes in their habitats,
caused directly or indirectly by human activities.
For this reason, at the Rio Earth Summit in 1992,
world leaders agreed the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
to protect our planet's biological heritage: the variety of life
found on Earth. This agreement is designed both for conservation
of biodiversity, and to ensure sustainable use and benefit sharing
of these resources. It also protects knowledge of indigenous peoples
and local communities and encourages customary use of biological
resources (e. rubber tapping). Over 180 countries are now Parties
to the CBD.
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