WWF along with IUCN was instrumental in creating the CBD – the first united effort by governments to address the rate at which the world's natural resources are being degraded and destroyed.
We continue to play an active role in guiding CBD processes that address specific environmental questions, as well as helping governments to implement their CBD commitments.
CBD: protecting biodiversity and ensuring its sustainable use
Huge step towards protecting the world’s biodiversity
In February 2004, the CBD Parties committed to a set of tangible targets to deliver a global network of comprehensive, well-managed, and representative terrestrial and marine protected areas – with a deadline of 2010 and 2012, respectively, for their delivery.
WWF is working to help governments meet this commitment.
The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) entered into force in 1993. Its objectives are:
- conservation of biodiversity
- sustainable use of its components, and
- the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources.
How does the CBD work?
Signatory governments to the CBD are required to develop national biodiversity strategies and action plans, and to integrate these into broader national plans for development which include sectors such as forestry, agriculture, and fisheries.
Signatories have also committed to:
- establish a global network of protected areas
- rehabilitate degraded ecosystems, and
- work with indigenous communities to preserve traditional knowledge of the sustainable use of biological diversity.
The CBD sets overall goals and policies to tackle common problems and organizes technical and financial cooperation to implement them. However, the responsibility for achieving these goals rests largely with the countries themselves.
Under the CBD, developed countries also take on the responsibility of providing funding to developing nations to support their implementation of the Convention.
What does WWF do?
- Participation in CBD Conferences of the Parties (CoPs)
WWF advises government delegates, offers technical information to all participants on relevant issues, and presents educational events which demonstrate concrete actions governments may take to address specific issues. WWF also participates in regional fora both during and between different COPs, to influence CBD processes and policy.
- Helping to prepare National Biodiversity Strategic Action Plans
WWF is actively involved in preparing National Biodiversity Strategic Action Plans in several developing countries. These action plans reflect both WWF priorities and provide the basis for improved conservation and sustainable use activities at the national and local levels.
- Helping governments meet their protected area and other CBD commitments
WWF's Protected Areas for a Living Planet programme is helping governments meet the CBD Programme of Work on Protected Areas at the ecoregional level. WWF also participates in government commissions, committees and expert panels at the national and international level, providing support for implemention of national conservation and sustainable use measures.
- Contributing to the development of CBD work programmes, decisions and technical guidance