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CBD

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is a landmark international treaty adopted in 1992 that provides a comprehensive framework for the conservation of biodiversity, sustainable use of its components, and fair sharing of benefits from genetic resources.

Convention on Biological Diversity

The CBD is one of the three “Rio Conventions” adopted at the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. It has three main goals:

  1. Conservation of biological diversity.
  2. Sustainable use of biodiversity.
  3. Fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources.

The CBD has since established protocols (e.g., Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-Sharing) and is the umbrella for the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), which sets global targets for halting and reversing biodiversity loss by 2030.

Type

International treaty

Jurisdiction

Global, under the United Nations

Sector

Governments, businesses, finance, NGOs, science

Established / Active Since

1992 (entered into force in 1993)

Maintained By / Organised By

United Nations Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity

Official Resources

Relationship to Lemu

Lemu’s work directly supports the goals of the CBD by generating actionable biodiversity insights through Atlas and Spacetime. Our indicators align with the monitoring needs of the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), helping companies and governments measure and achieve CBD targets.

Examples in Practice

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A government developing national biodiversity strategies and action plans (NBSAPs) in line with the CBD, using satellite and ecological data.
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A pharmaceutical company ensuring benefit-sharing agreements when sourcing genetic material, guided by the Nagoya Protocol.
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A bank aligning its portfolio with GBF targets, integrating biodiversity risk indicators into financial decision-making.
Updated on Aug 31, 2025