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The principal objectives of the Convention on Biological
Diversity are:
- the conservation of biological diversity,
- sustainable use of its components,
- the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising
out of the utilization of genetic resources, including by
appropriate access to genetic resources and by appropriate
transfer of relevant technologies, as well as by appropriate
funding.
The objectives of the Convention are translated into substantial
provisions in Articles 6 to 20, which however realising the
necessity of holistic approach, are not confined to classical
nature conservation measures. The full implementation of the
Convention, which heavily depends upon sectoral integration,
requires the active involvement of not only governments, but
also economic and other stakeholders. The framework of implementation
is provided by the ecosystem approach, which is a paradigm
established for supporting the realisation of the Convention's
three objectives.
It is the principle of the Convention that Parties have the
sovereign right to exploit their own resources pursuant to
their own environmental policies, but at the same time it
is their responsibility to ensure that activities within their
jurisdiction or control do not cause damage to the environment
of other States or of areas beyond the national jurisdiction.
Parties shall develop national strategies, plans or programmes
for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity
and integrate these considerations into relevant sectoral
or cross-sectoral plans, programmes and policies.
With regard to monitoring, the Convention requires more than
only monitoring biodiversity. In addition Parties shall identify
processes and categories of activities which (are likely to)
have significant adverse impacts on the conservation and sustainable
use of biological diversity, and monitor their effects.
The classical in situ provisions of the Convention include
among others the establishment of a system of protected areas,
the regulation or management of biological resources important
for the conservation of biological diversity whether within
or outside protected areas, as well as preventing the introduction
of, and the control or eradication of alien species threatening
biodiversity. The Convention also sets out the regulation
or management of processes and activities having significant
adverse effect on biodiversity as an in situ provision.
In the case of imminent or grave danger or damage to biodiversity
of other States or in areas beyond national jurisdiction,
the Parties shall notify immediately the potentially affected
States of such danger or damage, as well as initiate action
to prevent or minimize harmful effects.
The Parties have further commitments in the field of research
and training; public education and awareness; scientific cooperation;
and technology transfer. Special attention is given to the
knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous and local
communities embodying traditional lifestyles that are relevant
for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.
Besides respecting, preserving and maintaining this knowledge,
Parties shall promote their wider application with the approval
and involvement of these communities and encourage the equitable
sharing of the benefits arising from their utilization.
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