Convention
Convention on Biological Diversity
On 5 June 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Belgium signed the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The objectives of the CBD are the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources.
Each signatory party to the CBD has to appoint several focal points. These are structures that work different aspects of the CBD. Four of the eleven Belgian focal points are situated within the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences.
The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety is a subsidiary legal instrument of the CBD that was adopted in 2004. It focuses on the transboundary movements of living modified organisms that may have adverse impacts on biodiversity.
More on the CBD and the Cartagena Protocol can be found on the official Belgian website to the CBD(*).
(*) this website opens in a new window