The Rio Conventions
The links included here present the three Rio Conventions: UN Convention on Biological Diversity, UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, and UN Convention to Combat Desertification.
Along with the links to the official websites of these conventions, links to the protocols, clearing house-mechanisms, implementation instrument of the conventions, and national focal points are included.
The links are listed thematically in the following areas: biological diversity, climate change, and desertification.
.:: UN CONVENTION ON BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY ::.
UN Convention on Biodiversity (UN CBD)
www.cbd.int/default.shtmlmore...The Convention has three main goals:
(i) conservation of biodiversity,
(ii) sustainable use of the components of biodiversity, and
(iii) sharing the benefits arising from the commercial and other utilization of genetic resources in a fair and equitable way.
The agreement covers all ecosystems, species, and genetic resources. It links traditional conservation efforts to the economic goal of using biological resources in a sustainable manner.
The Convention sets principles for the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the use of genetic resources, notably those destined for commercial use. It also covers the rapidly expanding field of biotechnology, addressing technology development and transfer, benefit-sharing and bio-safety.
closeGlobal CHM on Biodiversity
www.cbd.int/chm/default.shtmlmore...The CBD has established a "Clearing-House Mechanism" to ensure that all governments have access to the information and technologies they need for their work on biodiversity.
The Global CHM web site provides general information about the role and functions of the Biodiversity CHM, along with information on the national focal points, links to the national CHM web sites, documents related to the development of CHM.
There is also access to the information on the work of the Informal Advisory Committee.
closeCHM International Thematic Focal Points
www.cbd.int/chm/thematic.shtmlmore...There are four international thematic focal points to the Clearing House Mechanism on Biodiversity. These are BirdLife International; Global Invasive Species Programme; Global Taxonomy Initiative; and NatureServe. The web site is in English and provides a short description of each International Thematic Focal Point and links to their websites.
closeCartagena Protocol on Biosafety
www.cbd.int/biosafety/default.shtmlmore...Adopted in January 2000, the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety allows governments to signal whether or not they are willing to accept imports of agricultural commodities that include Living Modified Organisms (LMOs).
In addition, commodities that may contain LMOs are to be clearly labeled as such when being exported. In response to the concerns about potential side effects on human health and the environment, including risks to biological diversity, governments negotiated the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety as a subsidiary agreement to the Convention on Biological Diversity.
The protocol addresses the potential risks posed by cross-border trade and accidental releases of LMOs. The Protocol will enter into force after it has been ratified by 50 governments.
Bulgaria signed the Protocol on 24 May 2000 and ratified it on 11 September 2003.
closeBiosafety Clearing House
www.cbd.int/biosafety/bch.shtmlmore...Governments can communicate their decision regarding the import of LMOs to the world community via a Biosafety Clearing House, a mechanism set up to facilitate the exchange of information on and experience with LMOs.
This central portal web site offers information about risk assessment, legislation and related documents, organisms, national contacts and roster of experts. Information sharing is available through the web page, along with discussion forum and mailing list opportunities.
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