The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is a legally binding United Nations treaty that promotes biodiversity conservation, the sustainable use of biodiversity, and the fair sharing of benefits derived from genetic resources. In IB ESS, it is a key international strategy in Subtopic 3.3, Conservation and regeneration, for both SL and HL.
The CBD was agreed at the 1992 Rio Earth Summit. Countries that become parties to it must develop national measures that support its three objectives:
- Conservation of biological diversity.
- Sustainable use of biodiversity's components.
- Fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources.
The CBD recognizes that biodiversity has ecological, economic, social, cultural and ethical value. It also connects environmental protection with human development: conservation should not simply exclude local or Indigenous communities from land and resources on which they depend.
The treaty addresses both major conservation approaches:
| Approach | How the CBD supports it |
|---|---|
| In situ conservation | Protects species within their natural habitats through protected areas, habitat management and ecosystem restoration. |
| Ex situ conservation | Conserves species outside their natural habitats through seed banks, botanical gardens, zoos and captive-breeding programmes. |
A major framework developed under the CBD is the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, adopted in 2022. It established global targets for reducing biodiversity loss, restoring ecosystems and expanding effective conservation.
A common misconception is that the CBD itself directly manages every protected area. It instead creates an international framework; success depends on national legislation, funding, enforcement, scientific monitoring and cooperation with stakeholders. Different perspectives may also produce conflict between conservation, economic development and local resource rights.
Exam technique: For an IB ESS question, identify the CBD as a UN treaty, state its three objectives, and explain that it supports both in situ and ex situ conservation. For an evaluate or discuss question, balance its global coordination benefits against limitations such as uneven implementation and enforcement, then give a supported conclusion.
