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Convention on Biological Diversity

Another product of the 1992 Earth Summit, the 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) aims to:

  • conserve biological diversity for its intrinsic value
  • provide for the sustainable use of its components
  • provide for the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the utilisation of genetic resources.

In response to its obligations under the CBD, New Zealand developed the New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy. The strategy takes up the challenge to halt the decline of our indigenous biodiversity – our unique plants and animals and the places they live. We also participate in the work of the meetings of the parties to the Convention and contribute to the work of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice – an advisory body to the Parties, and participate in the negotiation of the Biosafety Protocol to the CBD.

Significant issues for New Zealand include:

  • indigenous people’s access to, and ownership of, New Zealand’s flora and fauna
  • biosafety issues (biosecurity issues, and ensuring domestic legislation is compatible with requirements under the Convention)
  • implementation of the New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy
  • turning the tide on the decline of New Zealand’s unique indigenous biodiversity.

For more information on New Zealand’s biodiversity programme visit the Biodiversity Information Online website.