Convention on Biological Diversity
From genes and chromosomes to animals, plants and ecosystems, biodiversity is the web of life that governs all ecological interactions.
Convention on Biological Diversity
Conceived as a practical tool for translating the principles of Agenda 21 into reality, the Convention recognizes that biological diversity is about more than plants, animals and micro organisms and their ecosystems – it is about people and our need for food security, medicines, fresh air and water, shelter, and a clean, healthy environment in which to live.
“1. Conservation of biological diversity.
2. Sustainable use of the components of biological diversity.
3. Fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources.”
Our Role
Young people are frequently portrayed as the “energetic and exciting” stakeholders participating in meetings, and have the important task to always remind delegates and other participants of their commitment to the future generations and what inheritance they would like to be remembered for.
Apart from this strategic political position, young people have a great opportunity to use their creativity and:
Come up with innovative campaigns and communication ideas to sensitive participants within the venue
Showcase the added value of youth activities and projects around the world to implement the convention
Raise awareness of the issues that are being negotiated and its implications among young people around the world through coverage of the meetings
In institutional arrangements at the UN the topic of biodiversity is primarily addressed through the Convention on Biodiversity and the various avenues within it like the convention bodies (Conference of Parties, Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technological and Technical Advice, Subsidiary Body on Implementation, and Working Group on Article 8J). In addition to the CBD, biodiversity is addressed in the context of SDG 15 at the High Level Political Forum.
A a member of Global Youth Biodiversity Network, the formal youth constituency of the CBD process and also the UN MGCY SDG15/CBD Working Group, you have the chance to contribute to all these deliberations and provide inputs at all stages of work. Opportunities are shared through email servers and communication channels. You can learn more about the CBD and its engagement in CBD in a Nutshell.
