Montreal, Canada

The CBD was established on 29 December 1993. Its three stated goals are:

• conservation of biological diversity;
• sustainable use of the components of biological diversity; and
• fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources.

The convention requires each contracting party to develop national strategies for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity and to integrate the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity into relevant cross-sectoral plans (Article 6). It also provides for contracting parties to protect and encourage customary use of biological resources and to develop methods for sustainable use of biological resources (Article 10). Plus, it encourages cooperation in developing educational and public awareness programs on conservation and sustainable use (Article 13). Thus, the principle of consumptive use is being promoted.

The Global Environment Facility (GEF) is a funding mechanism to assist implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and four more international environmental conventions, by “developing” countries through financial support from “developed” countries. The GEF is administered by the World Bank and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) on behalf of donor countries. It is a partnership of 18 agencies — including United Nations agencies, multilateral development banks, national entities and international NGOs — working with 183 countries to address challenging environmental issues.

The CBD includes a number of programs related to biodiversity.

The Conference of the Parties, which permits observers.

The GEF includes a large network of civil society organizations, as well as a small grants program. The CND engages civil society through a Major Group system, with NGOs as one group. See here.

• With an entrenched sustainable use focus, animal protection organizations would need to collaborate and strategize together to make any impact.