Convention on Biological Diversity

Photo Source: CBD Website

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) aims to conserve biological diversity, promote sustainable use of components of biological diversity and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources.

Humanity's economic and social development is inextricably linked to the earth's biological resources. As a result, there is a growing recognition that biological diversity is a global asset of tremendous value to present and future generations. At the same time, the threat to the earth's species and ecosystem has never been greater than it is today. Current trends identified an estimated 34,000 plants and 5,200 animal species - including one in eight of the world's bird species as facing extinction as a result of human activity.

With this is mind, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) convened an Ad Hoc Working Group of Experts on Biological Diversity in November 1988 tasked to explore the expediency of an international convention on biological diversity. Consequently, the Ad Hoc Working Group of Technical and Legal Experts was established in May 1999 and mandated to prepare an international legal instrument for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity. By February 1991, the working group become known as the International Negotiating Committee. Its'work culminated wit the Nairobi Conference for the Adoption of the Agreed text of the Convention on Biological Diversity on 22 May 1992.

The Convention was opened for signature on 5 June 1992 at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (the Rio Ëarth Summit"). It entered into force on 29 December 1993. The Philippine government signed the Convention on 12 June 1992.

Focal Office:: Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB)
Date Ratified:: Party Since October 8, 1993
Focal Persons:: Focal Point for Clearing House Mechanism (CHM), Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA), Protected Areas (PA)
DR. THERESA MUNDITA S. LIM
       Director
       DENR - Biodiversity Management Bureau
       Tel. Nos. - (632) 924 6031 to 35 local 203 & 204, (632) 924 0109

Alternate:
DR. VINCENT HILOMEN
       Executive Director for Priority Programs and Coastal and Marine
       DENR - Biodiversity Management Bureau
       Tel. Nos. - (632) 924 6031 to 35 local 203 & 204, (632) 925 8948
MS. NORMA M. MOLINYAWE
       Chief, National Parks Division
       DENR - Biodiversity Management Bureau
       Tel. Nos. - (632) 924 6031 to 35 local 232, (632) 925 8947
Commitments:: Under the Convention, Parties are required to develop national biodiversity strategies and action plans which are to be mainstreamed into the broader national plans for environment and development particularly for the forestry, agriculture, fisheries, energy, transportation and urban planning sectors. The Philippines, through the DENR - Biodiversity Management Bureau is further committed to:

1. Protect and conserve existing natural habitats and pursue restoration of the functionality of degraded habitats
2. Effectively regulate use of resources within sustainable limits
3. Implement habitat rehabilitation programs
4. Arrest the proliferation of invasive alien species
5. Enhance regulation of access of national and local implementing bodies
6. Improve status of Agro biodiversity and promote biodiversity-friendly agriculture
7. Enhance governance and capacities of national and local implementing bodies in addressing urban biodiversity
8. Implement the Nagoya Protocol consistent with national legislation

In 2010, during 10^th Conference of the Parties (COP10) to the CBD, parties adopted a revised and updated Strategic Plan for Biodiversity, including Aichi Biodiversity Targets for the period 2011-2020. The plan provides for a framework for the entire biodiversity management and policy development under the United Nations system. Parties to the convention agree to develop the international framework into a National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plan, the principal instrument for implementing the convention at the national level.

Parties are also required to submit national reports to provide information on measures taken for the implementation of the Convention and the effectiveness of these measures. The fifth national report, which maybe accessed here focused on the implementation of the 2011-2020 Strategic Plan and Aichi Biodiversity Targets.

Among the major highlights of accomplishments to meet the Strategic Plan 2011-2020 and the Aichi Biodiversity Targets are in the areas of protected area governance, wildlife enforcement and mainstreaming of biodiversity concerns through policy guidelines.
Status / Updates:: Supporting activities/Projects:
1. Submission of 5th CBD National Report
2. Submission of Action Plans for Programme of Work on Protected Areas (PoWPA)
3. Removing Barriers on the Management of Invasive Alien Species on Production and Protection Forest in the Philippines
4. Preparation of the Philippine Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan
5. Yearly celebration of the International Day for Biological Diversity; and,
6. Maintenance of the Philippine Clearing House Mechanism (CHM) on Biodiversity
Latest Activities:: COP 12 / MOP 1 to the CBD, 6-17 October 2014, Pyeongchang, ROK (attended by Undersecretary Ernesto D. Adobo, Jr. [High Level], Director Theresa Mundita S. Lim, Ms. Nermalie M. Lita and Ms. Norma M. Molinyawe)
: 18th meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific,Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA), 23-28 June 2014, Montreal, Canada (Attended by Dr. Vincent Hilomen)
: 3rd Meeting of the Ad Hoc Open-Ended Intergovernmental Committee for the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-Sharing 2014 [ICNP 3] (Attended by Ms.Nermalie M. Lita)
Policy Issuances:: DENR Administrative Order No. 97-33
: Memorandum Circular No. 20
Sources / Relevant Links:: https://www.cbd.int/history/

This Page was updated on Friday, 08 January 2016 16:23