ECBC

ECBC, or the European Convention on the Conservation of Biological Diversity, is an international treaty aimed at the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the use of genetic resources. Adopted in 1992, it is one of the key instruments of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), which was opened for signature in 1992 and entered into force in 1993. The ECBC is designed to provide a legal framework for the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable use of its components, as well as the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources.

The convention sets out a series of provisions that member states are required to implement, including the establishment of national strategies and action plans for biodiversity conservation, the protection of habitats and species, and the promotion of sustainable use of biodiversity. It also emphasizes the importance of involving local communities and indigenous peoples in the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.

The ECBC has been ratified by 122 countries, making it one of the most widely ratified international environmental agreements. It has been instrumental in raising awareness about the importance of biodiversity conservation and has contributed to the development of national and regional strategies for biodiversity conservation and sustainable use.

The convention has also played a crucial role in the development of the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization, which was adopted in 2010 and entered into force in 2014. The Nagoya Protocol provides a legal framework for the sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources, and it has been widely recognized as a significant step forward in the international effort to conserve biodiversity and promote sustainable development.