Implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity in Brazil

Outstanding among the global environmental issues that have emerged since the 1980s is the issue of the rapid loss of biodiversity. This is an issue that is urgent from the ecological standpoint and strategic from the economic, political and social standpoints. With the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD, 1992) a new global framework was introduced, together with a new international code of conduct urging respect for genetic and biological resources, in order to curb threats appearing in this field. Based on the broad-ranging international context, this paper analyses the principal background aspects and the current situation, in addition to challenges and future prospects for implementing the Convention on Biological Diversity in Brazil. This is followed by an overview of the importance of Brazil in terms of global biodiversity, focused more specific on matters linked to the sustainable use and conservation of biodiversity, as well as access to genetic resources and financing. Progress on institutional and legal matters is also stressed, in parallel to the implementation of the CBD, including aspects related to biosecurity and access to technology.