The Convention on Biodiversity Diversity (also known as the CBD) was the first legal framework for the conservation of global biological diversity. Signed by 150 government leaders at the 1992 Rio Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the CBD is dedicated to promoting sustainable development and 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, clean air and water, shelter, and a healthy living environment.

The Convention established three main goals: 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. Contracting Parties are required to create and enforce national strategies and action plans to conserve, protect and enhance biological diversity.

As a party to the CBD since December 1995, Singapore is committed to achieving the 2010 target of significantly reducing the current rate of biodiversity loss at the global, regional and national level as a contribution to poverty alleviation and to the benefit of all life on earth. For more information on the CBD, visit www.biodiv.org