1st Edition

Governing Global Biodiversity The Evolution and Implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity

Edited By Philippe G. Le Prestre Copyright 2002
    448 Pages
    by Routledge

    448 Pages
    by Routledge

    Predictions about the success of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) are pessimistic. It has now become commonplace to bemoan the scope, ambition, and deeply political nature of a convention that addresses issues ranging from ecosystems protection to the exploitation of genetic resources, from conservation to justice, and from commerce to scientific knowledge. Ten years after its adoption, how can we assess the difference that the CBD has made? Is it in danger of collapsing under its own weight or is it building the foundations of new patterns of relations between societies and nature? What achievements can we record and what challenges does it face? In this book, which is unique in its scope, diversity and the wealth of information it contains, contributors from a variety of academic disciplines tackle an issue of enduring importance to the protection of biodiversity and enhance our understanding of humanity's capacity to reconcile its various aspirations and halt the destructive path upon which it is set.

    Contents: Introduction: the emergence of biodiversity governance, Philippe G. Le Prestre; The story of the biodiversity convention: from negotiation to implementation, Désirée M. McGraw; The Cartagena protocol on biosafety, François Pythoud and Urs P. Thomas; Studying the effectiveness of the CBD, Philippe G. Le Prestre; The operation of the CBD convention governance system, Philippe G. Le Prestre; The clearing-house mechanism: an effective tool for implementing the convention on biological diversity?, Geneviève Reed; The emergence and implementation of the advance informed agreement procedure, Amanda Wolf; The fair and equitable sharing of benefits from the exploitation of genetic resources: a difficult transition from principles to reality, François Blais; The role of indigenous peoples in conservation actions: a case study of cultural differences and conversation priorities, Catherine Potvin, Jean-Pierre Revéret, Geneviève Patenaude and Jane Hutton; The CBD, the WTO and the FAO: the emergence of phytogenetic governance, Urs P. Thomas; The science and policy of global biodiversity protection, Louis Guay; Economics and biodiversity management, Jean-Pierre Revéret and Alain Webster; Development of Canadian policy on and the protection of marine diversity, Paule Halley; Devoted friends: the implementation of the convention on biological diversity in Madagascar, Mark Hufty and Frank Muttenzer; Conclusion: the long road to a new order, Philippe G. Le Prestre. Annexes: Chronology of the convention on biological diversity; Dimensions of the CBD; The convention on biological diversity; Bibliography; Index.

    Biography

    Philippe G. Le Prestre

    ’Governing Global Biodiversity is a significant contribution to the emerging field of biodiplomacy. This pioneering work provides a firm intellectual foundation for further research and serves as a rich source of insights on international politics. It has no parallels.’ Calestous Juma, Harvard University, USA ’In the aftermath of the World Summit on Sustainable Development, issues pertaining to the implementation of international agreements have come into focus as never before. Examining the Convention on Biological Diversity as a prominent example, this book sheds new light on a range of factors governing the transition of international regimes from paper to practice.’ Oran Young, Director, Institute on International Environmental Governance, Dartmouth College, USA '...illustrates well the complexity of the current political debate...' Swiss Forestry Journal '...this book offers a political analysis of the CBD. It convincingly shows that the Convention goes beyond conservation, and includes the essentials of sustainable development...The book is most complete, very well written and referenced...It provides a set of necessary and very informative annexes, including a chronology and the full text of the Convention.' International Journal of Environment and Pollution 'Overall, specialists on the legal aspects of biodiversity conservation and those interested in the mechanics of one of the less studies and newest international environmental agreements will find this book helpful...for those academics interested in learning more about hos the biodiversity convention came about and what challenges it faces, this is a useful volume.' International Environmental Agreements