Institutions Envisioned by the CBD and the Challenge of

Implementation

Michael Patrick MacDonaldEarth Day, 2009Pols 259Professor Robert Bartlett

Biodiversity!

1992 Rio Earth Summit• Development and signing of the CBD• Shifted thinking from species preservation to

ecosystem and biodiversity conservation• 191 Parties to the Convention (US not one)• Secretariat located in Montreal

• … Inclusion or Dictation?

In order for the CBD to successfully accomplish its goals of a global community of biodiversity conservation, it must address the lack of interest from the north in supporting southern conservation efforts as well as make conservation measures more enticing for the third world and developing countries of the world.

Elliot• Brundtland Commission and ‘sustainable’ definition

Park et al. (Kütting Chapter)• Asymmetrical wealth distribution

Najam• Organizational tinkering

Equatorial Third World Rising Population

• Growing Fishery • Growing Urban Development

Other Environmental Problems

• Rising Temperature• Air Pollution Issues

Economics• Simply cannot afford

conservation; other key issues more important

‘Relative’ Third World Economy

• Largely based on oil production

• Agriculture- 1% Politics and Public

Perception• Misconception that

biodiversity is not an issue Sustainable Agriculture

• Will it make a difference?

CBD has no proper funding mechanism• GEF in charge of funding• Volunteerism at its finest• What about the South?

Can they foot the bill? Does the GEF even make a difference?

Elliot• No definition of the South’s needs• Biodiversity as a commodity

Protecting state interests Ignoring Indigenous Groups

Park et al.• Asymmetry of Wealth• CBD Headquarters in the North

Najam• Reliance on organizational changes rather than

institutional shift

CBD must create proper funding mechanism to achieve goals

More attention needs to be paid to the North-South economic discrepancy• Northern efforts in sustainable development are

not necessarily an all-encompassing solution• Recognition of the fact that the global south

holds many of the world’s most biodiverse regions

• No real incentive for poor countries to participate

CBD must create proper funding mechanism to achieve goals

More attention needs to be paid to the North-South economic discrepancy• Northern efforts in sustainable development are

not necessarily an all-encompassing solution• Recognition of the fact that the global south

holds many of the world’s most biodiverse regions

• No real incentive for poor countries to participate