The Convention on Biological Diversity

DSWF is working under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) to eliminate the commercial exploitation of wildlife where it is not ecologically biologically or culturally sustainable. Furthermore, we are campaigning to end the exploitation of any species that pose a risk to human health.  

What is CBD?

CBD is a United Nations international agreement between governments with three main official goals: the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources. 

Background to the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework?

In 2018, the CBD Conference of the Parties (the governing body of the convention), set out a process to develop a post-2020 global biodiversity framework. This framework is meant to set out an ambitious plan for governments to help transform society’s relationship with biodiversity.

The framework aims to galvanize urgent and transformative action for all of society, including governments, indigenous peoples and local communities, civil society and businesses, to achieve the outcomes it sets out in its vision, mission, goals and targets. To find out more, click here.

What does DSWF do at CBD?

The post-2020 global biodiversity framework, which is currently being negotiated, sets out a list of international goals and targets to achieve the convention’s mandate. However, DSWF believes the draft wording of the current framework is inadequate to deal with the mounting pressures on species survival and to meaningfully and significantly reduce zoonotic disease risk. Of particular concern is target four of the draft framework which aspires to ‘ensure that the harvesting, trade and use of wild species of fauna and flora, is legal, at sustainable levels and safe.’

The final post-2020 global biodiversity framework will be agreed on at the 15th Conference of the Parties in China 2021. DSWF is engaging in multiple meetings and working closely with several fellow conservation organizations to make sure the wording of target 4 is as precautionary as possible and highlights the devastating impacts of the wildlife trade on wildlife populations alongside its impacts on human health.