Global Biodiversity

Abstract

The Convention on Biologica1 Diversity which was signed at the Rio Summit (UNCED) in 1992 and which came into effect at the end of 1993 is one of the most significant and far-reaching environmental treaties ever to have been developed. As it states in the preamble the Contracting Parties 'are aware of the general lack of information and knowledge regarding biological diversity and of the urgent need to develop scientific, technical and institutional capacities to provide the basic understanding on which to plan and implement appropriate measures.' It was this recognition that led to the decision by ULWP to commission an independent, critical peer-reviewed, scientific analysis of all the current issues, theories and views regarding biodiversity, viewed Îrom a global perspective. This study, known as the Giobal Biodiversity Assessment was initiated in May 1993 and published for U N E ? by Cambridge University Press in November 1995 (Heywood 1995) with a formal launch at the second Conference of the Parties held that month in Jakarta, Indonesia. It was largely financed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and was also supported from UNEP's Environment Fund. The Assessment was written by thirteen teams of experts involving some 300 authors from over 50 countries; in addition several hundred scientists from more than 80 countries and covering many different disciplines in the biological, economic and social sciences peer-reviewed various parts of the text. The Assessment is divided into the following sections: Introduction