Biological diversity

The Convention on biological diversity is an historic committment by the world's nations to conserve biological diversity, to use biological resources sustainably and to share equitably the benefits arising from the use of genetic resources. It is the first global legal instrument to comprehensivly address all aspects of biological diversity. The guide illustrates the scientific, technical and legal issues which the Convention raises.

The authors show how cost-benefit techniques can be applied to biodiversity and how they provide a measure of the efficiency of conservation techniques. Only if biodiversity conservation passes a basic economic test such as cost-benefit analysis is it likely to be incorporated into policy.

Covers the full spectrum of legal mechanisms available for conserving biodiversity. Part 1 discusses the scope of state powers to conserve wild species and habitats, legal mechanisms for controlling taking, procedures for listing species in need of conservation measures, mechanisms for controlling trade and the challenges of enforcement. Part 2 covers area-based conservation at local and national level, as well as in transfrontier protected areas and areas beyond national jurisdiction.