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The Convention on Biological Diversity 1992 has
as its objectives the conservation of biological diversity, the
sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable
sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilisation of genetic
resources. However, it has been criticised as having achieved little
real progress. For instance, Guruswamy (1999) has argued that by
rejecting legally binding environmental obligations and embracing
highly qualified ‘soft’ commitments, the CBD as conceived is
inherently flawed. For instance, it “(1) rejects the concept of
sustainable development by prioritising economic growth over
environmental protection; (2) denies state responsibility for damage
to the global commons; and (3) repudiates the idea that the plant,
animal, insect and genetic resources of the world (our biodiversity)
are the common heritage of humankind and that it is the
responsibility of the community of nations to protect this heritage”
(Guruswamy 1999).
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