HIGHLIGHTS
Unprecedented mobilization for biodiversity

Since its founding in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) has generated a broad consensus. One of the world's most ratified international treaties, 191 countries are now Parties to the Convention, allied to promote sustainable development through three objectives: conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of its components, and fair and equitable sharing of the benefits from the use of genetic resources. Canada, which has shown its commitment from the beginning, has hosted the Convention Secretariat in Montréal since 1996.

In May 2008, ­Convention member states met at the 9th Conference of the Parties (CoP9). A large Canadian delegation, including representatives from the Government of Québec, the City of Montréal and Montréal International, attended. The Prime Minister of Canada, Stephen Harper, the Canadian Minister of Environment, John Baird and the Parliamentary Assistant to the Québec Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks, Gerry Sklavounos, were also in attendance.

With 2010 approaching, the date set by governments to achieve significant progress in reducing the rate of biodiversity loss, the international community’s attention is increas-ingly focused on biodiversity protection. This is evidenced by the record number of participants at CoP9, over 5,000 delegates. Through worldwide umbrella groups, various stakeholders joined the event for the first time, such as parliamentarians, private sector representatives, youth, women, athletes and mayors.

Cities and local governments are joining forces to contribute to the protection and promotion of biodiversity. The Mayor of Montréal, Mr. Gérald Tremblay, and the Mayors of Nagoya (Japan), Curitiba (Brazil) and Bonn (Germany) had the opportunity to present to the CoP9 High-Level Segment the position statements of the cities participating in the “Local Action for Biodiversity”.