One of the key agreements adopted at the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro was the Convention on Biological Diversity. The convention covers all ecosystems, species and genetic resources.

Its three objectives are (1) the conservation of biological diversity, (2) the sustainable use of its components, and (3) the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilisation of genetic resources. Today, almost all of the world's governments and the European Union (in total 188 parties) have committed themselves to adhere to the principles set out in the Convention.

The EU Biodiversity Action Plan for Economic and Development Co-operation describes a set of guiding principles and actions aimed at enhancing the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in partner countries and contributing to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.

The objectives include mainstreaming biodiversity in Community development and economic cooperation strategies, integrating Environmental Impact Assessment practices in development co-operation, and providing sufficient funds for biodiversity on bilateral aid programmes as well as international mechanisms. The role of biodiversity in the fight against poverty.

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