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International Treaties & Agreements on Biodiversity & Conservation — CBD, CITES & Ramsar

 

🌍 International Treaties & Agreements on Biodiversity & Conservation — CBD, CITES & Ramsar

By Muhammad Zahid, Lecturer in Botany, Government Graduate College Aadhiwal Chowk, Jhang – Future Focus Science Academy (FFSA) Athara Hazari

International Treaties & Agreements on Biodiversity & Conservation — CBD, CITES & Ramsar


🔎 Why Do We Need International Treaties for Biodiversity?

Biodiversity loss is not a local problem — species migrate, ecosystems are interconnected, and environmental damage in one country can affect others. Issues like overhunting, illegal wildlife trade, habitat destruction, and wetland degradation cannot be solved by one nation alone.

This global crisis led to the creation of international agreements that set common rules, shared responsibilities, and cooperative strategies for conserving biodiversity.

Three of the most important ones are:

  1. CBD — Convention on Biological Diversity

  2. CITES — Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora

  3. Ramsar Convention on Wetlands

1️⃣ Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

📜 How & Why It Was Formed

  • In the 1980s, scientists raised alarms over rapid species extinction and loss of genetic diversity due to deforestation, pollution, and overexploitation.

  • At the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 1992, world leaders recognized biodiversity as a common heritage of humanity that must be protected.

  • The CBD was adopted in 1992 and came into force on 29 December 1993.

🎯 Main Objectives

  1. Conservation of biodiversity (species, ecosystems, genetic diversity)

  2. Sustainable use of its components

  3. Fair and equitable sharing of benefits from genetic resources

📌 Detailed Points

  • Legal framework for countries to prepare National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs).

  • Encourages in-situ conservation (protected areas, national parks) and ex-situ conservation (botanical gardens, seed banks).

  • Promotes public awareness, research, and education on biodiversity.

  • Integrates biodiversity protection into economic and development planning.

  • Special protocols: Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety and Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing.

🇵🇰 Pakistan’s Role

  • Signed CBD in 1992, ratified in 1994.

  • Prepared Pakistan Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) to meet CBD targets.

Global Achievements of the CBD

  1. Mainstreaming Biodiversity
    The CBD has successfully placed biodiversity at the center of global environmental policies. It catalyzed the UN Decade on Biological Diversity (2011–2020) and inspired broad collaboration across UN agencies and treaties like CITES, Ramsar, and the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation.IUCN

  2. Protected Areas Expansion
    The Convention spurred creation and expansion of protected zones worldwide. By 2020, countries had conserved ~15% of terrestrial and ~7% of marine areas, laying the groundwork for the “30×30” goal under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF).Institute of Sustainability Studiescivilsphodo.in

  3. Protocols for Safety & Equity
    With CBD’s endorsement, crucial agreements were adopted: the Cartagena Protocol (2003) to manage living modified organisms, and the Nagoya Protocol (2014) to ensure equitable sharing of benefits from genetic resources.Institute of Sustainability Studiesenvirocivil.com

  4. Elevating Indigenous & Local Contributions
    The Convention has spotlighted Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs)—especially through Nagoya Protocol provisions recognizing their traditional knowledge and involvement.AP NewsCGIAR

  5. Digital Sequence Information (DSI) Benefit-sharing: “Cali Fund”
    At COP16, delegates created the Cali Fund, a pioneering financial mechanism requiring companies using DSI (from plants, animals, microbes) to contribute a portion of profits. Half of these funds are allocated directly to IPLCs. This marks a landmark in ensuring fairness and accountability in biodiversity usage.CGIARVoxWikipedia

  6. Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF 2022)
    Adopted in 2022 (COP15), the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework sets out 4 goals and 23 targets to halt biodiversity loss by 2030. It includes commitments for ecosystem restoration, reducing harmful subsidies, and climate integration.civilsphodo.in

CBD's Impact in Pakistan

  1. National Strategy & Legal Framework
    Pakistan signed the CBD in 1992 and ratified it in 1994. A National Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) was formulated in 2002 with IUCN support. Pakistan regularly submits national implementation reports under CBD guidelines.envirocivil.comLinkedInPID

  2. Protected Areas & Conservation Zones
    Pakistan now has around 400 protected areas representing ~13% of its land. The aim is to reach at least 17% by 2030, in line with CBD commitments. The country also has 19 Ramsar wetlands and 4 UNESCO biosphere reserves.Wikipedia+1

  3. Community-led Conservation & Trophy Hunting
    Under the CBD framework, community-based conservation projects—including trophy hunting—have been implemented successfully. These initiatives helped boost populations of Markhor, Ibex, Urial, Blue Sheep, and Sind Wild Goat, while benefiting local communities through sustainable income.PID

  4. IUCN-Pakistan’s Role
    IUCN Pakistan has been pivotal—developing the first Biodiversity Action Plan, facilitating protected area notifications (e.g., Astola Island as Pakistan’s first Marine Protected Area), safeguarding green turtles, migratory birds, freshwater turtles, and supporting Markhor recovery. It also spearheaded mangrove reforestation and Eco-tourism initiatives.IUCN

  5. Species Recovery Initiatives
    NGOs like the Himalayan Wildlife Foundation led efforts in Deosai National Park that rescued the Himalayan Brown Bear from near-extinction—translating conservation science into action.Wikipe

2️⃣ Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)

📜 How & Why It Was Formed

  • In the late 1960s, wildlife species like tigers, elephants, and orchids were being exploited for trade — skins, ivory, exotic pets, and medicinal plants were overharvested.

  • There was no global legal control on wildlife trade.

  • In Washington D.C., 1973, countries signed CITES to regulate trade so it would not threaten species survival.

  • Came into force on 1 July 1975.

🎯 Main Objective

  • Ensure that international trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.

📌 Detailed Points

  • Appendix I: Species threatened with extinction — trade only allowed in exceptional circumstances.

  • Appendix II: Species that may become endangered without trade regulation.

  • Appendix III: Species protected in at least one country needing help from others.

  • Requires permits, licenses, and certification for any listed species trade.

  • Works with customs and law enforcement to combat illegal wildlife trade.

🇵🇰 Pakistan’s Role

  • Joined CITES in 1976.

  • Banned hunting/trade of endangered species such as snow leopard, freshwater turtles, houbara bustard.

CITES — Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species

1. Purpose & Formation

CITES was established in 1973 in Washington, D.C., to combat the escalating wildlife trade driven by the demand for luxury items such as furs, ivory, and exotic pets. It came into force on 1 July 1975 and now has 185 Parties, including the European Union Wikipedia.
The Convention operates through three appendices that tier species based on their level of endangerment, granting a systematic, legal framework for permitting trade and enforcing penalties WikipediaAmerican Bar Association.

Global Achievements of CITES

  1. Preventing Trade-Driven Extinctions
    No species listed under CITES has gone extinct due to international trade in the past decades. Its science-driven appendices and permitting system have saved multiple species from extinction Every CRS ReportCITES.

  2. Reviving Populations via Sustainable Trade
    Success stories such as the recovery of the South American vicuña and Nile crocodile demonstrate how regulated trade can incentivize conservation and benefit local communities CITES.

  3. Expanding Scope & Strengthening Enforcement
    At the 19th Conference of the Parties (CoP19) in 2022, over 500 species—including sharks, turtles, amphibians, and tree species—were added or had their trade controls updated. A record 365 decisions were also adopted to enhance global protection IISD Earth Negotiations Bulletin.

  4. Combating Wildlife Crime through Global Collaboration
    The International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crime (ICCWC) supports CITES enforcement across nations. In 2023, its Operation Thunder involved 133 countries, yielding over 2,000 seizures and 500 arrests related to wildlife crime cites-iccwc.leman.un-icc.cloud.

  5. Enforcing Compliance with Real Consequences
    CITES’ compliance mechanisms empower it to recommend trade suspensions for non-compliant Parties. For example, sanctions were placed on countries like Mexico and Oman for failing to implement required protections. Such actions underscore CITES’ “sharp teeth” in enforcement IISD Earth Negotiations BulletinSDG Knowledge Hub.

CITES in Pakistan

  • Recognition for Strong Legal Enforcement
    In November 2023, Pakistan was elevated to CITES Category I, reflecting its robust domestic legislation—the Pakistan Trade Control of Wild Fauna and Flora Act, 2012—and effective regulation of wildlife trade through coordinated provincial and federal oversight PIDApp.

Summary Table

AspectDetails
Formation & Parties1973 treaty; in force since 1975; 185 Parties worldwide
Key Global WinsPrevented trade-driven extinctions; species recoveries; expanded species protection; robust enforcement via ICCWC & CoP decisions
Enforcement ToolsAppendices permit system; compliance sanctions; global operations like “Thunder”
Pakistan’s SuccessElevated to CITES Category I for strong legislation and implementation

3️⃣ Ramsar Convention on Wetlands

📜 How & Why It Was Formed

  • By the 1960s, many wetlands — crucial for migratory birds, fisheries, and water purification — were being drained for agriculture and urban expansion.

  • Scientists and conservationists pushed for a global treaty to protect wetlands.

  • Signed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971 and came into force on 21 December 1975.

🎯 Main Objective

  • Conserve and use wetlands wisely for present and future generations.

📌 Detailed Points

  • Identifies Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Sites).

  • Encourages countries to integrate wetland protection into national land-use planning.

  • Protects habitats for waterbirds, fish, amphibians, and other species.

  • Promotes community participation in wetland management.

  • Provides a platform for international cooperation on transboundary wetlands.

🇵🇰 Pakistan’s Role

  • Became a member in 1976.

  • Has 19 Ramsar Sites covering over 1.34 million hectares (e.g., Haleji Lake, Uchhali Wetlands Complex, Indus Dolphin Reserve).

📊 Quick Comparison Table

FeatureCBDCITESRamsar
Adopted199219731971
FocusOverall biodiversityRegulating wildlife tradeWetland conservation
Parties196184172
Pakistan Membership199419761976
Key ToolNBSAPs, conservation plansAppendices I–IIIRamsar Sites list

🌱 Importance of These Treaties

  • Protect species from extinction

  • Preserve ecosystems vital for life

  • Encourage sustainable use of resources

  • Promote global collaboration

  • Support eco-tourism and local economies

Ramsar Convention on Wetlands — Overview & Achievements

1. Purpose & Formation

  • Established on 2 February 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, and entered into force on 21 December 1975, the Ramsar Convention is focused on the conservation and wise use of vital wetland ecosystems—from marshes and peatlands to coral reefs and rice paddies. UNESCO World Heritage Centre

  • It remains the only major international treaty with a site-based conservation approach, in synergy with UNESCO’s World Heritage Convention. UNESCO World Heritage Centre

2. Global Achievements

  • Millions of hectares protected: By 2008, approximately 168 million hectares had been designated as Ramsar Sites, a testament to global commitment to these ecosystems. ramsar.org

  • Synergistic designation with World Heritage: Over 97 wetland areas have been recognized under both Ramsar and World Heritage frameworks, enhancing conservation and cultural integration. UNESCO World Heritage Centre

  • Innovation awards for conservation heroes: The Ramsar Wetland Conservation Awards (established in 1996) honor outstanding contributions across innovation, leadership, and youth-led initiatives. Each recipient receives an Evian Special Prize funded by Danone. ramsar.org

  • Urgent economic and ecological warnings: A 2025 report underscores the staggering risk of $39 trillion in losses by 2050 due to wetland degradation—22% of global wetlands have vanished since 1970, prompting calls for massive restoration funding. Reuters

  • Promotion of sustainable lifestyles: At Ramsar COP15 in July 2025, India’s resolution for “Promoting Sustainable Lifestyles for the Wise Use of Wetlands” was adopted, reflecting the Convention’s evolving scope. The Times of India

Ramsar Convention’s Impact in Pakistan

Pakistan has embraced Ramsar goals through multiple internationally recognized wetland sites:

Notable Ramsar Sites in Pakistan

  • Uchhali Wetlands Complex, Punjab (since 1996): Comprising Khabikki, Uchhali, and Jahlar Lakes, it supports migratory species like the White-headed Duck, Cinereous Vulture, and Greater Flamingo. Wikipedia

  • Hub Dam Wetland, Sindh–Balochistan (since 2001): A wildlife sanctuary for cranes, pelicans, ducks, and over 45,000 waterbirds during migration. wwf.org.pk

  • Jubho Lagoon, Sindh (since 2011): A critical habitat for waterbirds—including Dalmatian pelicans (vulnerable) and thousands of flamingos—though facing threats from pollution and hunting. Wikipedia

  • Keenjhar Lake, Sindh: A key drinking water source and biodiversity hotspot, home to migratory ducks, flamingos, cormorants, and unique breeding birds. Wikipedia

  • Indus River Delta (since 2002): One of the world’s largest desert-mangrove ecosystems, showing promise in mangrove restoration despite challenges. Wikipedia


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