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1 (May 16, 1995)

handle is hein.crs/crsaacy0001 and id is 1 raw text is: Order Code 95-596 ENR May 16, 1995 CRS Report for Congress Received through the CRS Web Biological Diversity Treaty: Fact Sheet Susan R. Fletcher Senior Analyst in International Environmental Policy Environment and Natural Resources Policy Division As human activity continues to change and modify natural areas, widespread extinctions of plants, animals, and other types of species result. Many scientists believe that such extinctions are currently occurring at the fastest rate in human history. Consequences for human welfare include loss of species needed for revitalization of food crops, future medicines, new crops, and loss of ecosystems that regulate rainfall cycles, control flooding, filter out water pollutants, and affect basic systems such as climate. In 1992, negotiations conducted under the auspices of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) were completed on a comprehensive global treaty to protect biological diversity (also frequently called biodiversity). The treaty was rushed to completion so that it could be brought to the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro for signature. The treaty was regarded by some environmentalists as too weak to be effective, as it contained few requirements for action, instead promoting and encouraging member nations to carry out research, collect data, conduct inventories of species, and formulate action plans and strategies for protection of biodiversity. However, others opposed it because it was somewhat vague on actions required, and there were some who worried that future resolution of these issues could require unwelcome actions. Specific concerns were raised about protection of intellectual property rights and how the financial assistance mechanism to aid developing countries would be developed. The treaty was acted upon internationally and in the United States as follows: It was opened for signature in June 1992 at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), also known as the Earth Summit, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Most countries, including all of the developed/industrialized countries, signed the treaty in Rio, with the exception of the United States. President Bush cited concerns about protection of intellectual property rights and about the vague nature of the financial aspects of the treaty. In June 1993, President Clinton signed the treaty and sent it to the Senate in November for advice and consent, along with an interpretive statement that clarified how the United States would interpret the treaty in order to avoid problems with intellectual property rights and other concerns. (See Congressional Research Service +* The Library of Congress

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