B - Convention on Biological Diversity

INTRODUCTIONI. Terms of ReferenceThe National Biodiversity Strategy of the Czech Republic (hereinafter the “Strategy”) was formulated shortlyafter the accession of the Czech Republic (CR) to the European Union (EU). This is the first document that outlinesthe further biodiversity conservation and management in the country. The Strategy has been submitted forapproval to the Government of the CR as a task in the non-legislative plan of work of the Government for 2005.It is based on the <strong>Convention</strong> on Biological Diversity (hereinafter the “<strong>Convention</strong>”, “CBD”), which was openfor the signature at the UN Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED, “Earth Summit”) in Rio deJaneiro in June 1992. It came into force for the CR on March 3, 1994. The <strong>Convention</strong> is considered globally tobe a key document in the conservation of biological diversity (biodiversity) at all three levels (genetic, speciesand ecosystem).The very definition of the <strong>Convention</strong>’s objectives indicates a clear direction, although a very broad one. TheContracting Parties to the <strong>Convention</strong> pledged to implement the three objectives of the <strong>Convention</strong>, consistingin:1. conservation of biological diversity2. sustainable use of components of biological diversity3. fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources.In order for the Contracting Parties to the <strong>Convention</strong> to be capable of implementing these objectives, pursuantto the Article 6, in accordance with their particular conditions and capabilities, they are to develop nationalstrategies, plans and programmes for the conservation of biological diversity and sustainable use of itscomponents or adapt existing strategies, plans or programmes for this purpose. These should refl ect, inter alia,the measures set forth in this <strong>Convention</strong> and relevant to the particular Contracting Party and also integrate, asfar as possible and as appropriate, the conservation of biological diversity and sustainable use of its componentsinto the relevant sectoral or cross-sectoral plans, programmes and policies.The Strategy is a fundamental document that is based on the related activities of the <strong>Convention</strong>, i.e. thethematic programmes of work, proposed by the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice(SBSTTA), which are then approved by the Conference of the Parties (COP). The individual thematic programmesof work of the COP should, within the capabilities of each country, be included in national biodiversity strategiesand subsequently incorporated and elaborated in action plans. The Strategy accepts the thematic programmes ofwork and suitably modifies the objectives set forth in them on the basis of the current conditions and capabilitiesin the CR.13