Environment : COP 10 - Convention On Biological Diversity

The tenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP) will be held in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan, from 18 to 29 October 2010.

The official site for COP 10 - Convention on Biological Diversity.

Description of the COP :
"The convention reminds decision-makers that natural resources are not infinite and sets out a philosophy of sustainable use. While past conservation efforts were aimed at protecting particular species and habitats, the Convention recognizes that ecosystems, species and genes must be used for the benefit of humans. However, this should be done in a way and at a rate that does not lead to the long-term decline of biological diversity.

The convention also offers decision-makers guidance based on the precautionary principle that where there is a threat of significant reduction or loss of biological diversity, lack of full scientific certainty should not be used as a reason for postponing measures to avoid or minimize such a threat. The Convention acknowledges that substantial investments are required to conserve biological diversity. It argues, however, that conservation will bring us significant environmental, economic and social benefits in return."