Environmental Policy Instruments for Conserving Global Biodiversity

If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes. —Mark 9:23 The current, unprecedented loss of global biodiversity as a result of anthropo­ genic interference in the world''s ecosystems is affecting human well-being across the globe with increasing severity. It therefore represents a major chal­ lenge in international environmental policymaking. With the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the community of states has recognized the in­ creasing importance of preserving biodiversity. Given the extensive context of biodiversity loss and preservation, this study focuses on two issues, which are at the center of the public discussion regarding the objectives of conservation and the sustainable use of biodiversity, and that are addressed by specific policy instruments. The first issue is the regulation of cross-border trade in genetic information and genetic resources. Here, the question is whether the commercial use of genetic information derived from bio­ diversity can create incentives for its preservation. The second issue involves the conservation of biodiversity through the protection of ecologically valuable eco­ systems from human use. Here, the question is how the protection of these natu­ ral areas and the consequent restriction of destructive human use can be organized effectively on an international level. I am very grateful to Professor Horst Siebert for offering valuable advice and support. I also am indebted to Professor Till Requate for his helpful ideas and encouragement.