Explained: Can global biodiversity framework actually protect, promote it

Experts tell us that the world needs a stronger framework, which compels countries to abide by it, and to keep a check on biopiracy issues

Since its adoption following the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, the Convention on Biological Diversity has been pushing countries to protect biodiversity, and slow and halt the rapid decline of species and habitats. But these targets mostly remain unmet.

"The critique of the 1992 convention on biological diversity has been that while this is a multilateral environmental agreement, without an international-level dispute settlement forum, it isn't enforceable, where you can actually take on countries for non-compliance," said Shalini Bhutani, a legal researcher and policy analyst who tracks agriculture and biodiversity issues in the Asian region.

In 2010, 196 member countries adopted the Aichi