Convention on Biological Diversity
“Signed ... at the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, the Convention on Biological Diversity is dedicated to promoting sustainable development. Conceived as a practical tool for translating the principles of Agenda 21 into reality, the Convention recognises that biological diversity is about more than plants, animals and micro organisms and their ecosystems – it is about people and our need for food security, medicines, fresh air and water, shelter, and a clean and healthy environment in which to live.”.
CTFA follows the developments of the Convention and the domestication of the requirements locally, due to South Africa being a party. Further, “The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety is an international agreement which aims to ensure the safe handling, transport and use of living modified organisms (LMOs) resulting from modern biotechnology that may have adverse effects on biological diversity, taking also into account risks to human health. It was adopted on 29 January 2000 and entered into force on 11 September 2003.” This protocol, together with the Nagoya Protocol are also relevant to the cosmetic and personal care industry. The latter has particular importance to how countries implement access and benefit-sharing mechanisms,; rights and agreements.