The Convention on Biological Diversity (cbd), which came into force in December 1993, is a global treaty aimed at protecting the planet's genetic resources of plants and animals. The 160 member nations of the CBD meet once every year to take stock of the work done towards achieving the goals set by the convention, and to determine the future strategy. The forum is known as Conference of Parties (COP). The first two meetings of the parties were staged in the Bahamas and Jakarta.

The cbd also highlights the role of indigenous and local communities in the process of conservation and use of bioresources. Thus, it has as one of its three primary objectives the issue of "free and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the utilisation of genetic resources.'