Sustainable Use of Medicinal Biodiversity1

摘要

Eleven years ago in Rio de Janeiro it was my privilege to preside over the United Nations Conference on the Environment and Development, UNCED, perhaps better known as the Earth Summit, or simply the Rio Summit. This historic gathering brought the world's political leaders face to face with people and organizations representing every sector of civil society to consider urgent questions about our planet's future.While it is true that some of the promises made on that unique occasion have yet to be fulfilled, much progress has been made in a little over a decade. One of the most significant outcomes - particularly from the perspective of today's gathering - was the signing of the international Convention on Biological Diversity. This Convention is significant above all because it recognizes that biological diversity -^s"biodiversity"- is fundamental to every aspect of our lives and livelihoods, including our health.