The CBD is far reaching and the COP has the capacity to set up standing or ad hoc committee to deal with specific issues. The CBD can also serve as a framework for binding protocols. The first such protocol, on biosafety, is currently being negotiated. A Secretariat, located in Montreal, Canada, provides administrative support to the Convention under the auspices of the United Nations Environment Program. The Convention on Biological Diversity affirms that conservation of biodiversity is a common concern of humankind and reaffirms that nations have sovereign rights over their own biological resources.
Implementation depends principally on action by Parties at the national level.
In this respect, the Convention provides general guidance on best practices, but does not currently include any sanctions for countries that do not adhere to these practices. The Convention covers both terrestrial and marine biota , and Parties are explicitly required to implement the CBD consistent with the rights and obligations of States under the law of the sea. The major commitments made by Parties to the Convention encompass nearly all aspects of NMFS work and responsibilities. To require environmental impact assessments that address impacts on biodiversity and to minimize such impacts.