Law, genetic diversity and hybrids: Future perspectives for international environmental law

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is a key environmental law treaty representing international consensus on the conservation of all living natural resources. It is a huge step forward for the international community, however, its ability to achieve lasting, positive conservation outcomes remains debateable. Arguably, it has failed to adequately prioritise the conservation of biodiversity over the achievement of sustainable development and therefore a reassessment is now required and further research and development needed to ensure effective conservation of living natural resources for the present and future generations. This paper will argue that an innovative approach must be taken to biodiversity under the CBD and in particular the method for understanding and quantifying biodiversity in the face of continuing scientific understanding.24 page(s