The CBD, effective since1993, is the first global agreement to cover all aspects of biological diversity: the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources. The website, available in English, Spanish and French, has information from major CBD meetings (Conference of the Parties), reports, publications and national biodiversity strategies and action plans of participating countries. History: http://www.cbd.int/convention/history.shtml