The Convention on Biological Diversity is an historic commitment by the world’s nations to conserve biodiversity, to use biological resources sustainably and to share equitably the benefits arising from the use of genetic resources. It is the first global legal instrument to comprehensively address all aspects of biodiversity. The Guide illustrates the scientific, technical and legal issues which the Convention raises. Designed as a reference document, the Guide’s table of contents, pagination, index and commentary cross-references give the reader easy access to the book’s comprehensive rendering of what could be involved in fulfilling the obligations of the Convention. There is also a detailed bibliography.