The CBD is dedicated to the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources. The Berne Declaration participates in the convention’s negotiations concerning the equitable sharing of benefits and exposes companies, universities, and states that violate the convention by engaging in or supporting biopiracy.

The patent laws of industrial countries have to be brought in compliance with the provisions of the Convention on Biological Diversity. The Berne Declaration pursues this goal on a national level (see our position paper re: patent and species protection law) and also supports the demand of developing countries for an adjustment of the WTO agreement concerning trade aspects of intellectual property rights (TRIPS-agreement) and WIPO agreements. Patent applicants shall be asked to provide evidence that their access to plant genetic resources and/or traditional knowledge was in accordance with the provisions of the CBT.