{
  "id": "95-596",
  "type": "CRS Report",
  "typeId": "REPORTS",
  "number": "95-596",
  "active": false,
  "source": "EveryCRSReport.com",
  "versions": [
    {
      "source": "EveryCRSReport.com",
      "id": 104013,
      "date": "1995-05-16",
      "retrieved": "2016-05-24T21:03:46.997941",
      "title": "Biological Diversity Treaty: Fact Sheet",
      "summary": "As human activity continues to change and modify natural areas, widespread extinctions of plants,\nanimals, and other types of species result. Many scientists believe that such extinctions are currently\noccurring at the fastest rate in human history. Consequences for human welfare include loss of\nspecies needed for revitalization of food crops, future medicines, new crops, and loss of ecosystems\nthat regulate rainfall cycles, control flooding, filter out water pollutants, and affect basic systems such\nas climate.\n  In 1992, negotiations conducted under the auspices of the United Nations Environment\nProgramme (UNEP) were completed on a comprehensive global treaty to protect biological diversity\n(also frequently called biodiversity). The treaty was rushed to completion so that it could be brought\nto the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro for signature. The treaty was regarded by some\nenvironmentalists as too weak to be effective, as it contained few requirements for action, instead\npromoting and encouraging member nations to carry out research, collect data, conduct inventories\nof species, and formulate action plans and strategies for protection of biodiversity. However, others\nopposed it because it was somewhat vague on actions required, and there were some who worried\nthat future resolution of these issues could require unwelcome actions. Specific concerns were raised\nabout protection of intellectual property rights and how the financial assistance mechanism to aid\ndeveloping countries would be developed.",
      "type": "CRS Report",
      "typeId": "REPORTS",
      "active": false,
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          "encoding": null,
          "url": "http://www.crs.gov/Reports/pdf/95-596",
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          "images": null
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          "format": "HTML",
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      ],
      "topics": []
    }
  ],
  "topics": [
    "Energy Policy",
    "Environmental Policy"
  ]
}