The FAO estimates that 40% of global economy is based on biological resources (CBD, undated
a). The CBD Secretariat states that ‘in many cases, if not most, sustainable use is one of the
strongest assurances for the protection of biological resources. As the adage goes, “Nature
pays, so it stays”. Indeed, the lessons derived from experiences of sustainable usage can be
applied to all economic activities, including agriculture and livestock management, forestry,
fisheries, biofuels production or bioprospecting. Under the general guidelines of sustainable
management, healthy ecosystems result in economic and other benefits to people, and only
then does their long-term survival become secure’.
Target 6 was formulated to ensure sustainable use of biodiversity and its actions involve
establishing new financing mechanisms for sustainable financing for biodiversity conservation;
introducing economic instruments to encourage biodiversity conservation and sustainable use;
removing perverse incentives; improving harvesting methods and preventing overexploitation
through proper resource management, especially in the marine sector.