A/RES/68/214 Implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity and its contribution to sustainable development Recalling the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, 9 Recalling also that the objectives of the Convention, to be pursued in accordance with its relevant provisions, are 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, including by appropriate access to genetic resources and by appropriate transfer of relevant technologies, taking into account all rights over those resources and to technologies, and by appropriate funding, Reaffirming the intrinsic value of biological diversity as well as the ecological, genetic, social, economic, scientific, educational, cultural, recreational and aesthetic values of biological diversity and its critical role in maintaining ecosystems that provide essential services, which are critical foundations for sustainable development and human well-being, Recognizing that the achievement of the three objectives of the Convention is crucial for sustainable development, poverty eradication and the improvement of human well-being and a major factor underpinning the achievement of the internationally agreed development goals, including the Millennium Development Goals, Reaffirming that, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and the principles of international law, States have the sovereign right to exploit their own resources pursuant to their own environmental policies and the responsibility to ensure that activities within their jurisdiction or control do not cause damage to the environment of other States or of areas beyond the limits of national jurisdiction, Recalling that, in its resolution 65/161, the General Assembly declared the decade 2011–2020 the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity, with a view to contributing to the implementation of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011–2020,10 Recognizing that the traditional knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous and local communities make an important contribution to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and that their wider application can support social well-being and sustainable livelihoods, Recognizing also the vital role that women play in the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, and reaffirming the need for the full participation of women at all levels of policy-making and implementation for the conservation of biological diversity, Recognizing further the important role of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, 11 an international agreement that stands at the intersection between trade, the environment and development, promotes the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, should contribute to tangible benefits for local people and ensures that no species entering into international trade is threatened with extinction, recognizing the economic, social and environmental impacts of poaching and of illicit trafficking in wildlife, where firm and strengthened action needs to be taken on both the supply and demand _______________ 9 Resolution 61/295, annex. United Nations Environment Programme, document UNEP/CBD/COP/10/27, annex, decision X/2. 11 United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 993, No. 14537. 10 2/6