Synopsis At the Earth Summit in Rio in 1992, over 150 nations signed the convention on biological diversity-a record by any standard. Since then, nearly 20 other states have signed the convention. Over 40 states ratified the convention in less than 18 months another record-so that the convention became International Environmental Law on 29 December 1993. Widening perspectives on biodiversity raises and discusses essential questions related to the convention on biological diversity, conservation and use of genetic resources, and North-South controversies and opportunities and provides specific and original answers based on the contributors' own experiences.