Man or Beast: The Convention on Biological Diversity and The Emerging Law of Sustainable Development

Mr. Ward explores the legal nature of the Convention on Biological Diversity by examining patterns in the development of international law. He considers two categories of global agreements: (1) novel issues agreements and (2) general principles agreements. The article defines these two types of agreements and then considers whether the Convention addresses a novel issue in conservation law. Mr. Ward argues that the Convention is instead a general principles agreement that marks a new development in international law.

The article concludes by exploring how the Convention may influence the further evolution of the law of sustainable development.