Book Review

by Paul Ganderton

Swanson T. 1997. Global Action for Biodiversity. Earthscan. pp xiv + 191. ISBN 1 85383 358 4. £14.95

One of the criticisms levelled at Rio was that it was little more than a talking shop with few practical benefits. Other texts (e.g. Dodds in this review) have examined some of the complexities that are to be faced. In this text, Swanson takes just one element, biodiversity, and subjects it to scrutiny. Not only is the effect to provide detail about the Convention for Biological Diversity (CBD) but also to suggest ways in which it could be made a viable and worthwhile international task. The opening chapter looks at how and why the CBD came about and some of the problems it has generated. The second chapter examines how species decline can occur using "bio-economics" as the perspective. This use of applied economics continues through the remaining chapters. The third chapter wonders if development and biodiversity can be reconciled (with the result being a very qualified yes). The debate then turns to the role of biodiversity in developing nations. Chapter 5 is the pivotal one describing the CBD. The four subsequent chapters examine various elements that were outlined: institutions, development rights, international regulation and intellectual property rights (a neglected area until recently but fundamentally important for the developing world). The final concluding chapter sums up work to date and charts future directions. Copious references are given allowing people interested to follow any of the ideas.

This is an interesting text not just for the subject but the way it is analysed. Although of greater value for the teacher or advanced student hoping to increase their knowledge it does provide a number of contentious issues that could be used to great effect to stimulate class discussion.