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 * The Contracting Parties.


 * Conscious of the intrinsic value of biological diversity and of the ecological, genetic, social, economic, scientific, educational, cultural, recreational and aesthetic values of biological diversity and its components.


 * Conscious also of the importance of biological diversity for evolution and for maintaining life sustaining systems of the biosphere.


 * Affirming that the conservation of biological diversity is a common concern of humankind.


 * Reaffirming that States have sovereign rights over their own biological resources,