The biodiversity crisis, which becomes apparent in the loss of habitats, species and genetic variability of living forms, forces us to define new policies for nature conservation in a short term, which should be sustained on a scientific knowledge of the principal biotic attributes of the hemisphere's natural ecosystems.

It has become necessary to establish a communication system in the area of biodiversity research which will permit both optimum development of basic research and the development of methods and techniques that contribute to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.

It has become necessary to regulate queries of and use of information of biological collections and databases on biodiversity provided through IABIN, upon ethical and International Intellectual Property rules.