What is highlighted by the United Nations Convention in Biological Diversity as a definition of biotechnology?

The definition highlighted by the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity encompasses a broad view of biotechnology as any application that uses biological systems for specific purposes. This includes a wide range of activities that leverage biological processes, not limited to genetic modifications or any specific subfield such as agriculture or fermentation.

By recognizing biotechnology in this expansive manner, the Convention reflects the diversity of methods and applications that can arise from harnessing biological systems. This can range from medical advancements, such as drug development, to environmental applications, like bioremediation, allowing for significant advancements in various domains that impact human life and the ecosystem. The inclusion of all these applications emphasizes the importance of understanding and managing biological resources in a sustainable way, aligning with the goals of the Convention to promote biodiversity conservation while utilizing biological knowledge responsibly.