The objectives of the Convention are the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources. The Convention sets out broad commitments by Governments to take action at the national level for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity. Since its entry into force, the Parties have translated the Convention into a series of programmes of work. Each programme of work establishes a vision for, and basic principles to guide, future work, identifies goals, objectives and activities, determines potential outputs and suggests a timetable and means for achieving these outputs.