The study provides a detailed, accessible analysis of biodiversity from the perspective of the human rights paradigm. It covers both international biodiversity law and international human rights law such as the treaty obligations under the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). It identifies opportunities for EU unilateral and bilateral external action and in multilateral international fora such as the Conference of the Parties (COP), the Aarhus Convention, wastes and the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights.

The study concludes with a series of policy recommendations on how EU institutions can support the development of a human rights-based approach to preserving biodiversity and fighting against climate change.