About the CGBD Logo

The logo/trademark of the Consultative Group on Biological Diversity was slightly revised in 2010 to include the “CGBD” letters. The central artwork, though, has been used continuously since 1990.  For many of us, we are so accustomed to it that the design has faded into the background.

A close examination, though, finds that it reinforces most of the central aspects of CGBD’s mission. Consider, and find your own symbols in the rich design:

The top quadrant depicts a series of figures that could represent individual human beings or separate communities or cultures—unsustainable population growth is indicated by the figures expanding beyond the limits of the globe.  The structural nature of the lines that form the figures bring to mind the built environment.  Alternatively, the figures could represent turtles, reminding one of the Turtle Island, the Iroquois creation story that emphasizes the interdependence of all living beings.  Or the figures could be seen as Buddhist lanterns, symbolizing both spirituality and knowledge.

The right-hand quadrant’s blue color represents clean air and water, the waves depict the marine habitat that covers more than two-thirds of the planet.  The figures in the lower left of that quadrant can be seen to represent birds—avian species, doves of peace?

The bottom quadrant, a rich green, represents field, forest, jungle—terrestrial habitat. The chevron shapes are characteristic of heads of wheat, representing harvest.  In the center of that quadrant is an ovoid: a seed, a womb…birth.

On the left is a muddy color that represents polluted air and water—toxics.  The swirling shapes can be seen to either as zephyrs of air, representing the atmosphere, or fish—marine species.

All of these shapes are contained within the limits of a single globe, affecting and being influenced by the others…