NewKerala.com

India Leads World in Genetic Resource Compliance with 56% Global Share

India has emerged as the global leader in implementing the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-sharing, issuing 3,561 Internationally Recognised Certificates of Compliance, which represents over 56% of the worldwide total. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change announced that this places India significantly ahead of other countries, with France a distant second at 964 certificates. This achievement reflects the effective implementation of India's framework under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, through streamlined procedures and strong institutional mechanisms. The leadership position highlights India's proactive role in global biodiversity governance and its commitment to the fair and equitable sharing of benefits from biological resources.

Key Points: India Issues 56% of Global Nagoya Protocol Certificates

  • India issues 56% of global compliance certificates
  • Leads 34 implementing countries on ABS platform
  • Framework ensures equitable benefit-sharing
  • Strengthens India's global environmental role
2 min read

India emerges global leader in genetic resource compliance under Nagoya Protocol

India has issued 3,561 of the world's 6,311 Nagoya Protocol compliance certificates, leading global biodiversity governance and benefit-sharing.

"This performance reaffirms India's commitment to ensuring the fair and transparent use of biological resources and associated traditional knowledge. - Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change"

New Delhi, March 31

India has emerged as the global leader in issuing Internationally Recognised Certificates of Compliance under the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-sharing, accounting for more than 56 per cent of all such certificates issued worldwide, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change announced on Tuesday.

According to the latest data available on the ABS Clearing-House, India has issued 3,561 IRCCs out of a global total of 6,311, placing it significantly ahead of other countries in implementing the protocol.

Out of 142 countries registered on the ABS Clearing-House, which serves as a global platform to promote transparency and accountability, only 34 countries have issued IRCCs so far.

India is followed by France with 964 certificates, Spain with 320, Argentina with 257, Panama with 156 and Kenya with 144.

The Ministry said this performance reaffirms India's commitment to ensuring the fair and transparent use of biological resources and associated traditional knowledge.

"Under the Nagoya Protocol, countries granting access to genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge are required to issue IRCCs. These certificates serve as official evidence that Prior Informed Consent has been obtained and that Mutually Agreed Terms have been established between users and providers of resources. The details are then uploaded to the ABS Clearing-House," the Ministry said in a statement.

IRCCs are considered crucial for tracking the utilisation of genetic resources, ranging from research and innovation to eventual commercial applications, while ensuring that benefits arising from their use are shared equitably with the provider country.

The Ministry noted that India's leading position reflects the "effective implementation" of its ABS framework under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.

This framework is implemented through the National Biodiversity Authority at the central level, along with State Biodiversity Boards, Union Territory Biodiversity Councils, and Biodiversity Management Committees at the local level.

"Streamlined procedures and strong institutional mechanisms have enabled efficient processing of applications and ensured compliance with international obligations," the statement added.

According to the Ministry, this achievement highlights India's "proactive role in global biodiversity governance" and its continued efforts to promote fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of biological resources.

"It also aligns with international goals on biodiversity conservation and sustainable use, strengthening India's position as a key player in implementing global environmental agreements," the Ministry said.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Great achievement, but I hope this isn't just about issuing certificates. The real test is ensuring the benefits actually reach the local communities and tribal groups who are the custodians of this traditional knowledge. The framework must work on the ground.
D
David E
As someone working in biotech research, this is significant. A clear, streamlined compliance system in India makes international collaboration much smoother and more ethical. Kudos to the National Biodiversity Authority for this work.
A
Ananya R
More than 56% of global certificates! That's a huge lead over France and others. It's good to see India taking a leadership role in environmental governance. Our biological resources are our wealth, and they must be protected.
S
Siddharth J
This is a positive step, but public awareness is low. Most people don't know about the Nagoya Protocol or the Biological Diversity Act. The government should run campaigns so citizens understand how our resources are being protected and used.
K
Kavya N
Proud of this achievement! It aligns with our ancient principle of living in harmony with nature. Ensuring companies and researchers follow Mutually Agreed Terms is crucial. Hope this success story inspires other countries in the Global South.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50