Biodiversity and the Nagoya Protocol

The Nagoya Protocol aims to ensure that the benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources are shared fairly and equitably with the countries and communities that provide these resources.

Prior informed consent is a fundamental principle of the Nagoya Protocol, which requires that indigenous communities and local communities be consulted and provided with information before their traditional knowledge is accessed or used.

The Nagoya Protocol is a supplementary agreement to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and provides a specific framework for the implementation of the CBD's objectives related to access to genetic resources and benefit-sharing.

Access and benefit-sharing agreements are legal contracts that outline the terms and conditions for accessing and using genetic resources, including the sharing of benefits with the provider of the resources.

Benefit-sharing is a key principle of the Nagoya Protocol and refers to the process of providing financial or other benefits to the country or community that provides genetic resources in exchange for access to those resources.

Access refers to the process of obtaining genetic resources from a country or community for research, development, or commercial purposes.

Utilization refers to the process of using genetic resources for research, development, or commercial purposes, such as developing new drugs, crops, or technologies.

Documentation refers to the process of documenting and sharing information about genetic resources, including their location, characteristics, and potential uses, to facilitate access and benefit-sharing.

Compliance refers to the process of monitoring and enforcing compliance with the Nagoya Protocol, including ensuring that prior informed consent is obtained, benefit-sharing agreements are in place, and genetic resources are used in a sustainable manner.

Dispute settlement refers to the process of resolving disputes related to access to genetic resources and benefit-sharing, through negotiation, mediation, or arbitration.

Capacity building refers to the process of promoting awareness and understanding of the Nagoya Protocol and its objectives, through training, workshops, and other initiatives.

Information system refers to the process of establishing and maintaining a global information system on genetic resources, including information on access and benefit-sharing, to facilitate the implementation of the Nagoya Protocol.

Cooperation refers to the process of promoting cooperation and collaboration among countries and organizations to implement the Nagoya Protocol, including sharing information, experiences, and best practices.

Review and update refers to the process of reviewing and updating the Nagoya Protocol to ensure its effectiveness and relevance, in light of new scientific, technical, and policy developments.

National implementation refers to the process of promoting the implementation of the Nagoya Protocol at the national and regional levels, through the development of national legislation, policies, and institutional mechanisms.