Even if we know that the implementation of ABS practices are not easy due to various factors such as:
- National regulation under development, which uncertainties in the current daily processes;
- Real implementation at the national level: how does the regulation actually work? who is the competent authority? and if none, who should we contact?, etc.
- We are not a national company, how can we access the genetic resources? Do we need to partner? If with who? etc.
- How best practices are/will be recognised at the national level?
- etc.
It is important to take note of the development of the implementation of the protocol.
- According to international periodic and news, we are now with 66 Countries that ratified the Nagoya Protocol, with as one of the latest Cuba.
- India is the first country to have issued an International Recognised Certificate of Compliance (IRCC) under the Nagoya Protocol for an access and benefit sharing agreement. Read more here on the ABS ClearingHouse and the official press release here.
- Another development is the release of recommendations of best practices by IFPMA (International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations) to CBD states member; for the countries to take into consideration the reality of the Pharmaceutical sector. You can access it here.
- During that time, a CBD working group will be meeting early November to discuss and draft guidelines to ensure a good integration and involvement of the Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities in the processes linked to the implementation of the Nagoya Protocol, as described below and you can access the Draft Agenda here.
“Proposed guidelines for the development of mechanisms, legislation or other appropriate initiatives to ensure the Prior Informed Consent or approval and involvement of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities for accessing their knowledge, innovations and practices, the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits arising from the use and application of such knowledge, innovations and practices and for reporting and preventing unauthorized access to such knowledge, innovations and practices.”
So what’s next? As usual we need to monitor the national developments and as recommended we need to start thinking and implementing strategies that already integrates practices promoted and up to be required by the national implementations of the Nagoya Protocol.
Our journey continues. Let’s stay together to facilitate our work and achievements.