What does "Nagoya Protocol" mean?
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The Nagoya Protocol is an international agreement aimed at sharing the benefits that come from the use of genetic resources. This includes plants, animals, and other biological materials that countries possess. The goal is to make sure that countries where these resources are found can benefit fairly when others use them for research, products, or other purposes.
Access and Benefit Sharing
Under the Nagoya Protocol, when researchers or companies want to use genetic resources from a country, they must obtain permission from that country. This permission often comes with agreements on how any benefits, such as profits from new medicines or technologies, will be shared. This is meant to support the communities and countries that provide these resources.
Importance for Biodiversity
The protocol highlights the importance of protecting biodiversity while ensuring that local communities gain from its use. It encourages collaboration between scientists, local communities, and governments to promote conservation and sustainable use of biological resources.
Challenges
Implementing the Nagoya Protocol can be difficult. Many countries, especially in the Global South, face challenges such as lack of resources, skills, and training to effectively engage in these processes. Strengthening these areas is crucial so that countries can fully benefit from their own biodiversity.