Biotech Updates

Seychelles Ratifies Nagoya Protocol on Genetic Resources

May 4, 2012

Seychelles is the fourth country to complete the ratification of the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization to the Convention on Biological Diversity. The Protocol will be implemented 90 days after the deposit of the 50th instrument of ratification. It will provide a greater legal certainty and transparency for providers and users of genetic resources to strengthen the opportunities for fair and equitable sharing of benefits from their use.

"In 2010, the President of Seychelles declared that over 50% of our terrestrial area is now protected area. This monumental achievement reflects the commitment of the people of Seychelles to safe guarding its natural heritage. For us the Nagoya Protocol is an important instrument for ensuring that the benefits we gain today from our biodiversity will be shared equitably by all involved especially the custodians of these natural treasures while ensuring the enjoyment of similar benefits by the generations of tomorrow," said Dr. Rolph Payet, Seychelles' Minister of Environment and Energy.

Read CBD's press release at http://www.cbd.int/doc/press/2012/pr-2012-04-27-Seychelles-en.pdf