Negotiation and drafting agreements training on ABS principles

The National Biodiversity and Biosafety Center of the Committee for Environmental Protection under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, in partnership with the UNDP Country Office in Tajikistan from November 20 to 22, 2019, conduct a three-day training on “Negotiating and drafting agreements on ABS principles under the Nagoya Protocol” as part of the project “Strengthening human resources, legal frameworks and institutional capacities for the implementation of the Nagoya Protocol.” The training was held with the participation of partner countries - Albania, Belarus, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, participants in the global project to implement the Nagoya Protocol.

The training addressed issues regarding plants, animals and microorganisms as well as the correct inclusion of elements in the process of preparing agreements for the further use of genetic resources in accordance with the principles of ABS. There were also questions of elements of the animal world, derivatives and microorganisms, including those genetic resources, which were included in the list of rational use of genetic resources.

During the discussions, the most pressing issues on the use of biological resources and related genetic resources, DNA, RNA and GMOs transmitted as a genetic resource were discussed. An international consultant showed an example of filling out an agreement on the principles of access and sharing of genetic resources. At the training, the structures of the corresponding article were explained - the main obligation - the actions, subjects regulated and permitted in accordance with the agreement, as well as the obligation to preserve the samples in case there are no institutions and principles of property rights in the context of financing.

The main purpose of the training was to increase the potential of all interested parties in negotiating, drafting agreements and related issues on the principles of ABS in accordance with the Nagoya Protocol and other international treaties.

The Republic of Tajikistan ratified the Nagoya Protocol to the Convention on Biological Diversity in 2014, thereby taking responsibility for the implementation and integration of key provisions and principles of this Protocol into the national legal system. Currently, Tajikistan, along with the other 24 countries, is part of the Global Project “Strengthening Human Resources, Legal Framework and Institutional Capabilities for Implementing the Nagoya Protocol”.