Lao PDR ratifies the Nagoya Protocol on genetic resources

Montreal, 27 September 2012 – Lao Peoples’ Democratic Republic is the sixth country to ratify the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from Their Utilization to the Convention on Biological Diversity.

In acceding to the Protocol, Lao PDR becomes the first country in south-east Asia to ratify the Protocol.

The Nagoya Protocol will enter into force 90 days after the deposit of the fiftieth instrument of ratification.

In addition to Mexico, the Seychelles, Rwanda, Gabon, Jordan and Mexico have also ratified the Protocol.

The Nagoya Protocol was open for signature between 2 February 2011 and 1 February 2012. Braulio Ferreira de Souza Dias, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, said: “The accession of Lao PDR to the Protocol represents the first of a new wave of ratifications that we expect to see in the months ahead. As we prepare to hold the eleventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, I urge other Parties to the Convention to ratify as soon as possible.”

In order to become Parties to the Nagoya Protocol, Parties to the Convention that have signed the Nagoya Protocol may then proceed to take steps at the domestic level that would lead to depositing their instruments of ratification, acceptance or approval with the Depositary. Parties to the Convention that were not be able to sign the Nagoya Protocol by 1 February 2012, but still wish to become Parties, may accede to the Protocol by depositing an instrument of accession with the Depositary. Ratification, acceptance, approval and accession have the same legal effect. Further information on how to become a Party to the Protocol can be found at: www.cbd.int/abs/becoming-party/.

The entry into force of the Nagoya Protocol will provide greater legal certainty and transparency for both providers and users of genetic resources, creating a framework that promotes the use of genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge while strengthening the opportunities for fair and equitable sharing of benefits from their use. Hence, the Protocol will create new incentives to conserve biodiversity, sustainably use its components, and further enhance the contribution of biodiversity to sustainable development and human well-being.