Indonesia and seven other countries sign Nagoya Protocol

Antara 15 May 11;

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesia, along with Guatemala, India, Japan, Norway, South Africa, Switzerland and Tunisia signed the Nagoya Protocol at the UN Headquarters in New York on May 11, marking a milestone in the history of the use of biodiversity convention.

The signing ceremony took place during a ministerial segment of the 19th session of the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD-19) at the General Assembly Hall, the UN Headquarters, New York.

Thirteen countries - Colombia, Yemen, Algeria, Brazil, Mexico, Rwanda, Ecuador, Republic of Central Africa, Seychelles, Mali, Sudan, Panama and Peru - have already signed the protocol.

The protocol sets terms on how countries will permit access to genetic resources, share the benefits arising from their use, and cooperate with one another in allegations of misuse. The protocol will come into force 90 days after it has been ratified by at least 50 parties.

The protocol will serve as an important instrument to optimize the use of genetic resources and to put a halt to bio-piracy.

Indonesia is known as the world`s second mega biodiversity country.

On the occasion, Indonesian Environment Minister Gusti Mohammad Hatta speaking on behalf of ASEAN member states underscored the importance of the meeting to influence the outcome of UNCSD 2012 (Rio+20) in Brazil.

He also stressed the importance of applying the concept of green economy in support of sustainable development.

"With the Nagoya Protocol, biodiversity will serve as the backbone of sustainable development through the concept of green economy. Debates on the contradiction between the environment and economy will be over," he said.

After signing the protocol, Indonesia is expected to ratify it by enacting law in line with the effort to speed up the passage of genetic resource management bill into law.

The law is expected to strengthen the national legislation in the use of genetic resources for the benefit of the people particularly those having traditional wisdom and knowledge in managing genetic resources.
(T.D016/S012/H-NG)

Editor: Priyambodo RH