Laws and treaties for the conservation of genetic resources

Title: Laws and Treaties for the Conservation of Genetic Resources

Description:

In today's world, the preservation of genetic resources is paramount in the face of rapid environmental degradation and biodiversity loss. Recognizing the urgency of this issue, governments, organizations, and individuals worldwide have implemented a diverse array of laws and treaties aimed at conserving genetic diversity.

This presentation provides an in-depth examination of the complex legal frameworks governing the conservation of genetic resources. Beginning with an exploration of the concept of genetic resources and their importance in maintaining ecosystem health and resilience, it traces the historical evolution of international cooperation in conservation efforts.

Central to this discussion is the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), a pivotal international treaty that sets out objectives, principles, and provisions for the sustainable use and equitable sharing of genetic resources. The presentation delves into the CBD's key components and its role in shaping global conservation efforts.

Moreover, the presentation explores other significant legal instruments and agreements contributing to genetic resource conservation. This includes regional agreements like the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing, as well as national laws enacted by individual countries to fulfill their international obligations.

Throughout the presentation, case studies and examples illustrate the practical application of legal frameworks in conservation practice. These examples demonstrate how laws and treaties influence conservation strategies, resource management practices, and stakeholder rights and responsibilities.

The presentation also addresses emerging issues and challenges in genetic resource conservation, such as biopiracy, genetic engineering, and the impact of climate change on biodiversity. It discusses the role of legal frameworks in addressing these challenges and explores opportunities for strengthening international cooperation in conservation efforts.

In summary, this presentation offers a comprehensive exploration of the laws and treaties governing the conservation of genetic resources. By examining the legal frameworks established to protect genetic diversity, it underscores the importance of international collaboration, policy innovation, and collective action in addressing this critical environmental issue.

1. LAWS AND TREATIES FOR THE CONSERVATION OF GENETIC RESOURCES                                                                             Presented by : ANSAR KHAN

2. Genetic Resources   The term genetic resources refer to any biological material which contains genes and /or metabolic material that may be derived from genes. OR Genetic resources (GRs) refer to genetic material of actual or potential value. Genetic material is any material of plant, animal, microbial or other origin containing functional units of heredity. Examples include material of plant, animal, or microbial origin, such as medicinal plants, agricultural crops and animal breeds

3. BIODIVERSITY  refers to the infinite variety of life forms; Genetic diversity : variation of genes within individual species S pecies diversity : variety of species in flora and fauna, and E cosystem diversity : variety of ecosystems, such as rainforests, coral reefs and deserts, that exist on our planet

4. Importance of biodiversity and genetic resources Activities of microbial and animal species lead to soil creation, the maintenance of its quality and detoxification and decomposition of wastes Appropriate plant cover can prevent catastrophic floods, landslides, and avalanches, reduce soil erosion, and contribute to air and water quality, as well as to climate stabilization. 

5.   Food Security: Crop and animal diversity ensures a stable food supply, adapting to climate change, and improving nutrition.    Medicine: Genetic resources provide sources for new medicines, vaccines, and treatments, such as antibiotics and cancer therapies.     

6. The conservation of genetic resources is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and ensuring the long-term health of ecosystems.

7. International laws and treaties

8. Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD, 1992 The  Convention on Biological Diversity  ( CBD ), known informally the Conventionally as the  Biodiversity Convention , is a multilateral treaty.  The Convention was opened for signature at the  Earth Summit   in  Rio de Janeiro   on 5 June 1992 and entered into force on 29 December 1993.  It has two supplementary agreements,  the Cartagena Protocol and  Nagoya Protocol.

9. Type Multilateral environmental agreement Context Environmentalism Bi odiversity conservation Drafted 22 May 1992 Signed 5 June 1992 – 4 June 1993 Location Rio de Janeiro, Brazil New York, United States Effective 29 December 1993 Parties show 196 States Depositary Secretary-General of the United Nations

10. The conceptual design of the CBD started with an analysis of technical   legal  economic and financial matters relating to the conservation   accessibility and use of genetic resources” by the Secretariat of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in implementation of the World Conservation Strategy.

11. Main goals  The conservation of biological diversity (or biodiversity);  The sustainable use of its components;  The fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources.  Its objective is to develop national strategies for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, and it is often seen as the key document regarding sustainable development.

12. Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to the Convention on Biological Diversity Is an international agreement on biosafety as a supplement to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) effective since 2003 Type Environmental Drafted 29 January 2000 Signed 16 May 2000 Location Montreal, Quebec, Canada (originally scheduled for 1999 at Cartagena, Colombia) Effective 11 September 2003 Signatories 103 Depositary Secretary-General of the United Nations

13.   Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to the Convention on Biological Diversity

14. Living modified organisms (LMOs) The protocol defines a 'living modified organism' as any living organism that possesses a novel combination of genetic material obtained through the use of modern biotechnology, and 'living organism' means any biological entity capable of transferring or replicating genetic material, including sterile organisms, viruses and viroid

15. 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 also known as the  Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) , is a 2010 supplementary agreement to the 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity(CBD). 

16. Type Environmental Signed 29 October 2010 Location Nagoya, Japan Effective 12 October 2014 Signatories 92 Depositary Secretary-General of the United Nations

17. AIMS AND SCOPE

18.   International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture [ also known as  ITPGRFA ,  International Seed Treaty  or  Plant Treaty is a comprehensive international agreement in harmony with the Convention on Biological Diversity, which aims at guaranteeing  food security  through the conservation, exchange and sustainable use of the world's plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA), the fair and equitable benefit sharing arising from its use, as well as the recognition of  farmers' rights . It was signed in 2001 in Madrid, and entered into force on 29 June 2004

19. International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture Signed 2001 Location Rome Effective 29 June 2004 Parties 151 contracting parties (150 states,) as of 1 February 2024 Depositary Secretary-General of the United Nations