Public access to genetic resources and distribution of benefits

Kathmandu, 6, June 2006 - World Trade Organisation regulations will have an impact on genetic resoucres. Therefore it is imperative that the state formulate laws to ensure their sustainable protection.

With growing trade and globalisation, states must formulate laws to protect genetic resources and ensure equitable distribution of its benefits, experts said toady in a programme organised by the Nepal Forum of Environment Journalists ((NEFEJ) with support from the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development. (ICIMOD).

Speaking on people’s access to genetic resources and the distribution of benefits Programme Director of Sawatee Nabin Dahal said, “The possibility of multinational companies patenting traditional knowledge and skills has increased. Nepal ranks 31st in the world in terms of biodiversity but faces danger of such resources being taken away from here.”

According to him the main issue is benefits from biodiversity which local communities should get rather than businessmen. He stressed on the need to prepare a databank of the biodiversity in the country.

Speaking on the occasion Programme Director of Asian Network for Sustainable Agriculture Programme (ANSAP) Dr. Bhisma Subedi said that Nepal sold non-timber forest product worth Nepali Rs 2.5 billion (USD 370 million) in 2004.

He accused multinational companies of taking over natural resources of poorer countries. He said that access to natural resources is a more important issue than rights over them. Dr. Subedi rued the fact that the state was not doing enough because natural resources and their distribution was important only for the poor.

“Rather than just equitable distribution, access and ownership are more important issues,” said Yamuna Ghale, another speaker at the interaction. “People with traditional knowledge, the landless and women should be given priority and local communities should benefit.”

The programme was moderated by senior journalist Bahirab Risal.