Biodiversity protocol passes cabinet hurdle
The Swiss cabinet has agreed to sign an international protocol on the use and protection of biodiversity.
The Nagoya Protocol was adopted in October by delegates at a world summit on biodiversity, and aims to ease access to the natural genetic resources of plants, animals and other organisms for business and research – a draw for Swiss agricultural, research and pharmaceutical industries.
The protocol also aims to create a mechanism for sharing the multi-billion dollar benefits of exploiting natural genetic resources with developing countries.
Following Wednesday’s decision, the protocol will now need to be ratified by parliament.
Implications for Switzerland will be outlined in the decision when it goes before parliament.
A sub-protocol on dealing with damage to biodiversity was also approved which addresses civil responsibility on the issue. It explains who will need to take steps to repair damage and how the costs should be distributed.
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