Verkhovna Rada ratifies Nagoya Protocol on access to genetic resources

Some 291 MPs voted in favor of a draft law on ratifying document No.0125, an Ukrinform correspondent reported.

According to an explanatory note to the document, the purpose of the Nagoya Protocol is to share the benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources in a fair and equitable way, including by ensuring proper access to and proper transfer of relevant technologies, taking into account all rights to those resources and technologies, as well as through adequate funding, thus contributing to the conservation of biological diversity and the sustainable use of its components.

It is noted that Ukraine's membership in the protocol requires payment from the state budget of an annual contribution to its Trust Fund in the amount of about 3,000 U.S. dollars. Thus, it is established that the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine will be the central executive body responsible for fulfilling the obligations arising from Ukraine’s membership in the Nagoya Protocol, including the payment of an annual fee.

It is expected that the implementation of the protocol will stimulate the conservation of natural resources in Ukraine as a source of income and improve the human environment, raise investment attractiveness and improve the international image of the state as one for which environmental protection is a priority.

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