The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)1 is one of the most important treaties in the history of humanity as it deals with the infinitely complex but fragile diversity of life on earth. Regulating access to genetic resources and equitable sharing of commercial benefits of biodiversity has been the most contentious issue in the negotiations under CBD.

After ten years of difficult negotiations, parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity have agreed on a treaty aimed at helping countries that provide genetic resources capture a share of the benefits arising from their use.

A controversy between Nestl

Plant genetic resources (PGR) scientists now recognize the importance of shifting from a singular focus on conservation to a focus on both conservation and utilization of germplasm in order to meet future challenges.

Limitations of the national law in remedying biopiracy led to the negotiations on an international regime in Access and Benefi Sharing. The deliberations were stuck for a long time due to the extreme divergent views of the developed countries on the one hand and of the biodiversity rich developing countries on the other.

The adoption of Nagoya Protocol was a landmark event in the history of Convention on Biological Diversity. This article examines the promises and potentials of the Protocol for indigenous peoples and local communities in ight of previous experiences in Access and Benefit Sharing framework.

The access and benefit-sharing protocol on biodiversity may do little to deter multinationals from grabbing the planet’s resources.

The marine realm represents 70% of the surface of the biosphere and contains a rich variety of organisms, including more than 34 of the 36
living phyla, some of which are only found in the oceans.

The future of the world's biodiversity hangs in the balance as countries convene for crucial negotiations in Nagoya, Japan. The 193 signatory nations to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) pledged eight years ago to cut species loss "significantly" by this year. But studies show that the health of global biodiversity is reaching a crisis point, with extinctions of mammal and amphibian species continuing to rise.