India Leads Global Issuance of Compliance Certificates Under Nagoya Protocol
India has claimed a significant leadership role in the international arena by becoming the foremost issuer of Internationally Recognized Certificates of Compliance (IRCCs) under the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-sharing (ABS). Recent data reveals that India is responsible for more than 56% of all such certificates issued globally, marking a notable achievement in the realm of biodiversity governance.
According to the ABS Clearing-House data, India has issued an impressive total of 3,561 IRCCs, significantly outpacing other nations that have also engaged with the protocol. Worldwide, there have been 6,311 IRCCs issued, putting India ahead of the pack and demonstrating its commitment to the responsible and equitable use of biological resources and traditional knowledge.
Among the 142 countries listed on the ABS Clearing-House, which encourages accountability and transparency in benefit-sharing, only 34 nations have issued IRCCs. Following India are France with 964 certificates, Spain with 320, Argentina with 257, Panama with 156, and Kenya with 144. This achievement illustrates India’s proactive stance in ensuring fair practices related to biological resource utilization.
The Role of IRCCs in Sustainability
Under the Nagoya Protocol, nations that provide access to genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge must issue IRCCs. These certificates confirm that Prior Informed Consent has been obtained and that Mutually Agreed Terms have been established between the users and providers of resources. Once issued, the details of these certificates are uploaded to the ABS Clearing-House, creating a transparent record of resource accessibility.
IRCCs serve as crucial documentation for tracking the utilization of genetic resources, fostering responsible research and innovation, and ensuring that benefits derived from these resources are equitably shared with the source country.
India’s Compliance Framework
India’s leading position in issuing IRCCs is a testament to its effective implementation of the ABS framework under the Biological Diversity Act of 2002. This framework operates through the National Biodiversity Authority at the national level, supported by State Biodiversity Boards and Union Territory Biodiversity Councils at the state level, along with Biodiversity Management Committees at the local level. The streamlined procedures and robust institutional mechanisms have facilitated efficient processing of applications while ensuring compliance with international obligations.
This landmark achievement underscores India’s proactive role in global biodiversity governance. It reflects the country’s ongoing dedication to the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from biological resources, aligning its efforts with international biodiversity conservation goals and sustainable use practices. As a key player in implementing global environmental agreements, India continues to enhance its reputation on the world stage.
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