Nagoya Protocol

The Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization to the Convention on Biological Diversity is a convention under international law. It regulates access to genetic resources and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of their utilisation (Access and Benefit-Sharing - ABS ) and is relevant for all scientists working with genetic resources (non-human) and/or related traditional knowledge from abroad.

The Nagoya Protocol is implemented within the EU by Regulation (EU) No 511/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council "on measures for users to comply with the provisions of the Nagoya Protocol on access to genetic resources and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of their utilisation within the Union".

Paderborn University recognises the importance of complying with the Nagoya Protocol and offers support in its implementation, helping you to understand and comply with your obligations under the Nagoya Protocol and the EU ABS Regulation. Both the regulations in the countries providing the genetic resource and the EU regulations must be taken into account.

To better assess whether your research activities are within the scope of the Nagoya Protocol, we provide information on this page:

The Glossary: Nagoya Protocol

FAQ Nagoya Protocol

What is the purpose of the Nagoya Protocol?

The Nagoya Protocol implemented and elaborated Article 15 of the CBD (Convention on Biological Diversity). The objectives of this Convention are the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources.

In addition, the Protocol contains provisions on traditional knowledge relating to genetic resources.

For whom is the Nagoya Protocol important?

All scientists conducting research on non-human genetic resources or related traditional knowledge should check whether the Nagoya Protocol applies. The EU Commission has provided a checklist for this purpose. You can find it here and under "Further information".

Who is responsible for compliance with the provisions of the Nagoya Protocol?

In principle, the scientists themselves are responsible for complying with the regulations of the Nagoya Protocol. The university management provides information on this page and supports the scientists in their compliance.

Do I need proof that my research is not covered by the Nagoya Protocol?

If your research is outside the scope of Regulation (EU) No 511/2014, you do not need to explicitly prove this.

However, it is useful to document the decision to do so. In the event of an inspection by the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (the competent authority in Germany), this documentation will save you unnecessary discussions.

Where can I find more information on the Nagoya Protocol?

The Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) is the national contact point for the Nagoya Protocol. It offers advice and various events on the Nagoya Protocol.

National Contact Point for the Nagoya Protocol

Contact at BfN:

0228 8491-1211

nagoya-cna@bfn.de

Konstantinstr. 110, 53179 Bonn, Germany

The German Nagoya Protocol HuB also provides comprehensive advice to users of genetic resources on the regulations.