Access to Biological and Genetic Resources Act launched

WINDHOEK, 25 NOV- The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism on Thursday launched the implementation of the Access to Biological and Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge Act of 2017.. Speaking at the launch here on Thursday, Environment Deputy Minister, Heather Sibugo, said Namibia has classic resources with a significant scope for…

WINDHOEK, 25 NOV (NAMPA)- The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism on Thursday launched the implementation of the Access to Biological and Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge Act of 2017.

The regulation gazetted on 01 November 2021, will ensure domestic value addition, research and development of biological and genetic resources the country is endowed with, as well as protect the rights of local communities regarding access and benefit sharing.

Speaking at the launch here on Thursday, Environment Deputy Minister, Heather Sibugo, said Namibia has classic resources with a significant scope for value addition, noting that the country accounts for over 90 per cent volumes of the Devil’s Claw traded globally, yet community-based harvesters continue to languish in poverty.

“We cannot allow such situation to continue. In line with the act, the ministry will step up its efforts to ensure greater domestic value addition,” she noted.

Sibugo said there is potential and economic growth for biological and genetic resources as inputs for medicine, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products, noting that these sectors have great potential for commercialisation and the demand for biological and genetic resources is growing.

She stressed that Namibia being rich in biodiversity cannot miss out on value addition opportunities and the regulation should help the country to capitalise on the prospects.

“The Act does not mean to prevent, stop or hinder business or investment in any way, as our natural heritage of resources as well as the rich traditional knowledge attached to the utilisation of these assets is a key attraction to foreign investors,” she indicated.

(NAMPA)

LD/HP/EK