UN nature summit reaches agreement on payments for use of genetic information

Countries at the UN COP16 nature talks in Colombia agreed on Saturday how companies in sectors such as pharmaceuticals and cosmetics should pay for the use of genetic information from biodiversity in their research and development.

Nearly 200 countries gathered in the Colombian city of Cali to implement the 2022 Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework Agreement, which aims to halt the rapid decline of nature by 2030.

The payments could raise billions of dollars for conservation, which would go to a fund that would distribute half of the proceeds to indigenous peoples and local communities.

Genetic data from nature is used in a wide range of products, from nutrient-enriched rice to stone-washed jeans that have been processed using enzymes derived from microbes.

The deal comes after countries agreed late on Friday at COP16 to establish a permanent body for indigenous and local communities to officially consult on UN wildlife decisions, and to recognize the role of Afro-descendants in conservation .

The deal on genetic information payment appeared to collapse due to disagreements between countries, especially India and Switzerland, where negotiations took place all night and after dawn before the measure was passed.

Industries expected to have to pay for the use of genetic material include pharmaceutical, cosmetic and biotechnology sectors.

“Companies are committed to supporting biodiversity goals and have been involved throughout the process,” said Daphne Yong-D’Herve, an expert on the use of genetic information at the International Chamber of Commerce.

The fund, which will be known as the Cali Fund after the COP16 host city, will be funded by payments from eligible companies expected to contribute 0.1% of their revenues or 1% of their profits, according to the text adopted by the summit. .

“The clear message from COP16 today is that major companies must pay back their contributions to nature conservation,” said Glenn Walker, head of the wildlife program at Greenpeace Australia Pacific.