The draft law “On Ratifying the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Sharing of Benefits Derived from Their Use on a Fair and Equal Basis” attached to the Convention on Biological Diversity was discussed during the regular session of the National Assembly convened on March 25.

According to Hambardzum Matevosyan, the main speaker, RA Minister of Environment, the protocol aims to ensure the fair and equal distribution of benefits from the use of genetic resources.

Emphasizing the importance of the process, the minister informed that in 2026, Yerevan will host the 17th conference of the parties to the convention and will take over the presidency of the processes taking place within the framework of the convention for a period of two years.

It was noted that after the ratification of the protocol, it is planned to hold a meeting of the parties of the Nagoya protocol within the framework of COP17.

The main directions of the protocol are: sovereignty and legal protection of national resources, provision of economic benefits, support of traditional knowledge of local and indigenous communities, as well as raising the country’s international reputation and participation in global mechanisms, ensuring access to additional international financial sources and promotion of scientific and technical cooperation.

According to the main speaker, the ratification of the protocol will make it possible to strengthen Armenia’s position in the field of natural resources management, activate international cooperation and attract new investments.

Vahe Ghalumyan, chairman of the Standing Committee on Territorial Management, Local Self-Government, Agriculture and Environmental Protection, presented the positive conclusion of the General Committee and urged his colleagues to vote in favor of the draft law.

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