Thailand inks Nagoya Protocol

BANGKOK, February 15 (TNA) - Thailand has signed 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. The signing of the international agreement, with 92 signatories worldwide presently, is a clear sign that Thailand attaches great importance to genetic resources and traditional wisdoms. Under the Nagoya Protocol, any member state or organisation wishing to utilize natural resources is to seek consent from concerned nations or authorized agencies. Dr. Supat Wangwongwatana, Secretary-General of Thailand's Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (ONEP), said that the signing of the agreement will result in fair sharing and utilization of natural resources by signatory countries in terms of benefits from research, technological transfer and economic values of the resources; while promoting sustainable use, rather than exploiting, natural resources and, thus, preventing conflicts. The ONEP will seek a further Cabinet approval of the Nagoya Protocol, before the country's ratification of the international agreement with the issuance of related regulations and laws. (TNA)