Addis Ababa, May 14, 2024 (FBC) – Ethiopia has implemented legal and institutional frameworks to facilitate access to and equitable benefit-sharing of Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge through the enactment of proclamations and regulations aligning with international conventions and protocols, Mr. Woldu Yemmesel Baraki, Director General of Ethiopian Intellectual Property Authority, said on Monday.
Ethiopian delegation, led by Mr. Woldu, is participating at the Diplomatic Conference on Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge in Geneva. According to the Ethiopian Permanent Mission in Geneva, the conference which kicked off on Monday, May 13, will continue until 24 May 2024.
In his remarks, Mr. Woldu explained efforts undertaken by Ethiopia in establishing legal and institutional frameworks that promote access to and benefit-sharing of Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge by enacting proclamation and regulation to implement the convention and the protocol.
According to him, these efforts underscored Ethiopia’s unwavering commitment to preserving its natural heritage and ensuring that its benefits are shared justly and equitably.
Mr. Woldu encouraged the participants of the conference to reach a consensus to adopt a binding legal instrument to protect both the rights of indigenous communities as well as to promote fairness, equity, and sustainability in their global utilization.
This Diplomatic Conference hosted by World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is the final stage of negotiations before the adoption of an international legal instrument. The future instrument aims to “enhance the efficacy, transparency and quality of the patent system”, and “prevent patents from being granted erroneously for inventions that are not novel or inventive with regard to genetic resources and traditional knowledge associated with genetic resources”.
Over 1200 delegates, observers – including Indigenous Peoples – and other stakeholders from across the globe are participating in the conference.