India has become the top global issuer of Internationally Recognised Certificates of Compliance (IRCCs) under the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-sharing (ABS), accounting for over 56% of all such certificates issued worldwide. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change revealed this data, stating that India has issued 3,561 IRCCs out of a total of 6,311 globally, showcasing its significant lead in implementing the protocol.
Among the 142 countries registered on the ABS Clearing-House, only 34 nations have issued IRCCs to date. Following India, France holds the second position with 964 certificates, trailed by Spain with 320, Argentina with 257, Panama with 156, and Kenya with 144. This achievement underscores India’s dedication to ensuring the fair and transparent utilization of biological resources and associated traditional knowledge.
The Nagoya Protocol mandates countries providing access to genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge to issue IRCCs. These certificates act as official proof that Prior Informed Consent has been acquired and Mutually Agreed Terms have been established between resource users and providers. IRCCs play a critical role in monitoring the utilization of genetic resources, from research and innovation to commercial applications, while guaranteeing equitable sharing of benefits with the provider country.
India’s leading position in issuing IRCCs reflects the effective implementation of its ABS framework under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. This framework is overseen by the National Biodiversity Authority at the national level, supported by State Biodiversity Boards, Union Territory Biodiversity Councils, and Biodiversity Management Committees at the local level. The streamlined procedures and robust institutional mechanisms have facilitated the efficient processing of applications, ensuring compliance with international obligations.
The Ministry highlighted that India’s accomplishment underscores its proactive role in global biodiversity governance and ongoing endeavors to promote fair and equitable benefit-sharing from the utilization of biological resources. This aligns with international objectives on biodiversity conservation and sustainable use, bolstering India’s stature as a key contributor to global environmental agreements.
