RT team
India and the Global South celebrated a significant victory with the conclusion of a historic treaty at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) headquarters in Geneva. This treaty, which focuses on genetic resources and the traditional knowledge associated with them, marks the end of a 25-year negotiation period, embodying a crucial step toward safeguarding the heritage and biodiversity of these regions.
The agreement, finalized after two weeks of intense deliberations involving 192 countries and 86 observers, introduces new protections against misappropriation of genetic resources and traditional knowledge by developed nations and multinational corporations. It recognizes the intrinsic link between local communities and their resources, integrating these connections into the global IP system for the first time.
The treaty is particularly pivotal for India, a country rich in biodiversity and traditional wisdom. It ensures that the knowledge and practices that have bolstered economies, societies, and cultures for centuries are now formally acknowledged within the global intellectual property framework. This not only enhances transparency in the patent system but also bolsters innovation, making the IP system more inclusive and responsive to the needs of all communities.
With the majority of developed countries on board, the treaty paves the way for reconciling long-standing conflicts within the IP system related to the protection of biodiversity. Upon ratification, it will require disclosure of the country of origin for patent applications linked to genetic resources or associated traditional knowledge, offering additional protection against exploitation.
This treaty represents not just a legal achievement but also a step toward collective growth and a sustainable future, championing global standards that ensure equitable benefits for all provider countries of genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge.
