On October 12th 2014 the long-awaited Nagoya Protocol finally became operational, with a European Regulation (511/2014) passing into law on the same day. The significance to plant collections (or any collection of genetic material) is that any new material entering these collections after that date must comply with the articles as laid down in the Protocol (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, 2011). Any material held prior to that date is not covered by the regulation, which is not retroactive.
We have been heading towards this day since 1992, but even so it is a watershed moment. From now on it is of prime importance how collection holders manage and keep track of their living collections; to whom they give propagation material and from whom they receive material. Unlike previously there are now legal certainties needed for any material you hold. One consequence of the European Regulation is that a Europe wide register of collections holding genetic material will need to be developed. National Authorities will only recognise those collections that they regard as having the competency to handle genetic material. This will put a considerable burden, both logistical and practical upon gardens, in particular their record-keeping systems. In the next few years it is likely that the UK and Ireland will develop enabling laws to transpose these European Regulation into our legal systems. How the Nagoya Protocol now develops will be something that PlantNetwork will monitor closely so as to provide members with the best possible advice if they wish to keep compliant with both Nagoya and the European regulation.
As a networking organisation it is important that PlantNetwork continues to take an active role in supporting practical issues common to all our collections. Highlighting the work of plant collections across Britain and Ireland as a national resource for research, conservation and education is our fundamental and primary role. Promoting best practice in plant health standards, work on the conservation of endangered species (both national and international) and managing invasive aliens are all areas that require a strong network presence if we are to be more efficient and productive in what we do. The professional development of staff at all levels of our organisations is something we must constantly try to expand.
The implementation of the Nagoya Protocol should be seen as an opportunity to refocus on what we do and what we should be doing. As a network organisation we exist to serve a specific need and fulfil a unique role; if you think there is something we can or should be doing please get in touch with me or any Board member.
Details regarding our Nagoya Protocol and plant collection responsibilities training day at Kew on February 19th 2015.
Matthew Jebb
PlantNetwork Chairman
Director, National Botanic Gardens of Ireland, Glasnevin