Mr. Mani has been working at the National Biodiversity Centre, Ministry of Agriculture Forests especially looking after the Bioprospecting and ABS program, and has 15 years of experience working in the field of biodiversity conservation, bioprospecting and Access and Benefit Sharing. His work envisions deriving tangible benefit from Bhutanβs rich biodiversity and associated traditional knowledge for the enhancement of conservation and rural livelihood and the promotion of peopleβs leadership in conservation. He is the Bhutanβs National Focal Point for the Nagoya Protocol. He has authored a number of scientific publications and technical and policy papers. On the academic front, Mr. Mani has a M.Sc. in Mountain Forestry from the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria.
Unlocking Natureβs Wealth: Bhutanβs Model for Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity
Bhutan, a biodiversity hotspot, has taken significant strides in implementing the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) to safeguard its genetic resources and traditional knowledge. With its Access and Benefit Sharing Model, Bhutan addresses the challenges of biopiracy and resource misappropriation by fostering sustainable and equitable utilization of biodiversity. This paper highlights Bhutan’s journey in implementing ABS, from instituting its program in 2009 to revising the Biodiversity Act in 2022. Through its ABS framework, Bhutan has developed standardized agreements, such as Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs) and Benefit Sharing Agreements, to regulate access and ensure fair benefits for custodians of traditional knowledge. These measures have led to the successful signing of 14 ABS agreements and the development of 13 bioprospecting-based products, including partnerships with global companies like Chanel Parfums BeautΓ©, Quantum Pharmaceutical Ltd, and Blue Zones Group. Notable products, such as anti-ageing creams and nutraceuticals, underscore Bhutanβs capacity for high-value biodiversity-based enterprise development. The establishment of the Bhutan ABS Fund ensures sustainable financing for biodiversity conservation. However, Bhutan faces challenges, including limited capacity, low awareness, and gaps in product certification and supply chains. To overcome these, priorities include strengthening technical and laboratory capacities, fostering community-private sector collaborations, and enhancing branding and value addition to products. Bhutanβs ABS model showcases the potential of leveraging traditional knowledge and biodiversity for sustainable development. Its experience provides valuable insights for countries seeking to balance conservation and economic growth through equitable bioprospecting initiatives.