International conventions

1. May 2018

Two conventions aimed at combating biopiracy and guaranteeing a fair and equitable sharing of gains arising from the use of genetic resources have been adopted by the United Nations: the Convention on Biological Diversity and the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources of the Food and Agriculture Organisation. However, the implementation of these treaties is inadequate and there are still gaps in its application.

Switzerland, which plays a leading role in the use of genetic resources, and which has ratified the two conventions, has a particular responsibility. Public Eye is active in Switzerland, and at international level, in favour of an effective and coherent sharing of gains arising from the use of genetic resources. Through our investigative work and advocacy we reveal cases of biopiracy and propose concrete solutions to put a stop to these abuses, by the implementation of ratified treaties and the reinforcement of these instruments.