Plaine Magnien:An Inception Workshop aimed at preparing the First National Report on the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Materials and Benefit Sharing Project was launched this morning by Dr. Arvin Boolell, the Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, in Plaine Magnien.
According to Government of Mauritius, the workshop is supported by the United Nations Environment Programme and is a significant step towards enhancing Mauritius' implementation of the Nagoya Protocol. The initiative focuses on promoting the fair and equitable sharing of benefits from the utilisation of genetic resources.
During his address, Minister Boolell emphasized Mauritius' position as the largest ocean coastal state in Africa and the necessity for a decisive approach to protect its sovereign resources. He pointed out the vulnerabilities of nations without strong legal protections and highlighted the need for a comprehensive legislative framework to safeguard Mauritius' biodiversity through the National Report.
Minister Boolell also stressed the importance of domesticating the Nagoya Protocol, urging immediate action to preserve Mauritius' ecological wealth for future generations. He called on researchers to manage access to the nation's genetic materials responsibly, describing these resources as a rich source of national wealth that should yield tangible benefits for development and conservation.
Additionally, Dr. Boolell noted the government's active solicitation of input from local scientists to ensure the forthcoming legislation is both effective and comprehensive. Junior Minister Gilles Fabrice David also attended the event, emphasizing the collective national mission required to implement the Protocol and unlock the scientific, technological, and financial value of Mauritius's natural heritage.
