Implementation and Regulatory Outcomes of the CBD

The CBD produced a flurry of activity in a number of countries to develop laws that would regulate access to genetic resources. Among the first countries to act were the Republic of the Philippines, Brazil, Colombia and Ecuador.39,40 

Although it has only 0.7% of the land mass of the Earth, it is estimated that Colombia has possibly as much as 10% of all plant and animal species. Colombia ratified the CBD in 1994 and implemented Decision 391 in June 1997 (see below). Very few applicants have requested access to Colombia s genetic resources. Thus, between February 1997 and February 2004, 15 bioprospecting protocols were submitted. Two of these involved international collaboration, one was commercial and the rest were for academic and conservation purposes  

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