WIPO SUMMER SCHOOL 2026

On June 9, a panel discussion entitled “Traditional Knowledge, Genetic Resources, and Traditional Cultural Expressions: Creating a Sound Safeguarding Framework” was held at WIPO Summer School in Minsk. Olga Malysheva, Head of the National Coordination Centre on Access to Genetic Resources and Benefit-Sharing, the Institute of Genetics and Cytology, NAS of Belarus, presented a paper entitled “Legal Regulation in the Field of Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge Management in the Republic of Belarus.”

During the speech, modern approaches to regulate the utilization of genetic resources critical to food security, medicine, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology were presented. Particular attention was diverted to the implementation of the provisions of the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Nagoya Protocol aiming to ensure the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources and to prevent biopiracy.

Participants learned about the provisions of the Law of the Republic of Belarus “On Genetic Resources Management”, which entered into force in 2025, mechanisms for providing access to genetic resources, the system to monitor their utilization, as well as the issues related to the preservation of traditional knowledge as part of the country’s natural and cultural heritage.

The report emphasized the importance of a national framework for the safeguarding of genetic resources to preserve the biological diversity of Belarus, for advancing scientific research and ensuring the state’s sovereign rights to its unique natural heritage.