1 October 2013: With seven recent ratifications, the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization (ABS) has reached 25 ratifications and is halfway to entry into force. Bhutan, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea Bissau, Indonesia and Norway ratified the Nagoya Protocol during the UN Treaty Event, held from 24-26 September and 30 September – 1 October 2013 at the UN Headquarters in New York. They were preceded by Honduras and Tajikistan, which ratified in 12 August and 4 September 2013, respectively.

These countries join Albania, Botswana, Comoros, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, India, Jordan, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Mauritius, Mexico, the Federated States of Micronesia, Mongolia, Panama, Rwanda, Seychelles, South Africa and Syria. The Nagoya Protocol on ABS will enter into force 90 days after the date of deposit of the 50th instrument of ratification. [CBD Press Release on Bhutan, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea Bissau, Indonesia and Norway][CBD Press Release on Honduras and Tajikistan][UN Treaty Event 2013 Website]