Africa-Press – Angola. Angola’s contribution to the discussion and adoption of an international instrument for the preservation of genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge was highlighted this Monday, in Geneva, Switzerland, by the Angolan ambassador Margarida Izata.
According to a press release, Angola’s permanent representative to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations spoke during the Diplomatic Conference on the subject that takes place from 13 to 24 May, at the headquarters of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) ,
Angola, he highlighted, recognizes the importance that this instrument guarantees in the competence in Intellectual Property, traditional knowledge and genetic resources in countries where this matter is crucial.
“We recognize the tireless efforts, as well as the work carried out by WIPO, in supporting all member states and interested parties during the negotiations”, he reinforced.
He clarified that Angola is in favor of the adoption of this Instrument, as it will help national institutions in their respective activities, as well as protecting related communities, in their rights and specific needs.
The diplomat is of the opinion that the treaty, with its intended objectives and purposes, will benefit all parties because it promotes and protects oral tradition, including those experiences and knowledge that rural populations have held since ancient times, transmitted orally, from generation to generation.
Referring particularly to areas such as medicine and medicinal plants, rudimentary agricultural techniques and practices, he highlighted that these aspects can be inspiring and used to leverage conventional and modern scientific and technological development.
He argued that Angola sees this document as a timely and indispensable instrument, taking into account its vast field of application, in the empowerment of indigenous peoples and traditional communities.
For Margarida Izata, these people make discoveries every day, whose technical-scientific analysis could culminate in a positive contribution to innovation and economic development, not only in Angola, but throughout the world.
The diplomatic conference, organized by WIPO, is the final phase of negotiations before the adoption of an international legal instrument, the commitment of which the contracting parties began more than 20 years ago.
The future instrument aims to “increase the effectiveness, transparency and quality of the patent system”, as well as “prevent patents from being erroneously granted for inventions that are not new or inventive with regard to genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge to genetic resources”.
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