Malaysia's Commitment To Biodiversity Conservation

Datuk Seri Abdullah With Mr Chirac at the conference held at The United Nation Educational Scientific And Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) HQ in Paris. Datuk Seri Abdullah was one of four key speakers on the "Science and Governance" themed conference at the personal invitation of Mr Chirac PRIME MINISTER, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was invited by French President Jacque Chirac, the host, to address the Opening Session of the international conference on 24 January 2005. In his address, Datuk Seri Abdullah recapped the three main objectives of the CBID; namely the conservation of biological diversity, its Sustainable use and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits derived from genetic resources, Saying that much hope was pinned on the CBD, which was open for signature at the Earth Summit in Rio in 1992, and its implementation, many now question the efficacy of national and international efforts to conserve biodiversity. "We therefore need to revisit and assess the effectiveness of the CI implementation," he stressed

International cooperation and national commitments are key in the attainment of the CBD's goals, he said, adding that developing countries as the main providers and custodians of biological resources do not only have obligations for conservation but also rights from the benefits of conservation. "Capacity building in conservation and environmental protection must therefore be an important element in a nation's governance framework. Integrity and ethical management must drive our efforts. Additionally, care for the environment and Sustainability must be integrated into all national development plans and strategies, All of us - the public sector, private sector, civil society and members of the public - should be engaged in the biodiversity governance dialogue

"Malaysia treasures its natural resources. Our primary forests, our pristine beaches, our precious rivers arid tributaries - all of these Must be conserved and protected. I have assigned the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry to look into all aspects of environmental conservation and protection. The National Council, on Biodiversity and Biotechnology, which I chair, looks at policy integration and coordination as well as implementation between the federal government and the 13 state governments in my country. These and other measures ensure that our biodiversity position is strong and secure, although there is still much more to be done," he stressed.

While national governance requires upgrading, fair play must characterise the international dimension of biodiversity governance. In this regard, the Prime Minister underlined the importance of the third objective of the CBD, regarding access and benefit sharing. He said that Malaysia considers this to be pivotal to the accomplishment of the other two CBD objectives. It is therefore encouraging to note that governments will soon begin negotiating an international regime on access and benefit sharing. As one of the "megadiverse" countries, Malaysia has a special interest in this issue because any unregulated access to biological resources threatens biodiversity.

He continued: "It should be accepted as a matter of principle that commercial benefits should be fairly and equitably shared with the providers and users of the biological resources. Although fraught with difficulties, we must seek the right balance and correct formula to cater for national rights and international obligations in access and benefit-sharing."

The Prime Minister also highlighted another related issue which concerns the increasing scope of patents and other intellectual property claims over biological resources as well as their parts and genetic make-up. There are many unresolved dimensions in this area, with serious socio-economic and ethical implications, he said, adding that these issues need to be examined and carefully considered by both scientists and policy makers, with a view to providing clear and fair rules and guidelines.

"Malaysia is aware of its rich natural heritage and the corresponding responsibilities that come with it. We are particularly conscious and committed about the need to protect our environment while embarking upon rapid development. (In this respect) Malaysia has identified biotechnology as an important source of growth, particularly given the existence of abundant biological resources in the country. Indeed, biotechnology is capable of creating new sources of wealth and additional income. We would welcome not only local but also foreign investment in this sector," he said.

However, while Malaysia is aware that biotechnology holds much promise, the Prime Minister spelt out that biotechnological products should not pose any threat to the environment, or to human health and safety. He added: "As such, we need to continue to exchange views and ideas regarding policy choices on these issues. Including on research priorities and resource allocation as well as on the impact of technology on biodiversity. It is pertinent to remember that God has created interdependence between man and his environment. The development of either one should not be at the expense of the other. They should be mutually enriching."

The international community, he said, has recognised the potential hazards and risks of genetic engineering. The principle of precaution underpins the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety as well as its parent convention, the CBD. The First Meeting of the Parties of the Cartagena Protocol was held in Kuala Lumpur in 2004. Malaysia is also the current president of the Seventh Conference of the Parties to the CBD. Malaysia intends to use the remaining term of its presidency to focus on the question of effective implementation of both the CBD and the Biosafety Protocol.

Malaysia viewed this meeting in Paris as timely for taking stock of the state of global biodiversity as a critical international issue. While scientific input in this matter is essential, sound and honest science should be the guide for actions and responses. However, as was seen in the climate change negotiations, scientific facts cannot prevail when the political will is absent. Malaysia has consistently called for genuine dialogue between developed and developing countries, before and after the Earth Summit, so that issues on the environment and of development could be resolved amicably and equitably. Malaysia has spoken about the need to find the right balance - to enrich man and enable progress and development, without sacrificing the environment.

A large portion of the world's biodiversity resides in developing countries. As such, the dialogue should ascertain the views of the developing world, as well as identify the areas of their concern. It should also seek to assuage their fears of "biopiracy" which robs them of their biodiversity without acknowledgement or benefit-sharing. He said: "We must seek win-win solutions for the mutual advantage of those who own biodiversity resources and those who possess the financial means, scientific knowledge and technological expertise to develop them all. All these must be premised on the critical necessity of maintaining the integrity of the ecosystem upon which our shared destiny is based.

"Since the Earth Summit in Rio in 1992, the world has become increasingly aware of the health of the global environment, the potential value of biodiversity and the issue of "biopiracy". The new global dialogue on biodiversity should foster a climate of sincerity, trust and integrity. This is the only guarantee we have for a future with sustainable development. The well-being of our Earth's environment is not served by the North-South divide which characterises current discussions on these and other global issues. The recent earthquake and the resultant tsunami disaster have united the world into a spontaneous and caring international community providing support to survivors in countries far away from their own. We should be able to draw inspiration from that and reflect on what true international solidarity could do to conserve biodiversity. Let us not wait for a crisis or disaster to strike before we take action to protect what is, essentially, our only home," he said.