About NBC

Bhutan became a party to and ratified the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 1995 by the 73rd session of the National Assembly, recognizing the importance of biodiversity to humankind and its own goal of environmentally sustainable development and committed leadership in environmental conservation. The CBD is one of the most comprehensive international agreements, signed by 193 countries committed to the conservation and sustainable utilization of biological resources and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from access to biological resources. Bhutan also signed the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-Sharing in 2011 to enable meaningful ABS collaborations that will benefit the country and the people at large through regulated access to biological resources in the country. The National Biodiversity Centre was designated as the National Focal Point for Nagoya Protocol on access to genetic resources and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from their utilization at the 44th Commission meeting of the National Environment Commission.


Biological resources effectively conserved, sustainable used and benefits equitably shared for enhancement of livelihood, food security and environmental well-being of the country.

Effective conservation, sustainable utilization and equitable sharing of benefits arising from access and use of biological resources.

To become a premier institute on biodiversity in the country resulting in the effective management of biodiversity and maximizing the benefits from it as well as contributing to international efforts toward conserving biodiversity.

News and Events

NBC Status Report (2022-23)

NBC Status Report (2022-23)

The National Biodiversity Centre is pleased to share our ANNUAL REPORT detailing keyachievements for the financial year 2022-23. Some of the highlights include the launch ofcommunity-based ABS products, the acquisition of two conservation farms, and theimplementation of critical agro-biodiversity projects … Continued

Promoting Bioprospecting as a Nature-based Solution for Community Resilience and Environmental Conservation

Promoting Bioprospecting as a Nature-based Solution for Community Resilience and Environmental Conservation

The National Biodiversity Centre under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) and the Cottage and Small Industry (CSI) Market are participating together in the Bhutan Agrifood Trade and Investment Forum (BATIF) to … Continued

Consultation workshop on Bioprospecting as Nature-based Solution for green mountain livelihoods

Consultation workshop on Bioprospecting as Nature-based Solution for green mountain livelihoods

A two-day workshop on “Bioprospecting as a Nature-Based Solution for Green Mountain Livelihoods,” led by National Biodiversity Centre (NBC) and International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) involving relevant stakeholders was held on 22nd to 23rd April 2024 in Paro. … Continued

Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, Malaysia visits the Centre

Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, Malaysia visits the Centre

His Excellency Dato’ Sri Huang Tiong Sii, Deputy Minister, Mr. Low How Kiat, Special Functions Officer to the Deputy Minister, Dr. Aizalyasni Binti Anuar, Principal Assistant Secretary of the Biodiversity Management Division, and Mr. Tan Hieng Kiek, Private Secretary Officer … Continued


Announcements

Web applications

Videos

Agrobiodiversity music video

Biodiversity Interpretation Centre
Animal Genetic Resources Program – National Biodiversity Centre, Bhutan
Zhinor Massage Balm & Liniment for joint and muscle pain

Publications

Status of the Biodiversity of Bhutan

Useful Tips on Material Transfer Agreement (MTA)

A Material Transfer Agreement is a written contract that defines the rights, obligations, and restrictions for both the provider and the recipient with respect to the materials or any derivatives, and any confidential information exchanged with the material. It addresses issues such as ownership of materials and rights over the inventions resulting from the use of the materials, transfer, and use of the material, and any resulting publications or intellectual property rights.

We need to execute Material Transfer Agreements to regulate and streamline access to Bhutanese Genetic resources in order to:

  1. Ensure that access results in the fair and equitable sharing of benefits.
  2. Avoid unregulated access taking place.
  3. Facilitate research collaborations with national capacity-building.
  4. Fix accountability on the part of the Provider as well as Recipient of the material.
  5. Enable generation of information and knowledge sharing.

A Material Transfer Agreement is executed when Bhutanese biological/genetic resources are transferred to other countries for research and commercialization. It excludes biological resources which are traded as commodities for direct consumption. However, if the materials traded as commodities are later intended to be used for research and commercialization, a Material Transfer Agreement has to be executed.

Anyone sending the material is a Provider and anyone receiving the material is a Recipient.

A written application shall be submitted to the Program Director, National Biodiversity Centre, Serbithang covering the following details:

  • Intended purpose of material transfer.
  • Types and numbers of material to be transferred.
  • Final destination of the material.
  • Details of the provider and recipient including proper mailing address.
  • National Identity number for a Bhutanese and Passport Number for foreigners.

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