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.

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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

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Announcements

Official Launch of the Bioprospecting Products developed under the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) Framework

Official Launch of the Bioprospecting Products developed under the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) Framework

Official Launch of the Bioprospecting Products developed under the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) Framework The National Biodiversity Centre (NBC) is pleased to share the official launch of the Bioprospecting Products that were developed under the Access and Benefit Sharing […]

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Web applications

Bhutan Biodiversity Portal

Free & open access to Bhutan’s biodiversity information

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Bhutan Biodiversity Specimen Portal

A suite of user-friendly, web-based biological specimen data portal

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Leave Attendance System

Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock

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Videos

Agrobiodiversity music video

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

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Status of the Biodiversity of Bhutan

1115
Moths
750
Butterflies
166
Ground beetles
94
Dragonflies & Damselflies
86
Bees & Wasps
77
Lady Beetles
70
Aphids
61
Flies
736
Birds
158
Amphibians & Reptiles
129
Mammals
130
Fishes
61
Snails & Slugs
5369
Plants
690
Fungi
55
Agricultural plants
8
Livestock species

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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