VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Jakarta. The Environment and Forestry Ministry has drawn attention to the criticality of intensifying cooperation between Indonesia and technologically advanced nations in order to capitalize on the genetic resources.

To address the pressing matter of utilizing genetic resources, Indonesia, with abundant biodiversity, certainly should have the capability to master technology to manage the wealth," Chief of the Research, Development, and Innovation Board at the Environment and Forestry Ministry Agus Justianto noted during a discussion on the protection of genetic resources here on Wednesday.

To this end, Indonesia should open up opportunities for cooperation with technologically advanced countries through a mutually beneficial policy for the utilization of genetic resources, he emphasized.

"Indonesia must also avail the benefits as the supplier of genetic resources," he stated.

This is deemed of utmost importance since genetic resources are related to the state’s sovereignty and are strategic resources that serve the interests of the public, at large, he affirmed.

Hence, this calls for an integrated policy by the central and regional governments, including reinforcing coordination and synergy to safeguard and utilize genetic resources in a sustainable manner, he remarked.

Justianto further pointed to various recommendations derived from the discussion held on March 23-24, 2021, and involved various ministries and institutions, such as the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI).

The recommendations encompass the need to apply the five pillars of supervision of genetic resources, creation of a task force for the protection of genetic resources, and intensive application of the Nagoya Protocols across sectors to guarantee fair and equitable distribution of profits.  (Antaranews)