Negotiations on Digital Sequence Information (DSI) have concluded
today (2 November) at CBD COP16 in Cali, Colombia.
DSI is genetic information that has been sequenced from the
natural world, with the DNA code then made available online for
use in research. This is the type of data used by companies
across the world for the creation of new medicines, vaccines and
other products. By continuing to ensure it is freely available
digitally, it will enable scientists to share information and
develop the products that we rely on, whilst supporting the
conservation of nature.
This research can be applied to medicine, agriculture,
conservation and public health, with benefits such as the
development of vaccines or adapting plants to be more resilient
to climate change.
The deal reached means businesses have the option of voluntarily
contributing to a new fund – known as the Cali Fund – if they use
this genetic information from nature.
This Fund will then support further use of DSI and the
conservation and sustainable use of nature, with a significant
proportion flowing to Indigenous People and local communities.
Nature Minister said:
We have seen the many benefits of DSI, including identifying
infectious diseases, predicting which plants will survive in a
warming climate, or helping protect threatened species.
More than half of the global economy is estimated to be dependent
in some way on the ecosystem services that nature provides, so
this latest deal is critical in supporting future growth and
development.
I would like to thank the UK negotiating team and all those
involved who helped conclude these important negotiations.
Eva Zabey, Chief Executive at Business for Nature,
said:
Nature underpins every aspect of our economy. The benefits of
natural resources – including through digital sequencing – must
be valued and shared fairly, which is why this deal is so
important.
Ms Bupe Mwambingu, Biodiversity Partnerships Manager
at Basecamp Research, a UK-based company which is working to
build the first fully traceable DSI database, said:
We are thrilled to welcome the COP16 decision on Digital Sequence
Information (DSI). We believe that by working together to address
the challenges around DSI, we have a unique opportunity to
accelerate the development of life-saving medicines, sustainable
food supplies, and carbon-negative industries, while also driving
the protection of our planet's precious biodiversity.
Over 196 governments – plus businesses, researchers, Indigenous
Peoples and local communities – have been involved in reaching
this deal
The UK government will now work with industry on developing a
voluntary mechanism.
