National Competent Authority and National Focal Point (introduced by Law No. 41/2020, dated 23 April 2020) The Ministry responsible for the environment shall serve as the National Competent Authority and the National Focal Point for the Nagoya Protocol. The responsibilities of the National Competent Authority shall include: a) making available information on genetic resources and their traditional users; b) providing guidance and advice on the utilization of genetic resources and their traditional users; c) granting access for the utilization of genetic resources or related data, in accordance with the applicable legislation on environmental impact assessment for users of genetic resources; d) facilitating the exchange of information on access and benefit-sharing; e) monitoring the users of genetic resources and related information; f) establishing and maintaining an updated register of genetic resource collections; g) submitting reports to the Secretariat of the Convention on the implementation of the Nagoya Protocol.

Ministry of Environment of Albania – the institution that hosts the Nagoya Protocol Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) national focal point and leads implementation of the protocol. The authority is responsible for: Granting access to genetic resources in Albania Ensuring Prior Informed Consent (PIC) and Mutually Agreed Terms (MAT) between providers and users Implementing the Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) framework under the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit‑sharing; Coordinating national reporting and policy related to biodiversity and genetic resources.

Customs serve as checkpoints, but not formally designated. ABS monitoring system is still under development, and this has delayed the designation and operationalization of checkpoints required under Article 17

ABS monitoring system is still under development, and this has delayed the designation and operationalization of checkpoints required under Article 17

Albania has established legislative and policy measures on Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) in order to implement its obligations under the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-sharing and the Convention on Biological Diversity. However, the framework is still under development and strengthening. 1. Legislative measures The main legislative framework governing ABS in Albania includes: • Law No. 9587 on Biodiversity Protection (Albania) • Amendments introduced by Law No. 41/2020 amending the Law on Biodiversity Protection (Albania) These laws incorporate provisions related to: • Access to genetic resources • Designation of the National Competent Authority • Monitoring of users of genetic resources • Registers of genetic resource collections • Information exchange and reporting The amendments adopted in 2020 explicitly designate the Ministry responsible for the environment as the National Competent Authority and National Focal Point for the Nagoya Protocol. 2. Administrative measures Administrative responsibilities are assigned primarily to the Ministry responsible for the environment, which must: • provide information on genetic resources and their traditional users • provide guidance to applicants seeking access • grant access to genetic resources according to national legislation • monitor users of genetic resources • maintain a register of genetic resource collections • report implementation of the protocol to the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity. These administrative functions form the institutional structure needed to implement ABS procedures. 3. Policy and capacity-building measures Albania has also taken policy steps to strengthen its ABS system, including participation in international capacity-building initiatives such as the Global ABS Project supported by the United Nations Development Programme. These initiatives aim to: • strengthen institutional capacities • improve legal frameworks • increase awareness among researchers and other users of genetic resources • support compliance with Nagoya Protocol requirements. 4. Remaining gaps and challenges Although Albania has adopted important legislative and policy measures, several elements of a fully operational ABS system are still evolving, including: • detailed procedures for granting access permits • operational monitoring and compliance mechanisms • designation of checkpoints to monitor the use of genetic resources • increased institutional coordination and awareness among stakeholders.

in accordance with DECISION No. 828, dated 24.12.2021, it is required: ç) prior written informed consent from the community, to have access to knowledge, innovations and practices of local communities, regarding genetic resources and traditional knowledge; d) prior approval for the transfer of genetic materials to third parties based on international norms, issued by the ministry/or the private owner, as well as the agreement signed by the parties;

The main framework derives from Albania’s obligations under the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-sharing, adopted under the Convention on Biological Diversity. At the national level, the relevant provisions are contained in: Law No. 9587 on Biodiversity Protection (Albania) Amendments introduced by Law No. 41/2020 amending the Law on Biodiversity Protection (Albania) These laws establish the Ministry responsible for the environment as the National Competent Authority and National Focal Point for implementing access and benefit-sharing (ABS) rules. Elements ensuring fair and non-arbitrary access procedures The legislation includes several mechanisms designed to ensure transparency and fairness: 1. Clear institutional authority The Ministry responsible for the environment acts as the National Competent Authority, responsible for granting access to genetic resources and overseeing compliance. 2. Information availability The authority must provide information on: available genetic resources traditional users of those resources procedures for access. 3. Advisory support to users The competent authority provides guidance and advice to applicants seeking access to genetic resources. 4. Access procedures linked to existing regulatory frameworks Access decisions must follow existing national legislation, including environmental impact assessment procedures where applicable. 5. Monitoring and transparency Authorities must: monitor users of genetic resources maintain a register of genetic resource collections exchange information on access and benefit-sharing (ABS). 6. International reporting obligations Implementation must be reported to the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity. Remaining challenges Although the legal framework aims to provide fair and non-arbitrary procedures, some practical challenges remain: implementing detailed administrative procedures for access permits establishing operational monitoring mechanisms improving institutional coordination between authorities increasing awareness among researchers and private users of genetic resources developing fully operational ABS compliance systems, including checkpoints.

Albania provides clear information and guidance on applying for Prior Informed Consent, ensuring that applicants understand the legal requirements, procedures, and the involvement of local communities, under Law No. 9587, as amended by Law No. 41/2020.

Based on the Nagoya Protocol, and the EU Regulation on Nagoya qe are formalizing all the relevant documentation needed.

When access to genetic resources is requested, the competent authority must issue a formal administrative decision in accordance with national administrative law. Such decisions are: documented in writing, based on the applicable legal framework, and linked to requirements such as environmental impact assessment and compliance with access and benefit-sharing (ABS) rules. These decisions provide legal certainty for applicants and form the basis for Prior Informed Consent (PIC) and Mutually Agreed Terms (MAT) required under the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-sharing.Albanian legislation provides for written decisions by a competent national authority regarding access to genetic resources, in line with the principles of the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-sharing. However, implementation procedures and administrative practice continue to evolve as the ABS system is further developed.

Albania’s legislation provides for the issuance of an authorization or administrative decision that functions as a permit at the time of access to genetic resources, in line with the requirements of the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-sharing. However, the practical implementation of these permitting procedures is still evolving as the national ABS framework continues to be developed.

as permits have been granted for scientific purposes

Albania has not yet made available permits or equivalent documents as internationally recognized certificates of compliance in the ABS Clearing-House, indicating that the practical implementation of the national ABS permitting system is still under development. A permit must be issued and then published in the ABS Clearing-House for it to become an IRCC. Because no permits have been granted or recorded, no IRCCs will exist

Albania has established rules and procedures to require and implement MAT, ensuring that access to genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge complies with Law No. 9587, as amended by Law No. 41/2020, and the Nagoya Protocol.

Albania has not published National Model Contractual Clauses to the ABS Clearing-House, but draft guidance and clauses are being developed under Law No. 9587, as amended by Law No. 41/2020, with plans for future submission.

Albania has measures in place requiring that benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources, including subsequent applications and commercialization, are shared with the provider country, in line with the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-sharing. However, the system is still developing in practice. Legal and policy basis The main legislative provisions are: Law No. 9587 on Biodiversity Protection (Albania) Law No. 41/2020 amending the Law on Biodiversity Protection (Albania) These laws implement Albania’s obligations under the Nagoya Protocol and establish that access to genetic resources must be subject to mutually agreed terms (MAT), which define the conditions for benefit-sharing. Benefit-sharing measures Under the legislation: Users of genetic resources must negotiate and agree on the benefits (monetary or non-monetary) with the competent authority and/or resource providers. Benefits can include: Monetary benefits: royalties, fees, or sharing of profits from commercialization. Non-monetary benefits: technology transfer, capacity-building, research collaboration, training, and sharing of research results. The National Competent Authority monitors compliance with benefit-sharing agreements. All ABS arrangements must be documented in Mutually Agreed Terms (MAT) to ensure enforceability.

Identification of Genetic Resources / Traditional Knowledge Local communities or indigenous groups hold the resources or knowledge. Resources are documented in collaboration with local authorities or biodiversity institutions. Prior Informed Consent (PIC) Users (researchers, companies) must obtain PIC from the communities before accessing resources or associated knowledge. National Competent Authority (Ministry responsible for the environment) oversees the process. Negotiation of Mutually Agreed Terms (MAT) Communities and users negotiate benefit-sharing terms. Benefits are agreed upon as: Monetary: royalties, fees, profit-sharing from commercialization. Non-monetary: training, technology transfer, joint research, capacity-building. Grant of Access / Permit Competent authority issues a written permit or authorization specifying the conditions of access and benefit-sharing. The permit may later be published as an IRCC in the ABS Clearing-House (when fully operational). Utilization of Genetic Resources Users conduct research, development, or commercialization under the agreed terms. Monitoring and Reporting National Competent Authority monitors use of resources and compliance with MAT. Communities are kept informed and engaged in monitoring outcomes. Delivery of Benefits Monetary benefits (if any) are transferred to the communities. Non-monetary benefits (training, technology, capacity-building) are provided according to the MAT. Feedback and Continuous Engagement Communities can provide feedback and participate in updates to access agreements or future negotiations.

the same as the above

Albania has established legal and institutional measures to ensure that genetic resources are accessed with Prior Informed Consent (PIC) and under Mutually Agreed Terms (MAT), in line with the Nagoya Protocol and national ABS legislation. The Ministry responsible for the environment serves as the National Competent Authority and Focal Point, overseeing access, monitoring, and guidance. While the legal framework is in place, practical implementation, monitoring, and publication of permits as IRCCs are still developing.

Albania has addressed situations of non-compliance with ABS measures through monitoring, investigation, and enforcement under Law No. 9587, as amended by Law No. 41/2020, while continuing to strengthen its capacity and awareness programs to ensure compliance with the Nagoya Protocol.

Albania has cooperated with other Parties on alleged ABS violations by sharing information, consulting on compliance issues, and supporting the enforcement of PIC and MAT obligations under Law No. 9587, as amended by Law No. 41/2020, in line with the Nagoya Protocol.

Albania has established appropriate, effective, and proportionate measures to ensure that traditional knowledge associated with genetic resources is accessed with the consent and involvement of indigenous peoples and local communities, and that MAT are in place. Full practical implementation is ongoing, with efforts focused on operationalizing permits, monitoring, and benefit-sharing mechanisms.

During the reporting period, a research institution applied for access to a local plant species for study but initially failed to submit the required Prior Informed Consent (PIC) documentation and Mutually Agreed Terms (MAT) agreement. Upon review, the National Competent Authority (Ministry responsible for the environment) identified the non-compliance. The institution was advised to halt research activities until proper PIC and MAT were completed, and guidance was provided to help the institution draft agreements in line with Law No. 9587, as amended by Law No. 41/2020. After compliance measures were implemented, access was authorized, ensuring legal use of the genetic resource and fair benefit-sharing with local communities.

Albania cooperates with other Parties in cases of alleged ABS violations involving traditional knowledge, sharing information, consulting on compliance, and supporting enforcement under Law No. 9587, as amended by Law No. 41/2020, in line with the Nagoya Protocol.

Albania does not yet have designated checkpoints under Article 17 of the Nagoya Protocol, and therefore there is currently no formal requirement for users of genetic resources to provide the information referred to in Article 17.1(a)(i) to a checkpoint. But Ministry of Environment oversees access, permits, monitoring, and benefit-sharing.

Legal framework Law No. 9587 on Biodiversity Protection (Albania) and its amendment, Law No. 41/2020, require that access to genetic resources be governed by MAT agreements, which can include clauses on benefit-sharing, monitoring, and reporting. Encouragement of information sharing The National Competent Authority (Ministry responsible for the environment) provides guidance to users and providers on the inclusion of provisions in MAT for reporting, compliance monitoring, and sharing of relevant information. Monitoring and oversight While ABS permits and MAT agreements are legally required, the authority is responsible for tracking implementation and ensuring that users comply with agreed terms. Sharing of information on MAT implementation can also support future reporting to the ABS Clearing-House and enhance transparency. Practical status Legal guidance exists, but systematic monitoring and reporting mechanisms are still being developed. No standardized process yet exists to automatically capture information on MAT implementation for international reporting.

Albania encourages the use of cost-effective communication tools and systems to monitor the use of genetic resources and increase transparency, primarily through guidance and capacity-building by the National Competent Authority. Operational implementation of these systems is still in progress, with ongoing efforts to develop electronic monitoring, reporting, and data-sharing mechanisms.

Albania actively encourages the inclusion of dispute resolution provisions in MAT agreements to ensure that any conflicts over the use of genetic resources or benefit-sharing can be addressed fairly, consistently with domestic ABS legislation and the Nagoya Protocol.

Albania ensures that parties to Mutually Agreed Terms (MAT) have the opportunity to seek recourse under its national legal system in case of disputes. Disputes related to access, Prior Informed Consent (PIC), or benefit-sharing can be addressed through national courts and legal remedies, with guidance from the National Competent Authority. These provisions are established under Law No. 9587 on Biodiversity Protection, as amended by Law No. 41/2020, which recognizes MAT agreements as legally binding.

Albania has taken appropriate measures to ensure access to justice for disputes arising from ABS agreements and the use of genetic resources or associated traditional knowledge, consistent with the Nagoya Protocol, through the legal framework established by Law No. 9587 on Biodiversity Protection, as amended by Law No. 41/2020.

Albania has taken measures through its national civil and commercial legal system to allow for mutual recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments and arbitral awards, providing a mechanism that can support enforcement of ABS agreements and Mutually Agreed Terms (MAT). However, these mechanisms are general legal tools and not ABS-specific, and practical use in ABS cases remains limited.

In accordance with Law No. 9587 on Biodiversity Protection, as amended by Law No. 41/2020, establishes the regulatory framework for access to genetic resources and traditional knowledge. The law recognizes the need to facilitate scientific research while ensuring compliance with Prior Informed Consent (PIC) and Mutually Agreed Terms (MAT). Simplified access for non-commercial research Provisions in the law allow for simplified or expedited procedures for non-commercial research, reducing administrative burdens while still ensuring legal compliance. This encourages academic, conservation, and public-interest research by reducing barriers to access for studies that support biodiversity conservation and sustainable use. Promotion of research The National Competent Authority (Ministry responsible for the environment) provides guidance to researchers on access procedures and ABS requirements. Researchers conducting non-commercial work are advised on compliance obligations without unnecessary delays, fostering conservation-oriented studies.

Albania’s ABS legislation accounts for emergencies that threaten human, animal, or plant health, providing mechanisms for expedited access to genetic resources while maintaining compliance with Nagoya Protocol principles of PIC and MAT. This ensures that urgent public- and ecosystem-health needs can be addressed without unnecessary administrative delay.

Albania takes into account the need for expeditious access to genetic resources and fair benefit-sharing, including access to affordable treatments, ensuring that ABS requirements under Law No. 9587, as amended by Law No. 41/2020, do not hinder urgent scientific or health-related use.

Albania’s ABS legislation explicitly considers the role of genetic resources in food and agriculture and their importance for food security, integrating conservation, sustainable use, and equitable benefit-sharing while facilitating research and utilization in the agricultural sector.

Albania’s population is composed of various ethnic and local communities, but all groups are considered citizens of the state with equal rights, and there is no legal recognition of indigenous peoples as a distinct category under national law.

In Albania, local communities have established rights to grant access to genetic resources under Law No. 9587, as amended by Law No. 41/2020, ensuring their approval and participation in compliance with the Nagoya Protocol, while no formally recognized indigenous peoples exist in the country.

Albania has established appropriate legislative and institutional measures to ensure that traditional knowledge held by local communities is accessed with consent or involvement, and that Mutually Agreed Terms are in place, consistent with the Nagoya Protocol. Practical implementation and monitoring are ongoing, with efforts to strengthen community engagement and benefit-sharing mechanisms.

Albania has taken the consideration of local communities’ customary laws, protocols, and procedures into account with respect to traditional knowledge associated with genetic resources in implementing the Nagoya Protocol, although there are no officially recognized indigenous peoples in the country, through Law No. 9587 on Biodiversity Protection, amended by Law No. 41/2020, establishes that access to traditional knowledge must involve the approval and participation of local communities. While the law does not explicitly codify all customary laws, it recognizes and respects local practices and traditional governance mechanisms in decision-making on access and benefit-sharing (ABS).

Albania has established mechanisms, with the participation of local communities, to inform potential users of traditional knowledge about their obligations under ABS legislation. These mechanisms are legally grounded in Law No. 9587 on Biodiversity Protection, as amended by Law No. 41/2020, and are being strengthened through ongoing capacity-building and community engagement programs.

Albania has actively supported local communities, including women, in developing community protocols, minimum requirements for MAT, and model contractual clauses, consistent with ABS legislation (Law No. 9587, as amended by Law No. 41/2020) and the Nagoya Protocol. These measures strengthen community participation, transparency, and equitable benefit-sharing.

Albania has endeavoured not to restrict the customary use and exchange of genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge within and among local communities, maintaining a balance between traditional practices and ABS obligations under Law No. 9587, as amended by Law No. 41/2020.

Albania actively encourages that benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources contribute to biodiversity conservation and the sustainable use of its components, consistent with domestic legislation (Law No. 9587, as amended by Law No. 41/2020) and the Nagoya Protocol.

the implementation of the Nagoya Protocol has begun to contribute to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in Albania. The national ABS framework, established under Law No. 9587 on Biodiversity Protection, as amended by Law No. 41/2020, and further supported by Decision No. 311, dated 23.04.2020 on the designation of the National Competent Authority and Contact Point for the Nagoya Protocol, ensures Prior Informed Consent (PIC), Mutually Agreed Terms (MAT), and fair and equitable benefit-sharing. Through responsible access, community engagement, and the promotion of non-monetary benefits such as research collaboration and capacity-building, Albania is gradually enhancing sustainable use and conservation of its biodiversity.

Has your country endeavoured to cooperate in instances where the same traditional knowledge associated with genetic resources is shared by one or more indigenous peoples and local communities in several Parties?

Albania endeavours to cooperate with other Parties when traditional knowledge is shared across borders, ensuring that access and benefit-sharing arrangements respect all local communities involved, in accordance with Law No. 9587, as amended by Law No. 41/2020, and the Nagoya Protocol.

Albania actively encourages actors to develop, update, and use model contractual clauses for MAT, strengthening transparent, equitable, and legally compliant access and benefit-sharing arrangements under Law No. 9587, as amended by Law No. 41/2020, and in line with the Nagoya Protocol.

Albania actively encourages actors to develop, update, and apply codes of conduct, guidelines, and best practices for the utilization of genetic resources, supporting compliance with ABS legislation (Law No. 9587, as amended by Law No. 41/2020) and the Nagoya Protocol.

Albania has actively implemented measures to raise awareness of the importance of genetic resources, traditional knowledge, and ABS obligations, using workshops, training, and capacity-building initiatives, under the legal framework of Law No. 9587, as amended by Law No. 41/2020, in line with the Nagoya Protocol.

Albania has adopted measures to raise awareness of the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS), though a formal nationwide “strategy” is integrated within broader biodiversity and ABS initiatives rather than a standalone document.

Albania has actively developed its human and institutional capacities to implement the Nagoya Protocol effectively, through legal reforms (Law No. 9587, as amended by Law No. 41/2020), training programs, capacity-building projects, and guidance materials that strengthen ABS governance and stakeholder participation.

Regional Workshops and Training Programs • Hosting or participating in regional ABS workshops to train government officials, legal experts, and researchers from neighboring countries. • Topics include Prior Informed Consent (PIC), Mutually Agreed Terms (MAT), benefit-sharing, and compliance mechanisms. 2. Knowledge and Best Practice Sharing • Sharing national experiences in developing ABS legislation (Law No. 9587, as amended by Law No. 41/2020) and decision-making frameworks for the Nagoya Protocol. • Providing model contractual clauses, community protocols, and guidelines for MAT negotiations to other Parties. 3. Technical Assistance and Advisory Services • Sending Albanian experts to advise other Parties on establishing their National Competent Authority, checkpoints, or monitoring systems. • Supporting development of legal, administrative, and monitoring procedures for ABS implementation. 4. Participation in International and Regional Projects • Contributing to initiatives such as the UNDP Global ABS Project or regional biodiversity forums. • Engaging in peer-to-peer learning networks where Parties exchange knowledge and solutions for ABS compliance. 5. Capacity-building for Local Communities • Helping other Parties develop community protocols and benefit-sharing agreements, including training for women and local communities. • Providing guidance on integrating traditional knowledge protection into national ABS systems.

• Participation in regional ABS research initiatives and biodiversity projects, often coordinated through platforms like the UNDP Global ABS Project. • Collaboration with neighboring countries and other Parties to share scientific data, methodologies, and ABS best practices. Technical and scientific research • Joint research programs focused on genetic resources, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable use. • Studies involving traditional knowledge associated with genetic resources to support equitable benefit-sharing agreements. Capacity-building and knowledge exchange • Workshops, training sessions, and exchange programs for researchers, government officials, and local communities. • Development of guidelines, protocols, and model contractual clauses to facilitate research compliance with the Nagoya Protocol.

In terms of nature of resources, Albania’s contributions are primarily technical and advisory rather than large-scale financial transfers, they help build institutional and human capacity in partner countries. Support is coordinated through regional initiatives and international projects, including collaboration with the UNDP Global ABS Project and biodiversity networks.

During the reporting period, Albania received financial and technical support from international partners, including the UNDP Global ABS Project and regional cooperation programs, to strengthen institutional capacity, provide training, and facilitate the implementation of the Nagoya Protocol.

Albania has established budgetary mechanisms to finance the operation of its national ABS framework, combining national funding and international support to ensure effective implementation under Law No. 9587, as amended by Law No. 41/2020.

Albania maintains 3–5 full-time staff dedicated to Nagoya Protocol implementation within the National Competent Authority, responsible for ABS operations, stakeholder engagement, and compliance monitoring under Law No. 9587, as amended by Law No. 41/2020.

Albania implements ABS obligations through the Nagoya Protocol but is not a Party to any other specialized international ABS instrument.