The webinar was co-hosted by the National Institute of Genetics of Japan, and the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) of Indonesia. About 100 participants from across the Asia-Pacific region exchanged views on the implementation of the DSI MLM and its Cali Fund ahead of CBD COP17. The discussion was explicitly framed as an informal exchange rather than an attempt to develop a common regional position. Participants broadly agreed that the priority at COP17 should be to move from the architecture established by Decision 16/2 towards practical implementation, while preserving open access to DSI and ensuring that benefit sharing contributes meaningfully to conservation, sustainable use and capacity development.

How is digital sequence information (DSI) reflected in national biodiversity priorities? This analysis reviews post-GBF NBSAPs from 105 CBD Parties, examining DSI, benefit-sharing and related capacity needs. It explores whether these NBSAPs could guide Cali Fund funding decisions, including support for indigenous peoples and local communities.

Nine ABS products developed under ABS Framework in 2025

The National Biodiversity Centre conducted the first day of a two-day awareness program for the tourism sector on 17 March 2026 at Serbithang. The program covered biodiversity conservation, global and national biodiversity frameworks, biopiracy, the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Nagoya Protocol, and Bhutan's Access and Benefit Sharing mechanisms. Participants also visited NBC's biodiversity facilities and the Biodiversity Interpretation Centre and Orchidarium at the Royal Botanical Garden, Serbithang. The program aims to enhance awareness and encourage the tourism sector to actively contribute to biodiversity conservation and documentation through the Bhutan Biodiversity Portal (BBP).