Brela seeks to protect genetic resources and traditional knowledge

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania has taken steps to protect intellectual property related to genetic resources and traditional knowledge, The Citizen has learned.

And in this endeavour, the country is receiving support from the World Intellectual Property Organisation (Wipo).

Wipo is currently devising an international legal instrument to safeguard the intellectual property rights of genetic resources and traditional knowledge, a move that holds immense significance for Tanzania.

On Friday, February 23, 2024, the Business Registrations and Licensing Agency (Brela) convened a consultative session with WIPO representatives and key stakeholders. The purpose was to explore how the country could benefit from this groundbreaking legislation.

Brela chief executive, Mr Godfrey Nyaisa, emphasised the need to capitalise on Tanzania's genetic resources and traditional knowledge while ensuring equitable benefits for its communities.

 Mr Nyaisa underscored the importance of the Wipo international law in preventing the unlawful exploitation of these resources and promoting transparency in their utilisation.

"We recognise that our nation is endowed with abundant genetic resources derived from plants, animals, and traditional knowledge. These hold a value that many are unaware of, and at times, these resources are utilised by others without benefiting the stakeholders,” he said.

Traditional medicine also plays a huge role in Tanzania’s healthcare landscape. The World Health Organisation (WHO) data from 2009 reveal that nearly 70 percent or more of Tanzanians rely on traditional remedies for various ailments.

“Currently, we are committed to assisting innovators in protecting their innovations so that after protection, they can benefit from them, and the utilisation of these resources can be beneficial to individuals and the nation as a whole," Mr Nyaisa said.

Brela’s acting director of Intellectual Property, Ms Loy Mhando, said the Wipo legislation tends to empower countries, including Tanzania, to protect their genetic resources and traditional knowledge, thereby fostering innovation and sustainable development.

She said that by safeguarding its genetic resources and traditional knowledge, the country can unlock new opportunities for economic growth, innovation, and cultural preservation.

“Ensuring the equitable sharing of benefits derived from these resources will promote social justice and empower local communities,” she said.

Ms Mhando stated that WIPO will host the Diplomatic Conference to Conclude an International Legal Instrument Relating to Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources, and Traditional Knowledge Associated with Genetic Resources at its Geneva headquarters from May 13 to 24, 2024.