Dr. Amina Abdullah Al Dhahak Al Shamsi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, announced on Wednesday that a proposed federal law on plant genetic resources is being introduced to modernize the UAE’s legal framework and align it with international standards. The ministry said the draft law aims to protect and sustain plant genetic resources for food and agriculture for future generations.
The announcement came during a session of the Federal National Council, where officials outlined the law’s intent to regulate the import and export of plant genetic resources and their derivatives. According to the ministry, the draft will translate international treaty obligations into an integrated national legal framework that supports research, access, and equitable benefit-sharing.
Federal law on plant genetic resources outlines national framework
The federal law on plant genetic resources is presented as a comprehensive statute to govern conservation, access, and use of plant genetic material related to food and agriculture. The ministry stated the bill was developed in coordination with relevant government entities to ensure clear rules for bringing genetic material into and out of the country.
Furthermore, officials said the legislation will set procedures for access and use, define the responsibilities of public and private actors, and establish mechanisms for monitoring and compliance. The law is expected to make the UAE’s regulatory environment more predictable for researchers and businesses while safeguarding national resources.
Scope, objectives and alignment with international agreements
The draft law addresses multiple objectives, including protection of genetic resources, promotion of sustainable use, and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from their utilization. The ministry emphasized that regulation at the national level is intended to reflect obligations under international agreements dealing with plant genetic resources and biodiversity.
According to officials, the bill will cover material transfers, research access, and the handling of derivatives and associated data. Additionally, the draft aims to support compliance with multilateral treaties and to provide a legal basis for cooperating with international conservation and agricultural programs.
Access, benefit-sharing and research facilitation
One key element of the proposal is a framework for access and benefit-sharing that seeks to balance the interests of source communities, public research institutions, and private companies. The ministry noted that rules will encourage researchers and breeders to use available genetic resources in ways that support their conservation and sustainable use.
Therefore, the law would include provisions to ensure benefits—such as research results, capacity building, or monetary compensation—are shared in an equitable manner. This approach is intended to foster innovation while maintaining commitments to protect biodiversity and local plant varieties.
Implications for sustainable agriculture, biodiversity and the private sector
Officials said the proposed regulations are designed to strengthen the resilience of the national food system and support sustainable agriculture practices. By clarifying legal pathways for accessing genetic resources, the law could enable breeders and agritech firms to develop crop varieties adapted to local climates and changing conditions.
Meanwhile, the ministry highlighted potential economic benefits, including stimulating private investment in seed development, conservation initiatives, and related services. In addition, measures to protect biodiversity are expected to contribute to broader environmental objectives such as ecosystem preservation and climate adaptation.
Industry observers and experts are likely to monitor how the law balances facilitation of research and commercial use with stringent conservation requirements. The ministry indicated that the legal framework will include safeguards against biopiracy and mechanisms to ensure sustainable sourcing of plant material.
Implementation, enforcement and institutional roles
The draft law proposes roles for government ministries, research institutions, and possibly designated national authorities to administer permits and maintain registers of genetic material. Officials said coordination between agencies will be central to effective implementation and monitoring.
Enforcement measures and penalties for noncompliance are expected to be part of the final text, along with compliance tools such as reporting obligations and inspection powers. Furthermore, capacity-building initiatives for local stakeholders and researchers were identified as necessary to support the law’s objectives.
Next steps and what to watch
The ministry indicated the draft federal law on plant genetic resources will proceed through the Federal National Council’s review process and follow subsequent legislative steps under the UAE’s established procedures. Stakeholder consultations and interagency coordination are likely to continue as the bill moves toward final approval.
Observers should watch for details on access and benefit-sharing mechanisms, enforcement provisions, and any technical annexes that define permitted activities. Additionally, timelines for implementation and designated institutional responsibilities will be important for the private sector and research community.
In conclusion, the proposed law seeks to modernize the UAE’s approach to managing genetic resources and to strengthen links between conservation, sustainable agriculture, and economic development. According to the ministry, the next phases of review will determine the law’s final scope and the specific measures that will support conservation, biodiversity, and innovation in the years ahead.