The Federal National Council (FNC) has approved a new federal law in the United Arab Emirates aimed at regulating the use of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture, imposing stringent penalties for violations while promoting biodiversity conservation and food security. The legislation introduces fines ranging from Dh50,000 to Dh3 million and imprisonment of up to three years for unauthorized activities involving plant genetic materials.
The law establishes a regulatory framework governing the collection, use, import, and export of plant genetic resources and their derivatives. It mandates licensing for such activities and requires official agreements for the cross-border movement of genetic materials. Any failure to declare these resources at customs, unauthorized collection from natural sites, or import-export without proper authorizations will be subject to penalties. Repeat offenses within a year or actions that cause significant harm to the UAE’s biodiversity may lead to doubled fines or extended jail time.
In addition to enforcement measures, the law calls for the establishment of one or more national gene banks dedicated to conserving plant genetic resources. The executive regulations, which are yet to be issued, will define the structure, governance, and operational functions of these repositories.
Customs authorities have been empowered to detain genetic materials that are undeclared or deemed suspicious while verification processes are carried out. The framework intends to facilitate sustainable management practices aligned with international conventions, aiming to safeguard biodiversity and enhance food security across the country.
Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, the UAE Minister of Climate Change & Environment, highlighted that the legislation modernizes the country’s regulatory approach by aligning it with global treaties and reinforcing the sustainable usage of plant genetic resources. She emphasized that the law seeks to regulate the import and export of genetic materials, encourage scientific research, and ensure fairness in benefit-sharing from the use of these resources.
The legislation also includes provisions aimed at protecting rare and endangered plant genetic materials, preserving traditional agricultural knowledge, and supporting farmers’ rights. It encourages the participation of farmers in decision-making processes related to conservation and sustainable utilization. Moreover, the law establishes mechanisms to equitably share benefits derived from commercial exploitation of genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge, covering financial returns and knowledge exchange arrangements.
Officials have stated that the new legal framework will bolster efforts to conserve agricultural biodiversity, strengthen the resilience of food production systems, and stimulate private sector investment and innovation within the UAE’s agricultural sector.