Law No. 1865 “On genetic resources.”

This Law defines the organizational, legal and economic framework for activities in the field of genetic resources and is aimed at access and protection of plants, animals and microorganisms, as well as samples of genetic resources. Traditional knowledge about genetic resources shall be intended knowledge, production secrets, skill, innovation or experience that is passed down from generation to generation and constitutes the traditional way of life of the local population, or their associations, on genetic resources. Genetic certificate shall be intended document containing information about the distinctive hereditary qualities of plants, animals, microorganisms, the number of samples, biological and scientific names, the date of their inclusion in the collection of genetic resources, geographical location and their description, issued to natural persons and legal entities by genetic diagnostic laboratories. This Law applies to protected genetic resources and traditional knowledge about genetic resources. It does not apply to genetically modified genetic resources and organisms, as well as parts and tissues of the human body. State policy in the field of genetic resources, as an integral part of the state’s socio-economic policy, is aimed at protecting, collecting, preserving, studying and rationally using them in order to ensure economic, food and environmental security. The objects of protected genetic resources include: (a) flora and fauna, including all types of biological diversity of natural ecosystems, as well as their genetic fund; and (b) types of cultivated plants and breeds of farm animals. Protected breeds of farm animals include offspring, crosses, the gene pool of rare descendants and intrabreed nursery groups. The basic principles of protection and use of genetic resources are: (a) scientific validity of economic, social and environmental components in the field of formation, protection and use of genetic resources; (b) the primacy of the protection of especially valuable genetic resources; (c) monitoring the state of protection and use of genetic resources; (d) accounting of genetic resources in order to meet the social needs of the population; (e) stimulation of scientific research in the field of protection, collection and effective use of genetic resources; (f) a combination of organizational, legal, scientific, financial and information measures in the study, assessment, protection and use of genetic resources; (g) access to samples and information on genetic resources; and (h) ensuring the participation of citizens and public organizations in resolving issues related to the protection and rational use of genetic resources. This Law contains 5 Chapters divided into 27 Articles. Chapter 1 lays down general provisions. Chapter 2 regards state regulation of the activities in the field of genetic resources. Chapter 3 establishes access to and management of genetic resources. Chapter 4 regards collection of genetic resources. Chapter 5 lays down final provisions.