(a) Schibuna Aloe’s application was subjected to internal processes which involves the evaluation by the Bioprospecting Advisory Committee (BAC) comprised of internal and external stakeholders and ensuing consultations with the applicant. Upon receipt of the recommendations by the BAC, key fundamental gaps on fair and equitable sharing of benefits with communities were identified which needed further engagement with the applicant.
(b) The issuing of the permit will be finalised as soon as the applicant has satisfactorily addressed the fair and equitable sharing of benefits with communities. (Approval has been given, however, for the applicant to continue with the export of aloe juice in the interim, pending the completion of these processes)
2. (a) The Bioprospecting Access and Benefit Sharing (BABS) Amendment Regulations provide the criteria that must be taken into consideration before a biotrade permit can be issued and /or renewed.
(b) The department places high value on the role of bioprospecting and biotrade in facilitating fairness and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of biological resources. Recent interventions include but are not limited to institutional strengthening, regulatory amendments and enhancement of the assessment processes.
NW3939E
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