The Nagoya Protocol is based on concepts of biological diversity that are hardly applicable to microorganisms. Because of this incongruence, the Nagoya Protocol threatens future microbial research, potentially defeating its original purpose. Countries with appropriate regulations can promote science and their bioeconomy through international collaboration and simultaneously gain a competitive advantage.
Keywords: Convention on Biological Diversity; Nagoya Protocol; access and benefit sharing; bioeconomy; genetic resources; microbial diversity.
Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.