National Target 16: By 2015, the Nagoya protocol is implemented through ABS legislative, administrative and institutional frameworks, which are consistent with the Nagoya Protocol.

Bhutan became the 24th country to ratify the Nagoya Protocol in 2013 and is in the process of finalizing its ABS policy, in line with the Nagoya Protocol. While efforts are underway to establish the policy and regulatory framework for the implementation of the ABS regime in Bhutan, progress has been slow due to the limited understanding of ABS in the country coupled with inadequate institutional, legal and technical capacities. Therefore there is an urgent need to prepare for the effective implementation of the NP through the harmonization of national legislations and strengthening of national capacities for the implementation of an ABS regime that ensures the fair and equitable sharing of benefits from the sustainable utilization of biological resources in the country.