UN COP16 Nature Summit to debate rules regarding Digital Sequence Information (DSI) | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
News Today Logo

UN COP16 Nature Summit to debate rules regarding Digital Sequence Information (DSI)

Posted 25 Oct 2024

2 min read

It aims to streamline laws and create a single, multilateral system focused on generating revenues for conservation from use of DSI.

About Digital Sequence Information (DSI)

  • It is a policy term that refers broadly to genomic sequence data and other related digital data
  • It includes digital representation of genetic resources and biological data, such as DNA, RNA, and protein sequences.
    • There is yet no consensus as to exact interpretation and scope of term.

Significance

  • Research: It can aid in biological research like understanding evolution of life, bioprospecting (systematic search for useful products from bio resources) etc.
    • E.g. virologists used SARSCoV-2 DSI to design diagnostic kits for COVID-19
  • Agriculture and food security: Helps develop pest-resistant, high-yield, and climate-resilient crop varieties.
  • Species conservation: Help identify and mitigate risks to threatened species, track illegal trade etc.

Challenges Associated with Digital Sequencing:

  • Lack of accountability: Public databases used to share DSI, established prior to the adoption of CBD (1992), are not accountable to CBD or its parties.
  • Lack of equitable benefit sharing: Primary sectors linked to DSI generate $1.6 trillion annually in revenues, excluding potential benefits to country of origin and communities.
  • Other issues: Privacy Concerns, Data Security risks, Ownership issues, Technological Constraints etc. 

Initiatives taken for DSI :

  • Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework: Target 13 of framework promotes sharing of benefit from Digital sequence information on genetic resources.
  • Digital sequencing Initiatives in India: E.g. Genome India Project (to map genetic diversity of Indian population) etc.
  • Tags :
  • Genome Sequencing
  • Digital Sequencing Information
  • Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework
  • Genome India Project
Watch News Today