The Role of Switzerland in the Nagoya Protocol Negotiations

This paper investigates the role of Switzerland in the Nagoya Protocol negotiations. It could be assumed that as a small state it had only negligible influence in the ABS negotiations. The authors argue, however, that the country had a significant impact on some aspects of the negotiations. They investigate how the Swiss position was elaborated and identify a number of structural as well as contingent explanatory factors. Structural factors include a tradition of bridge-building, significant bureaucratic autonomy, and a technical rather than political agenda. Contingent factors include technical expertise and long-term involvement of Swiss delegates, and their action as 'negotiation facilitators'. The weight of the Swiss life industry in the national economy and in the 'global bioeconomy' helps understand Switzerland's active engagement in the negotiations. Overall, the chapter contributes to a better understanding of the role of small states in the special setting of the CBD and the Nagoya Protocol.