Fate of Nagoya hanging in balance as developed nations resist legal framework for use of biological resources AN INTERNATIONAL protocol on biodiversity is set to become the new bone of contention between the developed and developing countries. The rich countries are opposing an international legal framework for use of biological resources. The agreement will deal with the issue of biopiracy, which is a cause of concern for countries like India. Negotiations are on to finalise the protocol that is expected to be adopted at Nagoya, Japan, in October this year. India and other developing countries are pushing for a protocol on access and benefit sharing (ABS). Biopiracy is an important issue for India, which is keen on the adoption of the Nagoya Protocol. Minister of state for environment Jairam Ramesh said the protocol will