We believe that scientific innovation and ethical responsibility must go hand in hand. Our work with microorganisms from diverse environments across the globe is not just about discovering new opportunities for health, nutrition, and biosolutions — it’s also about ensuring that these discoveries are made responsibly, respecting biodiversity and the communities connected to it. 

What is the Nagoya Protocol? 

The Nagoya Protocol is an international agreement, established in 2010, that supports the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources. In practice, it ensures that when companies and research organizations access biological material, they do so transparently, responsibly, and in ways that recognize the rights of countries and communities of origin. 

This framework helps protect biodiversity, promotes sustainable development, and fosters trust between innovators and the custodians of natural resources. 

At DARWIN, we are proud to say that all of our microbial bioprospecting and strain collection activities are conducted in full compliance with the Nagoya Protocol. From the first stages of sampling to the final application of microbial solutions, we follow rigorous standards to ensure that our work contributes to science and industry without compromising biodiversity or local rights. 

Our internal protocols guarantee: 

• Transparent access to biological material, respecting international and national regulations. 

• Ethical collaborations with local partners and institutions in every region where we collect. 

• Benefit-sharing mechanisms that align with global sustainability goals. 

Proud members of UEBT 

To further strengthen our commitment, DARWIN is also a proud member of the Union for Ethical BioTrade (UEBT), a global association that promotes ethical sourcing of ingredients and biodiversity-based innovations. UEBT actively supports the principles of the Nagoya Protocol, working to ensure that biodiversity is used responsibly while contributing to better livelihoods and sustainable practices. 

Through UEBT, we reaffirm our promise to: 

• Source biodiversity with respect. 

• Drive innovation that uplifts both industry and communities. 

• Advance science while safeguarding nature. 

One Health: Connecting biodiversity and well-being 

Our commitment to ethical bioprospecting also aligns with the One Health approach — the recognition that human, animal, and environmental health are deeply interconnected. By preserving biodiversity and responsibly exploring microbial resources, we are not only protecting ecosystems but also laying the foundation for innovations that can improve nutrition, enhance animal health, combat disease, and restore ecological balance. 

This holistic view is central to our mission: safeguarding nature to build healthier lives, resilient food systems, and sustainable industries. 

As we continue to push the frontiers of microbiology, our focus remains on creating solutions that benefit health, nutrition, agriculture, and the environment, always guided by ethics, responsibility, and sustainability. 

The Nagoya Protocol, UEBT, and the One Health concept are more than just frameworks we adhere to — they are part of our DNA as a company. By championing biodiversity, we are not only shaping innovative solutions for today but also contributing to a healthier, fairer, and more sustainable future for generations to come.