Legislation Tracker

Which countries are taking measures that encourage companies to contribute to the Cali Fund?

The international agreement establishing the Cali Fund invites countries to "take administrative, policy or legislative measures" that incentivise contributions to the Cali Fund.

0

countries with legislation encouraging Cali Fund contributions

0

countries where such legislation is under discussion

Guatemala

  • Friends of the Cali Fund Member: no
  • CBD Party
  • Nagoya Party
  • Not a BBNJ Agreement Signatory
  1. No Legislation or administrative measure proposed yet (reached)
  2. Legislation or administrative measure proposed
  3. Legislation introduced
  4. Legislation passed into law
  5. Legislation or administrative measure in effect

Overview

Guatemala has not yet adopted specific legislation or administrative measures targeting potential Cali Fund contributors.

However, as per its updates on actions to give effect to decision 16/2 submitted to the CBD, Guatemala has identified companies operating in sectors potentially relevant to the Cali Fund and is considering possible measures to identify entities that use DSI and meet the indicative criteria for large entities.

Proposed legislation / administrative measure

No legislation or administrative measure has been proposed. In its March 2026 response to notifications 2026-006 and 2026-019, Guatemala reported that it has identified companies operating in sectors potentially relevant to the Cali Fund, and is considering possible measures to identify entities that use DSI and meet the indicative criteria for large entities.

Key developments

4-12 August 2026 - SBI-7 (Nairobi): Guatemala said discussions on product- and service-based modalities are premature, preferred strengthening existing databases over a new global database, and called for monetary and non-monetary benefits to reach Parties and IPLCs.

4 March 2026 - Guatemala submitted its response to notifications 2026-006 and 2026-019 on actions to give effect to Decision 16/2.

February 2026 - SBI-6 (Rome): with Peru, Guatemala proposed additional criteria on traceability, IPLC participation and DSI for specialised international ABS instruments.

Statements

4 August 2026, SBI-7 plenary - Guatemala preferred strengthening existing databases over creating a new global one, and later said discussions on product and service modalities are premature (ENB).

ABS legislation

Guatemala has no dedicated legislation governing access and benefit-sharing (ABS). Relevant instruments include Decree-Law No. 4-89, the Protected Areas Law, which establishes the National Council of Protected Areas (CONAP); Governmental Agreement No. 220-2011, which adopts the National Biodiversity Policy; and Ministerial Agreement No. 117-95, which addresses agricultural ABS, primarily covering plant genetic resources for agricultural use. The National Biosafety Policy (2015) also forms part of the broader policy framework relevant to genetic resources.

Regulatory context

Guatemala has no dedicated ABS permit system. Access to biological resources in protected areas is overseen by the National Council of Protected Areas (CONAP) under the Protected Areas Law, and agricultural ABS for plant genetic resources is addressed by Ministerial Agreement No. 117-95. Without a national DSI regime, Guatemala's emphasis is on capacity-building, data access and ensuring Cali Fund resources reach Parties and Indigenous peoples and local communities.