5.41. The representative of Australia said that Australia was an island continent with diverse biological resources and a unique and vibrant indigenous culture. Australia sought to protect genetic resources and traditional knowledge of indigenous people while retaining legal certainty in IP systems. Australia considered that WIPO was best placed to consider the complex IP issues relating to genetic resources and traditional knowledge. Australia strongly supported the on-going negotiations in the WIPO IGC, and would continue its active engagement with a view to reaching agreement on an instrument or instruments on genetic resources, traditional knowledge and traditional culture expressions.
