On November 24, the Cameroonian National Assembly unanimously approved a bill that authorizes President Paul Biya to ratify the Geneva Act of the Lisbon Agreement on appellations of origin (AO) and geographical indications (GI). As explained by Fuh Calistus Gentry, the interim Minister of Mines, Industry, and Technological Development, this decision represents a significant step for Cameroon in protecting and promoting its local products internationally.
The Geneva Act, adopted in May 2015 and effective since February 2020, updates the 1958 Lisbon Agreement originally aimed at protecting AOs. The new version broadens the protection to include GIs, which are used for products whose specific characteristics are directly tied to their geographical origin. This change reflects a desire to adapt protection systems to the varying realities of countries and regions, thus enhancing the competitiveness of local products on the global market.
Cameroon currently has two products with protected geographical indications (PGIs): Penja pepper and Oku white honey, both certified in 2013. These internationally recognized products benefit from legal protection, allowing them to be sold at higher prices due to their recognized origin and quality. The country is also finalizing the certification of its red cocoa as a PGI with the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI). Cameroon plans to extend this protection to other local products, such as coffee, Mbouda avocado, Bafia pineapple, Ndop, and Ndolè.
By joining this international framework, Cameroon will simplify the protection process for its products, particularly against the illegal appropriation of GIs abroad. The country will now be able to directly register its GIs with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), bypassing complex and costly procedures in individual countries where protection is desired.
This move is expected to open new economic opportunities for Cameroonian producers and enhance the global competitiveness of their products.
The Geneva Act also provides a framework for international cooperation and assistance, which can help Cameroon develop its GI system further. This includes technical assistance, capacity building, and support for the promotion of GIs. By leveraging these resources, Cameroon can strengthen its agricultural and artisanal sectors, improve the livelihoods of local producers, and preserve its cultural heritage.
Furthermore, the protection of GIs can contribute to sustainable development by promoting environmentally friendly practices and supporting rural communities. By ensuring that products are produced in accordance with traditional methods and local knowledge, GIs can help maintain biodiversity and protect natural resources.
In summary, the ratification of the Geneva Act by Cameroon is a significant step towards protecting and promoting its local products on the international stage. This move will not only enhance the competitiveness of Cameroonian products but also contribute to sustainable development and the preservation of cultural heritage.
Cameroon Parliament Approves Geneva Act to Safeguard Local Products
