Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS)

• Access and Benefit Sharing: Good Practice for Academic Research on Genetic Resources [pdf]
  This brochure was prepared by the Swiss Academy of Sciences (SCNAT). It offers easy to understand information about ABS and is specifically tailored to the academic research context (i.e. non-commercial research). It delineates the necessary steps that scientists should consider when acquiring organisms or parts thereof (genetic resources) from other countries for their research purposes. The booklet also contains case-studies, check-lists, contract elements and options for benefit sharing from an academic research perspective. Available in English, French and Spanish.
• Bonn Guidelines on Access to Genetic Resources and Fair and Equitable Sharing of the Benefits Arising out of their Utilization [pdf]
  Developed under the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Bonn Guidelines are designed to assist Parties to the Convention, Governments and other stakeholders in developing an overall access and benefit-sharing strategy, and in identifying the steps involved in the process of obtaining access to genetic resources and benefit-sharing. More specifically, these voluntary guidelines are meant to assist Parties, Governments and other stakeholders when establishing legislative, administrative or policy measures on access and benefit-sharing and/or when negotiating contractual arrangements for access and benefit-sharing.
  
• Best Practice Standard and Guidance for Implementing Genetic Resource Access and Benefit Sharing Activities [word document]
  Developed by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), Stratos Inc. and Jorge Cabrera on behalf of the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), this document provides information about a best practice ABS standard, the genetic resources management process, good practice guidance and supporting tools. Included in the supporting tools is a Generic Material Transfer Agreement, including an outline for a model contract. Case studies are also included.
  

• ABS Options in the PACS ? Baseline Study for EPA Negotiations with the EU
  This report presents a baseline study on opportunities under an ABS Arrangement in the utilisation of Pacific ACP Genetic Resources which could be used by the Pacific African-Caribbean Pacific States (PACPS) for negotiating a framework for Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the European Union (EU). This study was commissioned by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat and completed by the United Nations University ? Institute of Advanced Studies between April and May 2007. The study is based on a desktop review of the international and regional ABS context.
  

• The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) ABS case studies
  The CBD Secretariat has compiled case studies related to ABS submitted by Governments, international agencies, research institutions, representatives of indigenous and local communities and non-governmental organizations. These case studies include practical examples of ABS arrangements in different parts of the world.