Access and Benefit Sharing of Genetic Resources, Information and Traditional Knowledge

The book offers a new assessment of the contemporary Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) regime, addressing debates about its implementation and enforcement. It explores alternative solutions to intractable issues and appeals to scholars and students, as well as those in government and international institutions working in relevant areas.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 27 May 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The management of genetic resources is a complex and multifaceted issue that has been the subject of ongoing debates and challenges. The Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) regime, which governs the use and sharing of genetic resources, has evolved significantly over time, with new issues and challenges arising. This book offers a new assessment of the contemporary ABS regime, drawing together perspectives from an interdisciplinary range of leading and emerging international scholars.

The initial focus of ABS debates was on the legal obligations established by international agreements such as the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). These agreements set out the rights and responsibilities of countries and individuals in relation to the use and sharing of genetic resources. However, as the use of genetic resources has become more widespread and complex, the legal obligations have become more complex and challenging to implement and enforce.

One of the key issues in ABS is the digital sequence information (DSI) of genetic resources. DSI is the information that is generated by sequencing the DNA of a genetic resource. It can be used to identify the genetic makeup of a resource, to develop new products and technologies, and to improve our understanding of the natural world. However, DSI is also highly valuable and can be used for commercial purposes without the consent of the resource owner.

To address this issue, the ABS regime has developed a series of mechanisms to regulate the use and sharing of DSI. These mechanisms include the establishment of databases, the licensing of DSI, and the sharing of DSI through open access. However, these mechanisms have been criticized for being ineffective and for not providing sufficient protection for resource owners.

Another issue in ABS is the repatriation of resources. Resources that are taken from a country or region for use in another country or region may be returned to the country or region of origin. However, the repatriation of resources can be complex and challenging, particularly if the resources are located in remote or difficult-to-access areas.

To address this issue, the ABS regime has developed a series of mechanisms to facilitate the repatriation of resources. These mechanisms include the establishment of repatriation agreements, the provision of financial incentives for repatriation, and the development of new technologies for resource recovery. However, these mechanisms have been criticized for being ineffective and for not providing sufficient protection for resource owners.

Technology transfer is another issue in ABS. Technology transfer involves the transfer of knowledge and technology from one country or region to another. It can be used to improve the productivity and efficiency of agricultural and industrial processes, and to improve the health and well-being of individuals. However, technology transfer can also be a source of conflict and inequality, particularly if the technology is not transferred in a fair and equitable manner.

To address this issue, the ABS regime has developed a series of mechanisms to regulate technology transfer. These mechanisms include the establishment of licensing agreements, the provision of financial incentives for technology transfer, and the development of new technologies for resource recovery. However, these mechanisms have been criticized for being ineffective and for not providing sufficient protection for resource owners.

Traditional knowledge and cultural expressions are another issue in ABS. Traditional knowledge and cultural expressions are the knowledge and practices that are passed down from generation to generation within a community. They can be used to develop new products and technologies, and to preserve cultural heritage. However, traditional knowledge and cultural expressions can also be vulnerable to exploitation and loss.

To address this issue, the ABS regime has developed a series of mechanisms to protect traditional knowledge and cultural expressions. These mechanisms include the establishment of intellectual property rights, the provision of financial incentives for the use of traditional knowledge and cultural expressions, and the development of new technologies for resource recovery. However, these mechanisms have been criticized for being ineffective and for not providing sufficient protection for resource owners.

Open access to information and knowledge is another issue in ABS. Open access to information and knowledge is the ability of individuals to access and use information and knowledge without restrictions. It can be used to improve the productivity and efficiency of agricultural and industrial processes, and to improve the health and well-being of individuals. However, open access to information and knowledge can also be a source of conflict and inequality, particularly if the information and knowledge is not accessible to all individuals.

To address this issue, the ABS regime has developed a series of mechanisms to promote open access to information and knowledge. These mechanisms include the establishment of open access databases, the provision of financial incentives for open access, and the development of new technologies for resource recovery. However, these mechanisms have been criticized for being ineffective and for not providing sufficient protection for resource owners.

Naming conventions are another issue in ABS. Naming conventions are the rules that are used to identify and describe genetic resources. They can be used to ensure that genetic resources are not misused or misappropriated. However, naming conventions can also be a source of conflict and inequality, particularly if the naming conventions are not transparent and inclusive.

To address this issue, the ABS regime has developed a series of mechanisms to regulate naming conventions. These mechanisms include the establishment of naming conventions committees, the provision of financial incentives for the use of transparent and inclusive naming conventions, and the development of new technologies for resource recovery. However, these mechanisms have been criticized for being ineffective and for not providing sufficient protection for resource owners.

Farmers' rights are another issue in ABS. Farmers' rights are the rights of farmers to use and manage their land and natural resources. They can be used to improve the productivity and efficiency of agricultural and industrial processes, and to improve the health and well-being of individuals. However, farmers' rights can also be vulnerable to exploitation and loss.

To address this issue, the ABS regime has developed a series of mechanisms to protect farmers' rights. These mechanisms include the establishment of farmers' rights committees, the provision of financial incentives for the use of farmers' rights, and the development of new technologies for resource recovery. However, these mechanisms have been criticized for being ineffective and for not providing sufficient protection for resource owners.

New schemes for accessing pandemic viruses sharing DNA sequences are another issue in ABS. Pandemic viruses are viruses that can cause widespread disease and death. They can be used to develop new vaccines and treatments. However, pandemic viruses can also be a source of conflict and inequality, particularly if the viruses are not shared in a fair and equitable manner.

To address this issue, the ABS regime has developed a series of mechanisms to facilitate the sharing of pandemic viruses. These mechanisms include the establishment of pandemic virus sharing agreements, the provision of financial incentives for the sharing of pandemic viruses, and the development of new technologies for resource recovery. However, these mechanisms have been criticized for being ineffective and for not providing sufficient protection for resource owners.

In conclusion, the management of genetic resources is a complex and multifaceted issue that has been the subject of ongoing debates and challenges. The Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) regime has evolved significantly over time, with new issues and challenges arising. This book offers a new assessment of the contemporary ABS regime, drawing together perspectives from an interdisciplinary range of leading and emerging international scholars. By exploring alternative solutions to the intractable issues for the Access and Benefit Sharing of genetic resources, this book will be a useful resource for scholars and students as well as those in government and in international institutions working in relevant areas.

Weight: 516g
Dimension: 234 x 155 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032295275