Survey of access and benefit-sharing country measures accommodating the distinctive features of genetic resources for food and agriculture and associated traditional knowledge

The Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture requested an up-to-date survey of legislative, administrative, and policy approaches to ABS for animal, aquatic, forest, and plant genetic resources, including best practices, for the different subsectors of GRFA and traditional knowledge associated with GRFA held by indigenous peoples and local communities.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 89 pages
Publication date: 30 December 2022
Publisher: Food & Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

The Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, at its Seventeenth Regular Session, mandated its Secretary to undertake a comprehensive review of existing legislative, administrative, and policy approaches, encompassing best practices, for the Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) of genetic resources for animals, aquatics, forests, and plants (GRFA), as well as traditional knowledge associated with GRFA held by indigenous peoples and local communities. The primary objective of this survey is to identify prevalent approaches and lessons learned from their implementation, while also exploring challenges and potential solutions.

The current survey encompasses a baseline desktop review of legislation, policy, and literature. It offers a comprehensive examination of how countries address the unique characteristics of GRFA and TKGRFA through their ABS legislative, administrative, and policy measures, rather than solely focusing on their practical implementation. Consequently, the survey does not provide an in-depth analysis of the status of implementation, the associated challenges, and potential solutions. Instead, its primary goal is to establish a foundation for future empirical research to investigate the effectiveness of ABS measures in practice for GRFA subsectors.

A specific objective of this survey is to develop a typology of legislative, administrative, and policy measures applicable to ABS for GRFA and TKGRFA. This typology will serve as a valuable tool for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders to understand and compare different approaches and identify areas for improvement and collaboration. By undertaking this comprehensive review, the Commission aims to contribute to the sustainable management and utilization of genetic resources for food and agriculture, while also recognizing and respecting the rights and livelihoods of indigenous peoples and local communities.

Dimension: 300 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789251348772