Thematic reviews, briefing notes, ECPs and reports

Darwin Initiative toolkit for SMEs

2.5 Genetic resources

2.5.1 Overview

This section is the last of five specific biodiversity related markets and focuses on Genetic Resources. This is the topic that has been covered the least out of all five markets.

According to the Convention on biological diversity (CBD), genetic resources whether from plant, animal or micro-organisms may be used for different purposes (e.g. basic research, commercialisation of products). Users of genetic resources may include research institutes, universities and private companies operating in various sectors such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, agriculture, horticulture and biotechnology. Benefits derived from genetic resources may include the result of research and development carried out on genetic resources, the transfer of technologies which make use of those resources, participation in biotechnological research activities, or monetary benefits arising from the commercialisation of products based on genetic resources. One example of monetary benefits could be the sharing of royalties arising from patented products based on genetic resources.

Overview and resources on Genetic resources and benefit sharing

The following links lead to useful overviews, sources and contacts:

CBD- Access to genetic resources and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of their utilization

CBD- Access to genetic resources and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of their utilization: developments under the Convention on Biological Diversity

IUCN- overview and resources

Bonn Guidelines on Access and Benefit-sharing (ABS)

These were adopted by Governments, in 2002, in order to assist the Parties to the Convention and relevant stakeholders in the development of national ABS regime and also in the negotiation of ABS agreements between users and providers. These guidelines may be useful as they provide, for instance, basic elements that could be included in an agreement for access to genetic resources and benefit-sharing.

ABS- Africa- the Dutch-German Development Initiative for Africa

Enabling African states and stakeholders to usebenefits generated by the use of genetic resources for biodiversity conservation and poverty alleviation.

GTZ- Genetic resources issues paper

Useful overview of Genetic resources topics and further references

2.5.2 Key resource

This resource was chosen to provide the best overview for this field, but it is also worth checking out the other resources in this section.

CBD- The Convention on Biological Diversity and Access and Benefit Sharing

A presentation outlining how it all began, what it is all about and what else is part of the game.

2.5.3 Market research

Tools/guidelines/methodologies

UNU-IAS- Options for Developing Measures in User Countries to Implement the Access and Benefit–Sharing Provisions of the Convention on Biological Diversity

A first attempt to elaborate and analyse potential options for ABS user measures. It examines the legal basis for development of user measures in CBD decisions, and explores a number of options for both voluntary and mandatory legal measures.

The Fridtjof Nansen Institute/GTZ- Farmers' Rights in Ethiopia

An in-depth analysis of the situation of farmers' rights in Ethiopia, the barriers and options to their further realisation and an overview of stakeholder perceptions in the country on the issue of farmers' rights.

Reports/literature

• P.Schuler and M.Finger (ed.s) 2003. Intellectual Property and Communities, World Bank, Washington DC, USA.
• S.Pagiola, J.Bishop, and N.Landell-Mills (ed.s) 2002. Selling Forest Environmental Services: Market-based Mechanisms for Conservation. World Bank and Earthscan.
• S. Laird (ed.) 2002. Biodiversity and Traditional Knowledge: Equitable Partnerships in Practice. A WWF/UNESCO/Kew People and Plants Programme Conservation Manual, Earthscan Publications, London.
• ten Kate, K. and Laird, S. 1999. The Commercial Use of Biodiversity: Access to Genetic Resources and Benefit-Sharing. Commission of the European Communities and Earthscan Publications Ltd. London. ISBN: 1 85383 334 7. 398pp.
• ten Kate, K.and Laird, S. 2003. Bioprospecting agreements and benefit-sharing with local communities. In P.Schuler and M.Finger (ed.s) Intellectual Property and Communities, World Bank, Washington DC, USA.

2.5.4 Business planning

Tools/guidelines/methodologies

o EcoEnterprises Technical Assistance fund

A technical assistance fund which covers fund management costs and provides business advisory services to prospective and portfolio projects which include, Business planning; Marketing; Training in technical subject areas such as ecotourism and organic agriculture; Financial control and accounting; Establishment of environmental indicators and monitoring programs.

Reports/literature

IUCN/Shell Building biodiversity business report

Collaboration between The World Conservation Union (IUCN) and Shell International Limited, in a joint effort to identify potential new business opportunities and market-based mechanisms to conserve biodiversity.

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