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The Nagoya Protocol to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is rapidly receiving signatures and ratifications. Many countries are preparing to implement the protocol through national research permit systems and/or biodiversity laws. Yet there is still considerable confusion about how to implement the Protocol, regarding access and benefit-sharing (ABS) procedures, and minimal experience in many countries. Biodiversity, Access and Benefit Sharing seeks to remedy this gap in understanding by analysing a number of ABS case studies in light of the Nagoya Protocol.
The case studies are wide-ranging, with examples of plants for medicinal, cosmetic, biotech and food products from or for development in Australia, North Africa, Madagascar, Thailand, USA and Oceania. These will encourage countries to develop national systems which maximise their benefits (both monetary and non-monetary) towards conservation and support for local communities that hold traditional knowledge. In addition, the author analyses new expectations raised by the Nagoya Protocol, such as the encouragement of the development of community protocols by indigenous and local communities. As a result, stakeholders and policy-makers will be able to learn the steps involved in establishing ABS agreements, issues that arise between stakeholders, and the types of benefits that might be realistic.
Part 1: Introduction
1. Access and Benefit-Sharing: Contexts and Trends
2. The Nagoya Protocol
Part 2: Case Studies
3. The Samoan Mamala Case involving the US-based Aids Research Alliance and UC Berkeley
4. Moroccan Argan Products and Social Fund, involving Cognis and L’Oreal
5. The International Cooperative Biodiversity Group (ICBG) with The University of PNG, University of Utah and University of Minnesota
6. The Biodiversity of Santo 2006 Expedition (Vanuatu and French Museum of Natural History)
7. ICBG Madagascar
8. Australian Biodiscovery ABS Agreements
9. Provisional ABS Agreements in Thailand
10. Summary and Discussion
Daniel Robinson is Senior Lecturer at the Institute of Environmental Studies and coordinator of the Masters of Environmental Management at the University of New South Wales, Australia. He is author of Confronting Biopiracy (Earthscan, 2010).
"Robinson's meticulous analysis is a valuable contribution to discussion on how to achieve fairness in both bioprospecting projects and genetic resource access regulation, and whether such an aspiration is even possible. The numerous case studies are fascinating and the analysis is unfailingly authoritative, making the book essential reading for scholars and policymakers."
– Graham Dutfield, Professor of International Governance, University of Leeds, UK.
