| One of the three objectives of the Convention
on Biological Diversity, as set out in its Article
1, is the "fair and equitable sharing
of the benefits arising out of the utilization
of genetic resources, including by appropriate
access to genetic resources and by appropriate
transfer of relevant technologies, taking into
account all rights over those resources and to
technologies, and by appropriate funding".
A framework for the implementation of this third
objective of the Convention with regard to access
to genetic resources and benefit sharing is provided
in Article 15 of the Convention. In addition,
Article 8(j) contains provision to encourage the
equitable sharing of the benefits arising from
the utilization of knowledge, innovations and
practices of indigenous and local communities
embodying traditional lifestyles relevant for
conservation and sustainable use of biological
diversity.
These provisions are also linked to the provisions
on access to, and transfer of technology (Article
16), exchange of information (Article 17), technical
and scientific cooperation (Article 18), the handling
of biotechnology and distribution of its benefits
(Article 19, paragraphs 1 and 2), and financial
resources and financial mechanism (Article 20
and Article 21).
The Member States of SADC are currently developing
the processes and identifying the institutions
that will enable them regulate access to the genetic
resources within the region, promote the use of
these genetic resources and the traditional knowledge
associated with these, and provide legal protection
over both those resources and the traditional
knowledge to prevent misappropriation, as has
previously been the case.
The region is rich in biodiversity. The genetic
information encoded within this biodiversity has
been the primary source of livelihood over the
centuries. The majority of the regions inhabitants
depend on these genetic resources, in the form
of medicinal plants, for health care. A greater
majority of them still depend on it for food.
They combine the salient factors of this genetic
resource base with ambient environmental conditions
to produce their crops and manage their livestock.
The knowledge systems created by indigenous peoples
go further than this, and is the bedrock of their
culture in its entirety. It is the basis of their
folklore, their art, and their values. Through
this website, it is intended to provide an information
base that will enable all those involved in access
and benefit sharing to find information, exchange
information, and learn about developments both
within the region and elsewhere on all issues
pertaining to access and benefit sharing.
To download various products as full
documents click the link below:
Regional
Training Needs and Designated Lead Institutions
on Access and Benefit Sharing in Southern Africa
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