Genetic resources are organisms (plant, animal or microbes) or parts of organisms that provide some sort of value to users through the use of their genetic material. Various groups including pharmaceutical, agricultural, cosmetic, botanical garden and research sectors all make use of genetic resources in different ways, from basic research to product development.

Following an intergovernmental decision taken as part of the Convention on Biological Diversity, the UK and the other 192 Parties to the treaty, were requested to “establish a national focal point and one or more competent national authorities , as appropriate, to be responsible for access and benefit-sharing arrangements or to provide information on such arrangements within its jurisdiction”.

• Introduction and context (PDF 225 KB)
• Legal summary (PDF 325 KB)

Access and Benefit Sharing – Nagoya, October 2010

After two weeks of intensive negotiations, the Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization was officially adopted at the Conference of the Parties 2010 in Nagoya, in October.

• adopted document on ABS

Contact us

National Focal Point on Access to Genetic Resources and Benefit-Sharing

Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
International Biodiversity Policy Unit
Nobel House, Area 3B
17 Smith Square
London SW1P 3JR, UK.

Telephone: +44 (0) 207 238 6813
Fax: +44 (0) 207 238 3120

Email: julian.jackson@defra.gsi.gov.uk