The Future of Digital Sequence Information on Genetic Resources

Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) have recognized that countries have a sovereign right to regulate access to their genetic resources by requiring users to obtain Prior Informed Consent (PIC) and accept Mutually Agreed Terms (MAT) that ensure fair and equitable benefit sharing. The rules for accessing Digital Sequence Information (DSI) on Genetic Resources produced from these same sovereign genetic resources are, however, generally unclear and therefore PIC and MAT is not possible. DSI is typically held in online open-access or public databases, where use is disconnected from physical access and accompanying permits..  

DSI is a current issue of interest in not only the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) but also other international environmental agreements notably the Agreement on Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) under the UN Conference on Law of the seas (UNCLOS); the discussions under the FAO Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA); the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA); and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Under the CBD, a process was established to deal with the challenging issues around DSI since the 13th Conference of Parties and several activities have been undertaken as called for by the Conference of Parties. During the 15th Conference of Parties to the CBD, parties adopted decision 15/9 on digital sequence information on genetic resources in which it was agreed that benefits from the use of Digital Sequence Information on genetic resources be shared fairly and equitably. The decision further established a multilateral mechanism for benefit-sharing from the use of DSI and an associated Global Fund. The decision also established a working group to develop the modalities for the operationalization of the Multilateral Fund and spelled out activities to be undertaken by the Executive Secretary in the intersessional period, to be considered by the Working Group. The Working Group has so far met twice, and the outcomes of these deliberations will form the basis for decision making on DSI at COP 16 in November this year in Cali, Colombia.

Given the significance of DSI in Africa, Caribbean and Pacific Countries, this webinar aims to provide an opportunity for ACP countries participating in the ACP MEAs III Programme to understand the outcomes of the 2nd Meeting of the Ad Hoc Open-ended Working Group on Benefit-sharing from the Use of Digital Sequence Information on Genetic Resources and what is expected at COP -16.