Graphics and symbols in the illustrations are courtesy of the Integration and Application Network (https://ian.umces.edu/media-library/)

141 countries (02.01.2024) have signed an international treaty regulating the utilisation of genetic resources (cf. list of countries). This protocol, which was adopted as a supplement to the Convention on Biological Diversity in Nagoya (Japan), has regulated access to non-human biological material ("genetic resources") for research purposes since 12 October 2014. Nevertheless, countries that have not signed the Nagoya Protocol may also expect the sharing of benefits arising from such utilisation. The standardised procedure which describes access to biological material for research and also the possible benefit-sharing is called ABS (Access and Benefit-Sharing).

Scientific researchers at ZMT must therefore possibly obtain an ABS permit when working with biological material and must sign a benefit-sharing agreement. Details about the ABS implementation at ZMT can be found at the ZMT intranet website “Nagoya” at Alfresco. When working in the contracting states of the Nagoya Protocol, researchers must also submit a due diligence declaration via the EU-wide DECLARE portal at the end of the ABS procedure. Failure to comply with the Nagoya Protocol can lead to the confiscation of research material, fines and the prevention of publications of the respective research results.

Please refer to the websites listed below for a good introduction to the obligations arising from the Nagoya Protocol. For questions about the implementation of the Nagoya Protocol at ZMT, please send an e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The German Nagoya Protocol HuB (Hilfe und Beratung; Help and Advice) provides comprehensive information material and good overviews. There you can also find concrete examples of how individual research projects have been implemented in various countries and a checklist for project applications: https://www.nagoyaprotocol-hub.de

The Access and Benefit-Sharing Clearing-House (ABSCH) is an international platform for the exchange of information on access and benefit-sharing: https://absch.cbd.int/en/

The Federal Agency for Nature Conservation monitors the implementation of the Nagoya Protocol in Germany and hosts this website: https://www.bfn.de/en/nagoya-protocol

 

Contact:
ZMT advisor for Nagoya
Dr. Achim Meyer
Tel: +49( 0)421 238 00 - 131
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