ABS

Principle under the CBD ensuring fair access to genetic resources and equitable sharing of benefits arising from their use, formalised in the Nagoya Protocol.

Description

Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) is a key principle of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the legally binding Nagoya Protocol. It regulates access to genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge, and establishes mechanisms to ensure that benefits—financial, technological, or otherwise—are shared fairly and equitably with the providers, often Indigenous peoples or local communities. ABS aims to balance the use of biodiversity for research and development with the rights of countries and communities that safeguard it.

Type	International environmental governance principle
Jurisdiction	Global, under the CBD and Nagoya Protocol
Sector Relevance	Biodiversity, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, biotechnology, conservation policy

Established / Active Since

1992 (CBD adoption), reinforced in 2010 (Nagoya Protocol).

Maintained By / Organised By

Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

Official Resources

Relationship to Lemu

ABS reflects the broader movement to value biodiversity fairly and transparently. While Lemu does not directly govern ABS, our Nature Intelligence platform and indicators provide science-based visibility that strengthens accountability and helps companies respect biodiversity commitments, complementing ABS objectives.

Example in Practice

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A pharmaceutical company develops a drug based on compounds from an Amazonian plant and shares revenues with the local community.

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An agricultural firm uses genetic material from wild relatives of crops and contributes to local capacity building.

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A university research team collaborates with Indigenous knowledge holders on microbial diversity, ensuring benefit-sharing agreements.

Updated on Aug 30, 2025

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Access and Benefit Sharing