Regulation of the access to genetic resources of natural and historical value and sharing the benefits of their utilisation to favour conservation efforts

Abstract

All living organisms contain or produce structures, genetic material and other chemicals that could be potentially useful to humans in various sectors. In the context of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), these resources are collectively termed genetic resources. Benefits which may be gained from their uses may range from a better understanding of the natural world to the development of a wide range of products and services for human benefit, including medicines, food additives as well as agricultural and environmental practices and techniques.