The need to regulate access to genetic resources and ensure a fair and equitable sharing of any resulting benefits was at the core of the development of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The CBD established a series of principles and requirements around access and benefit sharing (ABS) in order to increase transparency and equity in the international flow of genetic resources, yet few countries have been able to effectively implement them and ABS negotiations are often paralysed by differing interests.

This book not only examines these complex challenges, but offers workable, policy-oriented solutions. International contributors cover theoretical approaches, new significant national legislation, the concept of traditional knowledge, provider and user country measures and common solutions. Exploring specific, salient examples from across the globe, the authors provide lessons for national regulation and the ongoing negotiations for an international ABS regime. Uniquely, this book also looks at the potential for 'horizontal' development of ABS law and policy, applying lessons from bilateral approaches to other national contexts.

About the Author

Evanson C. Kamau is Senior Research Fellow at the Research Centre for European Environmental Law (FEU), University of Bremen, Germany.

Gerd Winter is Professor of Public Law and Sociology of Law and Co-Director of FEU, University of Bremen, Germany.

Reviews

'An excellent job in bringing together some of the most recent and 'state of the art' thoughts and ideas regarding genetic resources, intellectual property and traditional knowledge. A must read for those exploring the complex scientific, cultural, economic and social dimensions of these issues and, in particular, the role of public policy and law in this regards.'
Manuel Ruiz Muller, Director Programa de Asuntos Internacionales y Biodiversidad, Lima, Per

'The debate on biodiversity access and benefit sharing has stagnated in recent years. New ideas are lacking, views continue to be polarised, and existing regimes are mostly unworkable. This book breaks the mould, offering an impressive array of balanced analyses, fresh ideas and perspectives, and thoughtful and realistic prescriptions. It should be required reading for all ABS policymakers and others interested in finding solutions rather than scoring political points and recycling sterile rhetoric.'
Graham Dutfield, Professor of International Governance, University of Leeds, UK

Book Information
ISBN 9781844077939
Author Evanson C. Kamau
Format Hardback
Page Count 530
Imprint Earthscan Ltd
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 1140g