Scientists — take action for access to biodiversity

Biodiversity research generates critically important knowledge for the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)’s goals. However, academic noncommercial scientists intending to study biodiversity experience obstacles caused by restrictive access conditions legislated by the countries that provide access to their genetic resources. Currently, a legally binding protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) is being negotiated within the CBD without adequate involvement of the academic community. The ABS regulations were originally designed for commercial uses that generate monetary benefits from the utilization of genetic resources. Noncommercial research should expeditiously assert its interests and state its needs in the ABS negotiations. Academia has failed to market to policy makers its special dual role as user of genetic resources and as generator of essential knowledge for the benefit of the CBD and society at large.