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BioTrade holds workshop on benefit-sharing
The equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of
biodiversity is a fundamental tenet of the BioTrade Initiative
and a critical element of the sustainable use of biodiversity
under the Convention on Biological Diversity. In its work
towards the sustainable use of biological resources, BioTrade is
working to guide companies on how to best fulfil equitable
benefit-sharing principles.
From 14-15 September, BioTrade held a workshop on
benefit-sharing aimed at promoting discussion and providing
inputs for a practical and effective approach to the complex
issue of benefit-sharing in the context of BioTrade activities.
The event brought together a small group of experts and
stakeholders from both developing and developed countries, all
interested in working to develop guidelines that will help to
effectively share the benefits derived from the sustainable use
of biodiversity.
Using the
concept note on the equitable sharing of benefits as
a point of reference, talks addressed the challenges and
opportunities for the private sector, including issues of scope,
national legislation, the question of trust among actors, and
the distribution of benefits.
The workshop provided valuable insight into the different
contexts that benefit-sharing has to be implemented. From
exporting companies in Lima, to importing companies in Paris,
all stakeholders brought valuable contributions to the
discussions, sharing their own experiences and challenges in
this area.
Finally, participants broke into working groups to propose
concrete suggestions for the objectives and elements of the
BioTrade guidelines on benefit-sharing. The groups addressed
transparency, the notion of adequate compensation, traditional
knowledge, and the empowerment of local communities. The result
is a revised framework for the BioTrade guidelines on the
equitable sharing of benefits. A first draft of these guidelines
will now be prepared, based on participants’ suggestions.
To download the Paris workshop report,
click
here.
To download the concept note on equitable sharing of benefits,
click the following links for
English or
Spanish.
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