INDIGENA
BIODIVERSITY
Benefit Sharing
Access and Benefit Sharing
For any species we export from a country of origin, INDIGENA
obtains an access permit, under national CBD regulations. This requires a full description of the proposed research; and two further documents:
- a Prior Informed Consent (PIC) from the country; and
- a Benefit-Sharing Agreement setting out Mutually Agreed Terms
We maintain close contact with CBD National Focal Points in each country to request an access permit, and to gain assistance with obtaining a PIC. The access requirements often also include a provision that there is some contribution from local researchers. In those cases we also partner with a local university or research institute.
For benefit-sharing agreements, countries have differing requirements as to the timing within the access procedure. We prefer to settle the terms at the stage of access, so that there is legal certainty at the outset of a project. The benefit negotiated may be a monetary benefit, such as upfront and milestone payments and royalties on sales of a commercial product. Alternatively, there may be non-monetary benefits such as transfer of technology, research expertise, or provision of education and training.
PROGRESS OF THE PROJECT
During the progression of each project, we monitor all stages of research, development and potential licensing. We give a high priority to transparency of information by providing regular reports to all stakeholders. It is important to recognise the uncertainty in the research and development process. Not all prospects will be successful. We facilitate ongoing communication involving all stakeholders to reduce unrealistic expectations.
INDIGENA also manages benefit-sharing. We ensure that the agreed benefits are returned to all relevant stakeholders in the country of origin
SUSTAINABLE SUPPLY
There are two stages at which supply of materials from source countries can be valuable, and where
INDIGENA
can help. First, we can assist in the transfer of samples for research purposes and early stage development. The quantities needed for those purposes are usually sufficiently small to be satisfied by harvesting of wild materials. Secondly, if a prospect enters late stage development, or is successfully marketed, there may be a need for an ongoing supply of the relevant indigenous species of plant material, marine life etc.
Because our priority is to encourage sustainable biodiversity, we would wish to guard against the widespread harvesting of naturally occurring materials in their natural environment. Instead, our aim is to manage local production of the relevant indigenous species. INDIGENA
is aware of the criticality of a reliable source of material and is in a position to identify alternative sources of supply to ensure continuity. Also, it may often be valuable to involve governments in cultivation programmes. As well as sustaining the biodiversity in the region, local cultivation will also ensure that the community is gaining employment opportunities.