Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) in the Caribbean

This project aims to evidence how Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) policies offer the opportunity to make the best possible use of genetic resources in the Caribbean islands, generate and share benefits derived from their use, and equitably return of the revenue generated from these activities to the protection of the resources within the Caribbean region. As well, the project aims to overcome barriers linked to poor understanding of ABS, the Nagoya Protocol and the implications of protocol ratification and requirements for implementation. To ensure relevancy and sustainability, ABS policies will also work in coordination with regional entities (CARICOM, OECS secretariats), CBD Secretariat, and innovative local multisector partnerships.

The project is of a regional nature, funded by GEF with UNEP as its Implementing Agency, IUCN as its Executing Agency. Project received co-finance from Caribbean governments, regional institutions (OECS), CBD Secretariat and GIZ-ABS initiative. A Regional Steering Committee will be appointed with representation from all project countries, the GEF Implementing Agency, the Executing Agency, and selected regional partners.

Project Goal: Support countries of the Caribbean to facilitate access to their genetic resources and benefit sharing in a fair and equitable way, in line with the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Nagoya Protocol.

Project Objective: Seeking uptake of the Nagoya Protocol and implementation of key measures to make the protocol operational in Caribbean countries.

Main expected results:

• Countries reach a common understanding of shared assets/values, issues and needs on which to base ABS policy.
• Future directions of policy development for the region are defined.
• Countries understand their national assets/values and requirements in a regional context
• National authorities take informed decisions on, and steps towards, the ratification of the protocol and future implementation.
• An enabling environment is created which will lead to the implementation of the basic provisions of the Nagoya Protocol.
• Countries share information and gain from the experiences of other countries.
• Effective project coordination and delivery, meeting agreed measurable outputs and indicators.

Countries involved:

1. Antigua and Barbuda
2. Barbados
3. Grenada
4. Guyana
5. Jamaica
6. Saint Kitts and Nevis
7. Saint Lucia
8. Trinidad and Tobago