What does ABS mean in UNITED NATIONS
Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) is the legal framework of sharing the benefits accrued from using genetic resources equitably among all stakeholders. The concept is an important component of biodiversity conservation and sustainable use, as it encourages mutually beneficial collaborations between states, local communities, scientists, and industries that promote sustainability. ABS plays a major role in resolving conflicts over claims to natural resources and biodiversity as it emphasizes sharing and collaboration among multiple stakeholders.
ABS meaning in United Nations in Governmental
ABS mostly used in an acronym United Nations in Category Governmental that means Access and Benefit Sharing
Shorthand: ABS,
Full Form: Access and Benefit Sharing
For more information of "Access and Benefit Sharing", see the section below.
Definition
Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) refers to the set of legal agreements between nations, Indigenous Peoples, businesses, civil society organizations, and/or research institutions that govern how access to genetic resources should be managed and how the benefits generated by their use should be shared. It covers all aspects from accessing living resources (such as plants or animals), or substances obtained from them (such as DNA sequences or compounds derived from them), through to utilization for industrial or commercial products such as medicines or cosmetics.
Origins
ABS emerged out of the Convention on Biological Diversity - an international agreement that came into force on 29 December 1993. This global treaty for the protection of biodiversity sets out three main objectives: conservation of biological diversity; sustainable use of its components; equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources. To this end, Article 15 establishes provisions regarding Access to Genetic Resources and Benefit-Sharing through which countries are obliged to take measures respecting access to genetic resources located within their jurisdiction and ensure fair equitable benefit-sharing arising from their use.
Important Aspects
The important aspects of ABS include defining who has rights over genetic resources; identifying what constitutes a “fair” distribution of benefits; creating legal mechanisms for enforcing international agreements on access and benefit-sharing; providing incentives for conserving biological diversity; protecting cultural knowledge associated with traditional uses; incorporating ethical considerations into decision making; developing education programmes around ABS issues. All these aspects should be taken into consideration in order to create effective management structures of ABS regimes which would ensure that governments comply with their obligations under international laws while maximizing economic gains applications without undermining human rights principles.
Essential Questions and Answers on Access and Benefit Sharing in "GOVERNMENTAL»UN"
What is Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS)?
Access and benefit sharing (ABS) is an agreement that ensures the equitable sharing of benefits derived from the utilization of genetic resources among a resource holder, provider, user and the public. The objective of ABS is to ensure that those who have provided genetic resources do not miss out on any economic gains that may be derived from them. It also helps in promoting conservation and sustainable use of these resources.
Who does ABS apply to?
ABS applies to both commercial and non-commercial activities utilizing Genetic Resources (GRs), Traditional Knowledge Associated with Genetic Resources (TKGRs) or related products.
How are benefits shared under ABS?
Benefits derived from the utilization of GRs, TKGRs and related products should be shared equitably between providers and users, through negotiated agreements/contracts that recognize intellectual property rights, technology transfer, monetary payments or other forms of compensation as appropriate for the parties involved.
What constitutes an ABS agreement?
An access and benefit sharing agreement specifies how the benefits generated by a project should be distributed between a resource holder, provider, user or the public. This includes terms related to intellectual property rights, technology transfer, monetary payments or other forms of compensation for access to resources.
How are disputes resolved under an Access & Benefit Sharing Agreement?
Disputes arising out of an access & benefit sharing agreement can be resolved through arbitration or dispute resolution mechanisms such as those included in international environmental treaties. Parties can also agree to resolve disputes through negotiation or mediation processes in order to reach a mutually beneficial outcome.
What role does legislation play in regulating access and benefit sharing?
National legislation plays an important role in regulating access and benefit sharing since it helps guarantee the equitable distribution of benefits among parties involved in the use of genetic resources. Further, this legislation usually sets out specific provisions concerning the legal recognition of intellectual property rights over genetic material as well as establishes obligations concerning respect for traditional knowledge associated with GRs.
Why is it important to have adequately implemented national regulations regarding access & benefit sharing agreements?
Properly implemented national regulations can serve as a guarantee for both providers and users that their respective interests will be taken into account when accessing or using genetic resources which will ultimately help promote sustainable use of these natural resources. More importantly, proper implementation can help protect traditional knowledge associated with GRs.
What happens if there is no enforcement mechanism present within an access & benefit sharing agreement?
Without proper enforcement mechanisms present within an access & benefit sharing agreement, there is potential for either party not receiving their full share from any potential benefits due to inadequate enforcement measures which could result in loss of trust between providers and users as well as lost revenue opportunities for both sides.
Can ABS agreements be enforced internationally?
In certain cases YES; International treaties may provide remedies against breaches occurring outside its own jurisdiction such as when a signatory country’s nationals breach contract terms while carrying out activities abroad involving third countries’ Genetic Resources (GR). Additionally some countries have entered into “non-judicial” enforcement mechanisms which allow individuals/institutions seeking redress against violations occurring outside their jurisdiction without taking recourse to local courts.
Final Words:
Overall, Access and Benefits Sharing is a critical concept in promoting sustainable use of natural resources in order to protect and conserve biodiversity while allowing for equitable sharing among all stakeholders involved in managing those resources. While there are still challenges ahead in ensuring effective implementation across jurisdictions, countries are starting to recognize the importance of this system leading towards its increasing adoption across different legal regimes worldwide. By doing so, these regimes provide a basis for recognizing resource sovereignty but also establishing rules for users to collaborate not only with governments but also local communities when accessing needed genetic material – ensuring that everyone will get their fair share by contributing equally towards satisfying biological needs.
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