Interested in learning more about the fair and equitable sharing of genetic resources? 

More specifically, we are talking about access to genetic resources and Indigenous knowledge and the sharing of benefits derived from their use. People are interested in accessing Genetic Resources and Indigenous knowledge for a variety of industrial and intellectual applications.  Genetic Resources are being used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and medical innovations, and in food manufacturing and processing worth between 150 and 300 Billion $US annually. Resolving the issue of access and the fair and equitable sharing of genetic resources (ABS) is the third objective of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity.  In October 2010 the parties to the Convention decided on a legally binding Nagoya Protocol that has the potential to forever change how we access genetic resources and ultimately protect Indigenous People’s rights and biodiversity. 

If you are interested in learning more about this please join the Educational Webinar taking place TOMORROW Tuesday March 22, 1:00-4:00 PM ET. 

To join the webinar please follow the link below. Please log in 10 minutes early to complete the set up wizard.

http://gcclive.wimba.com/launcher.cgi?room=RCEN

The ABS online training webinar is divided into 3 parts,

1)      Identifying the issue “what is ABS?” Presented by Peigi Wilson CPAWS

2)      The history of ABS negotiations – Laying the groundwork for Nagoya Protocol Presented by Alexander Kenny, CISDL

3)      Explanation and interpretation of the ABS Nagoya protocol Presented by Frederic Perron-Welch, CISDL

Please circulate this invitation widely.

If you have any questions, please contact Jessie Sadler, Biodiversity Caucus Coordinator, at 613-728-9810 ext. 224 or jessie@cen-rce.org

To learn more about ABS visit the UN Convention on Biological Diversity Nagoya Protocol Website