The National Institute of Biological Resources (NIBR, President Seo Min-hwan) under the Ministry of Environment will distribute the ‘Core ABS Information Guide,’ containing local laws, procedures, and related information on Access to Genetic Resources and Benefit Sharing (ABS) in 30 countries overseas. The distribution will take place through the ABSCH Genetic Resources Information Center website (abs.go.kr) on December 26.

The 30 countries overseas are composed of 11 countries in Asia (including Laos), 1 country in Africa (Republic of South Africa), 11 countries in Central and South America (including Nicaragua), 1 country in Oceania (Australia), and 6 countries in Europe (including the European Union).

This Guide has been prepared to support the domestic bio industry and research community in accessing and utilizing foreign genetic resources. The Guide addresses the challenges faced by the domestic industry and research community due to the different acquisition and utilization procedures for genetic resources in each country and the diversity of languages.

The main contents include a summary of △ responsible institutions and related legal information for ‘ABS,’ △ key considerations, △ procedures for accessing and sharing benefits of genetic resources and traditional knowledge, and △ important information on administrative and legal measures in case of legal violations. 

Particularly, the Guide includes flowcharts for the application and non-application scope of relevant laws in each country, as well as the access and permit procedures based on the purpose of access. This format allows for quick reference in day-to-day work. It also includes related information such as QR codes for direct access to the websites of the responsible agencies for ‘ABS’ in each country.

Meanwhile, the NIBR distributed booklets on the ‘Guide for Access to Genetic Resources and Benefit Sharing’ for 11 countries from 2015 to 2022. This year, in response to the prompt demands of the industry stakeholders, the NIBR has expanded the target countries and plans to produce core guides for over 20 additional countries annually starting from next year.

President Seo Min-hwan stated, “Since the 15th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity held in Montreal, Canada, in December of last year, where Digital Sequence Information (DSI) on genetic resources was agreed upon as a subject of benefit sharing, countries worldwide have been strengthening their domestic laws for the protection of their genetic resources.” He added, “We hope that this core guide will be of great assistance in utilizing foreign genetic resources.”

For further information, please contact the Public Relations Division. 

Contact person: Gina Lee, foreign media spokesperson

Phone: +82-44-201-6055

Email: gcjgina @gmail.com