Background

One objective of the workshop was to develop “a strong and compelling vision for ABS in Africa for holders of traditional knowledge and stakeholders of genetic resources as a basis for cooperation and networking”.

Over the course of several sessions the vision was created in a stepwise approach involving all stakeholder groups. For this purpose a methodology was chosen that defines the desired state of ABS in Africa through a concrete description of how ABS should “look and feel like” in 2010.  Based on an initial vision developed by a group of government representatives the text was handed over to representatives of business and science and finally to those of local and indigenous communities. The text was finalised by a group representing all stakeholders and approved by all participants. 

The vision was the basis for an initial road map to implement the Initiative especially during its first year.

The Vision

The awareness of the importance of the origin of natural products and the knowledge of the beneficial use of biological resources is ever growing. CEOs are no longer accepting to invest in biological resources in the absence of ABS regulation.  Research companies are eager to gain access to biological resources and the new inclusion of rural communities in the negotiation process is generating benefits never previously shared.

The other day a pharmaceutical giant sent its buyer to Africa to access genetic resources.  He was struck by the adverts for locally produced cosmetics using the same ingredients.  In his hotel he encountered a regional buyer interested in medicinal components of the same plant.

He was surprised at how promptly the relevant information and regulations were furnished by the national competent authority, which then guided and introduced him to the community that owned and produced the ingredients.

Getting out of his car the buyer could hear school children reading a text in their own local language. The community received him warmly. They took pride in showing him their land, animals and other indigenous plants which have traditional uses.  When he mentioned the names of the genetic resources he was interested in, the community immediately knew which plants he was referring to. They walked him through a well managed wild population of the actual plant and reached a new field where the plant is now cultivated, before he was shown the processing using modern technology.

During negotiation with several stakeholders, the buyer observed that the community was well informed and that their representative knew which knowledge to share and which one to protect. After a few days, the committee, composed of men and women and the buyer, signed a new Material Transfer Agreement for the ingredients and for research on a new plant with clear benefits to the community.

They shook hands. He thanked the community. They replied “You are welcome” and they really meant it.