Objectives

Based on the results and the follow-up of the Addis Workshop and particularly considering the identified gaps of the ABS Capacity-Building Needs Assessement, the Dutch-German ABS Capacity Development Initiative for Africa will implement the CBD Action Plan on Capacity-Building for Access to Genetic Resources and Benefit-Sharing, which was adopted by COP 7 in February 2004, in a tailor-made manner to the African needs. But this is not only seen as a procedure serving CBD obligations, much more it is – in the long rung – considered as an iterative process that supports the vision of ABS a powerful instrument to reduce poverty in Africa.

The initiative will thus positively impact on

• increased awareness of African policy makers and legislators on ABS matters, especially their cross sectoral nature and their potential for poverty alleviation.
• a meaningful participation of all relevant stakeholders at all stages of the negotiation, development and implementation of ABS regulations – at the international, national and local level.
• to improved regional cooperation on ABS issues among African countries
• development of partnerships for business opportunities

By achieving these direct impacts the initiative will contribute in the long-term indirectly to achieving food security and the MDGs via the fair and equitable sharing of benefits generated from the use of biological/genetic resources.

In the short-term the initiative will

• strengthen the knowledge of all relevant stakeholders on ABS relevant matters by offering different platforms for experience exchange (workshops, peer-to-peer learning exchange, CHM) and by providing a facility for the documentation of case studies, legislation/regulations, experience reports etc., and
• build and strengthen a network of African ABS experts drawn from all relevant stakeholder groups, including national science, indigenous and local communities, the private sector, policy makers and legislators.

To achieve these outcomes the initiative will build on and broaden the ongoing German contribution to the development and implementation of ABS regulations under the CBD and the ITPGRFA.

The Dutch contribution will enable the initiative to link extensively national expertise and experiences within and across African regions through multi-stakeholder workshops, trainings, background studies and information exchange providing thus a regional perspective to otherwise primarily national activities. Building on established contacts, possibilities for cooperation and synergies with UNCTAD BioTrade, as well as relevant training programmes of UNITAR, WIPO and IPGRI will be explored.