Access and Benefit Sharing Project (ABS Project)

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About the Access and Benefit Sharing : The Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) Project, formally recognized as “Implementing the National Framework on Access and Benefit Sharing of Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge in the Philippines,” is spearheaded by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Biodiversity Management Bureau (DENR-BMB). This project is executed in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the Philippines, and generously supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF). Serving as a strategic initiative within the Philippines, the ABS Project aims to enhance the implementation of the Nagoya Protocol. Its primary objectives include reinforcing the national Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) framework, boosting national and local capacities, and cultivating essential expertise in ABS agreements. These concerted efforts are designed to expand economic opportunities and promote biodiversity conservation for local communities and indigenous peoples. The project is comprised of three main components: 1. Strengthening the national ABS framework: This involves updating the current ABS framework and aligning policies related to bioprospecting, scientific research, and the commercialization of genetic resources. Emphasis is placed on enhancing multi-sectoral and inter-agency collaboration and developing supporting information systems, such as a research database for genetic resources and associated traditional or indigenous knowledge. 2. Raising awareness and building capacity for ABS framework implementation: This facet centers on bolstering capacities for crafting and enforcing ABS policies, securing intellectual property rights, engaging with the private sector, and assessing research proposals. A significant portion of effort will be allocated to establish a model research and development practice that promotes ABS. 3. Demonstrating benefit-sharing agreements: This component aims to facilitate at least one ABS agreement that complies with the Nagoya Protocol and to support community protocols for obtaining Prior Informed Consent and Free, Prior and Informed Consent (PIC/FPIC), and Mutually Agreed Terms (MAT). In addition, the project plans to assist in the development of at least two bio-products (pili and banaba) derived from local genetic resources. By focusing on these areas, the project aspires to foster a fair and equitable sharing of biodiversity benefits. This approach is expected to increase wealth creation, acknowledge and protect customary law and indigenous practices, and enhance the management and sustainable utilization of genetic resources and biodiversity.

 

Nagoya Protocol and Access and Benefit Sharing : The Philippines is among the nations that signed the Nagoya Protocol in Nagoya, Japan, in October 2010. This international agreement aims to protect and conserve biodiversity worldwide. Specifically, it addresses the use, access, and sharing of genetic resources, such as plants, animals, and microbes. Signatory countries are entrusted with the duty to safeguard their natural resources and to respect the culture and traditions tied to their use. Companies and individuals who wish to access or utilize these genetic resources must obtain permission from the custodians and ensure fair and equitable benefit-sharing with the communities that nurture and sustain these resources. Through the Nagoya Protocol, stricter regulations are anticipated on the access and utilization of genetic resources. This aims not only to protect biodiversity but also to honor and appreciate the cultural rights and traditions of communities that care for these natural assets.

 

Downloadables

 

• Project Briefer
• Brochure, Flyer, Zoom Background – Google Drive
• Activity Reports

 

Safeguards Documents:

• Approved ABS Project SESP Implementation stage (as of November 2023)
• Approved ABS Project Indigenous Peoples Plan (as of November 2023)
• Approved ABS Project Environmental and Social Management Plan (as of November 2023)
• Updated Annex E Gender Analysis and Action Plan (as of November 2023)
• Updated Annex F Stakeholder Engagement Plan (as of November 2023)
• ABS Project Social and Environmental Screening Procedure (SESP) as
  of July 2020
• ABS Project Environmental and Social Management Framework as of
  July 2020
• ABS Project Indigenous Peoples Framework as of July 2020
  ▪ ABS Project Grievance Redress Mechanism Procedural Guidelines as
  of September 2022
  ▪ ABS Project Site Selection Report as of June 2023
  ▪ ABS Project 1st Batch of Private Sector Due Diligence Summary Report
  as of February 2023
  ▪ ABS Project 2nd Batch of Private Sector Due Diligence Summary Report
  as of June 2023

News Articles

• Design Thinking Workshop on Developing the Philippines ABS Functional Mechanism/ABS Clearing House
• Government moves to strengthen Philippine genetic resources’ access, benefit sharing
• ABS Project meets stakeholders for banaba, pili R&D roadmaps
• National consultation workshop to revise existing Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) regulations
• Project Board/Steering Committee (PB/SC) convened to approve and support the project’s implementation strategies
• National Interagency Technical Working Group (NTWG) convened to support the project’s implementation strategies
• National Inception Workshop

 

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Contact Us:

For queries and feedback, you may visit or contact us through the following:
• Call/text us at 0917 – 792 – 3484 or (02) 8 925-8953
• Email us at phl.abs.project@gmail.com or abs.project.ph@undp.org
• Message us on Facebook through the DENR – Biodiversity Management Bureau
page
• Visit us at DENR – Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) ABS Project Office,
South Luzon Cottage, Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center, Quezon City, 1100