Access to Genetic Resources and Community Knowledge, and Community Rights Proclamation (No. 482/2006).

This Proclamation, which has the force of Law, concerns the protection and enhancement of customary use of genetic resources by Ethiopian communities which are relevant to the conservation and sustainable use of the biodiversity resources of the country. It provides rules relative to the access to genetic resources and community knowledge on use of those genetic resources, and provides for the rights of communities over genetic resources and community knowledge in conformity with the Convention on Biological Diversity to which Ethiopia is a Party.
The Proclamation shall apply to access to genetic resources found in in-situ or ex-situ conditions but shall not apply to customary use and exchange of genetic resources and the sale of produce of biological resources for direct consumption, that does not involve the use of the genetic resource thereof. The Proclamation defines ownership rights of genetic resources and community knowledge and provides for protection of community rights, access to genetic resources and sharing of benefits. Access to genetic resources by outsiders requires a permit to be granted by the Institute of Biological Conservation. The Proclamation also regulates the exploration of genetic resources and provides for administration in relation with the implementation of its provisions.