National Policy on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization.

The National Policy on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization is a national policy with a cross-sectoral approach. The overall objectives of this policy are to reduce poverty, ensure sustainable livelihoods, protect human health and promote cultural integrity through conservation and sustainable use of biological resources.
Access and benefit-sharing will be integrated into the national policies and regulations in accordance with the international treaties which Guyana is a party to. Furthermore, the legal framework on fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the use of genetic resources and associated knowledge will be strengthened. The roles and responsibilities of national users of genetic resources and law enforcement agencies will be identified to promote the national interest to make the most efficient use, improve access and ensure the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of Guyana’s genetic resources. The access to the genetic resources, including in situ or ex situ genetic resources and data, of Guyana and of other contracting Parties of the Convention on Biological Diversity will be facilitated. Moreover, access to the genetic resources and knowledge held by Amerindian and local communities will be based on the basis of free and prior informed consent on mutually agreed terms, with respect to national sovereignty and the rights of citizens. The cooperation between the national institutions, foreign parties and the private sector will be strengthened in the fields of research, development and commercialization of genetic resources and associated knowledge in Guyana. In addition to that, national stakeholders will be encouraged to take part in research activities. Fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the use of genetic resources and associated knowledge will be promoted among the Government, Amerindian, local communities, and other stakeholders. Short- and long-term benefits of the genetic resources will be identified to increase local and national incentives for the sustainable use and conservation of biodiversity. Information on access and benefit-sharing will be made available by the Environmental Protection Agency through the Clearing-House Mechanism to inform applicants of the procedures for acquiring free and prior informed consent, and mutually agreed terms, including benefit-sharing. Access and benefit-sharing agreements will be monitored and implemented by the Environmental Protection Agency and the involvement of relevant stakeholders will be facilitated to ensure adequate development and implementation of ABS agreements. The mechanisms will be established to provide information to potential users on their obligations regarding access to genetic resources. Voluntary certification and verification schemes will be promoted for institutions relating to fair and equitable sharing of benefits from genetic resources.