Understanding the access and benefit-sharing of genetic resources for microbiology researchers

Abstract

Following enforcement of the Nagoya Protocol (NP), in which the sovereign rights to genetic resources of countries are recognized, new legal obligations regarding access and benefit-sharing (ABS) that did not exist before have now been imposed on researchers. To implement the NP, many countries are introducing new procedures and regulations when a researcher wants to obtain genetic resources for commercial or noncommercial uses. It is therefore expected that resource-rich countries will adopt strong regulations to protect their genetic resources. In this regard, Korean microbiologists will need to respond to these changes to minimize the potential damages caused by the ABS. This paper reviews the key contents of the NP to raise its awareness among scientific researchers and further presents specific measures to meet the ABS obligations accordingly. For example, Korean researchers, in principle, do not need to acquire Prior Informed Consents (PICs) when they access Korean microbial resources for both commercial or research purposes. Nevertheless, when a foreign culture collection agency such as DSMZ requests a confirmation of compliance with the NP to deposit genetic resources, Korean researchers can also apply for a PIC with the Korean government as an exception. By referring to this article, microbiologists will be able to conduct their research in compliance with the NP while respecting the legal ABS obligations of each resource-providing country.