Building Capacity for Regionally Harmonized National Processes for Implementing CBD Provisions on Access to Genetic Resources and Sharing of Benefits

The objectives of the project are to: (1) strengthen the capacity of Southeast Asian countries to implement the CBD provisions on ABS through the development of full and effective national ABS frameworks; (2) increase understanding of ABS issues among stakeholders and the general public and strengthen national capacity for country negotiators to have full understanding of issues and preferred options in the negotiation on the international ABS regime in a way that protects national interests and promotes equitable benefit sharing; and (3) improve public understanding of the contribution ABS can make to biodiversity conservation and sustainable livelihoods.