Biodiversity Access Benefitsharing and the Sustainable Development Goals

Biodiversity, Access & Benefit-sharing and the Sustainable Development Goals Tomme R. Young IRIS (International Research Institute for Sustainability) Brazilian Federal Senate Colloquium on Sustainable Development Goals: A Global Perspective 12 Dec 2014

Three Topics Biodiversity – A way of perceiving the world Access and Benefit-sharing – A way of interlinking care of the environment with social objectives, but. . – Very challenging and hard to implement The Sustainable Development Goals – – A Global Priority list How do the conservation and environmental sustainability objectives link with the SDGs? Brasilia 8 Dec, 2013

What is “Biodiversity” The “Bio” Aspect “Diversity” • • species, subspecies and varieties • genetic “building” blocks • physical location and adaptation • inter- & intra-ecosystem relationships (landscape) Plants Animals Microbes Ecosystems Human beings biological products of human activity (crops, domesticated animals, modified organisms)

Plants

Microbes

Ecosystems

Human beings

products of human activity

Values of biodiversity? • economic • research • cultural • medical

• • ecological intrinsic aesthetic other?

ABS Overview: • Its all about “GENETIC RESOURCES” RESOURCES • The Process is in three parts: 1. “THE PROVIDER” grants “THE USER” “ACCESS” to the genetic resource 2. The User conducts research, analysis and development, obtaining benefit from the Genetic Resource 3. The User shares benefits with the provider

Why is it a problem • Biggest problem: No “User Measures” to ensure benefit-sharing • Second problem: Many legal problems and open questions create ambiguity • NAGOYA PROTOCOL ON ABS – many countries are finding it difficult to implement. • BUT – THIS IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY Arroyo Grande R. A. M Meeting 22 July 2013

THE ABS OPPORTUNITY • Countries have committed to ABS. • If a way can be found to make ABS work, all countries will have to comply. • With many ambiguities in the international system, countries have the initiative to develop their own systems (and to collaborate in finding a workable approach) • ABS is not a major financial tool, but it is a new way of interacting among countries. • ABS can be a valuable mechanism for promoting conservation and social well-being.

The Sustainable Development Goals • Objectives: – – – Few in number Measurable Easy to communicate Universal Applicable to all Inclusive, leaving none behind • Compared to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) Number of Goals: MDGs 8 (including Means of Implementation (MOI)) SDGs 17 Plus additional MOI Number of Targets: MDGs 18 SDGs 107 (Plus 62 MOI) Arroyo Grande R. A. M Meeting 22 July 2013

ABS in the SDGs 1 • Goal 2. End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture – Target 2. 5 by 2020 maintain genetic diversity of seeds, cultivated plants, farmed and domesticated animals and their related wild species, including through soundly managed and di versified seed and plant banks at national, regional and international levels, and ensure access to and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge as internationally agreed Arroyo Grande R. A. M Meeting 22 July 2013

ABS in the SDGs 2 • Goal 15. Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss – Target 15. 4 by 2030 ensure the conservation of mountain ecosystems, including their biodiversity, to enhance their capacity to provide benefits which are essential for sustainable development – Target 15. 6 ensure fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources, and promote appropriate access to genetic resources – Target 15. 9 by 2020, integrate ecosystems and biodiversity values into national and local planning, development processes and poverty reduction strategies, and accounts

ABS in the SDGs 3 • Goal 16. Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels – Target 16. 8 broaden and strengthen the participation of developing countries in the institutions of global governance – Means of Implementation 16. b promote and enforce non -discriminatory laws and policies for sustainable development Arroyo Grande R. A. M Meeting 22 July 2013

Arroyo Grande R. A. M. Meeting 22 July 2013

For additional information, documents and assistance, contact: Tomme. Young@gmail. com Brasilia 12 Dec