In 1992, the Convention on Biological Diversity set out the principle of Access to Genetic Resources and Fair and Equitable Sharing of the Benefits Arising out of their Utilisation (ABS), with the aim of promoting the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.
Specified by the Nagoya Protocol in 2010, ABS concerns research and development activities on genetic resources, in the broadest sense, and associated traditional knowledge.
ABS is helping to change research practices, in particular by requiring that the collection of samples and knowledge, as well as the management and use of collections, take account of the rights of partner populations and countries.
The Nagoya Protocol has applied in the European Union since 12 October 2014. It was ratified by France and transcribed into French legislation when the law on the reconquest of biodiversity, nature and landscapes was passed in August 2016.
Other agreements, such as the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA), govern ABS for specific resources.
These international agreements have led to the gradual introduction of different regulations and procedures at different levels, with far-reaching consequences for the implementation of research projects involving biological resources and traditional knowledge. This regulatory landscape is now virtually stabilised. However, potential changes are being debated, particularly with regard to access to digital sequencing data.
Best practices in line with regulations
The IRD offers training to encourage the implementation and dissemination, in the IRD's research units and support services, of good practices that comply with regulations on access to biological material and associated information, and on their exchange and use.
To this end, in addition to the regulatory and operational aspects that form the core of the course, social science elements on the practice and ethics of biodiversity conservation and enhancement will also be covered.
At the end of the course, participants :
be familiar with the requirements of French and international regulations;
will have a better understanding of the origin and application of these regulations, and will be in a better position to take part in debates on these subjects;
will know how best to comply with these regulations.
Training themes
Origin of ABS regulations (CBD, Nagoya Protocol, ITPGRFA, etc.)
Main French, European and international regulations :
Prior Informed Consent (PIC)
Mutually agreed terms (MAT)
Material Transfer Agreement (MTA)
Declarations and applications for authorisation
Declaration of due diligence
Register of collections
etc
Intellectual property
Databases
Nature and population law
Collection management
Complying with the spirit and letter of ABS regulations: toolbox, analysis of practical cases
Teaching approach
The contributors come from a variety of disciplines (biology, social sciences, law, etc.) and work in research teams or support services.
The course alternates between lectures and workshops based on practical cases. There is plenty of time for questions and discussion.
The residential seminar formula (optional) encourages interaction between participants and speakers.
Speakers
IRD Nagoya Group: Catherine Aubertin, PALOC; Elise Bourgon-Schouvey, Legal Affairs Department; Laurie Casalot, MIO; Chloé Desmots, Nagoya Ethics Officer; Geoffroy Filoche, GRED; Laura Mitreski, Innovation and Valorisation Department; Jean-Louis Pham, DIADE;
Museum national d'Histoire naturelle: Anne Nivart, Collections Department
Practical information
The course is aimed primarily at IRD staff (scientists and support services). It is open to non-IRD staff from the UMRs with which the IRD is associated, subject to availability.
The number of participants will be limited to around thirty. If necessary, a selection will be made, taking into account the motivations of the candidates and the balance between UMRs.
The course will take place on 17-18 October, from 9.30am to 5.30pm, at the Hôtel Mercure Centre Vieux Port in Marseille.
There is no registration fee. On-site lunches are provided for participants.
To take part in this training course
Those wishing to take part in this training course are asked to complete the application form below, stating their reasons for interest and, if possible, presenting examples of situations involving access to biological resources and traditional knowledge with which they are confronted and which could provide input for the workshops (cases will be "blurred" if necessary).
Registration form
Applications should be emailed by 5 September 2019 to. chloe.desmots@ird.frwith a copy to catherine.aubertin@ird.fr and jean-louis.pham@ird.fr.
Confirmation will be sent to you by 12 September 2019 at the latest.