The IRD is organising a training course on 24 and 25 November on good ABS? practice and the regulations governing access to biological material and associated information, their exchange and use.
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 Utilization (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. It contributes to changing research practices, in particular by requiring that the collection of samples and knowledge, as well as the management and use of collections, take into account 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 law when the law on the reconquest of biodiversity, nature and landscapes was passed in August 2016. The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) is a special instrument that is compatible with the CBD's ABS approach. These international agreements have led to the gradual introduction of various regulations and procedures at different levels, with major 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 is offering a training course to encourage the implementation and dissemination in IRD 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 training, social science elements on the practice and ethics of partnerships will also be addressed.
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
Intellectual property
Databases
Nature and population law
Collection management
Complying with the spirit and letter of ABS regulations: toolbox, analysis of practical cases
Objectives
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.
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.
Speakers
IRD Nagoya Committee: Catherine Aubertin, PALOC; Elise Bourgon-Schouvey, Legal Affairs Department; Laurie Casalot, MIO; Chloé Desmots, Nagoya Ethics Officer; Laura Mitreski, Innovation and Valorisation Department; Jean-Louis Pham, DIADE.
Practical information
The course will be held on 24 and 25 November 2021, from 9:30 to 17:30, in Carry-le-Rouet (13) at the Mileade holiday centre.
We will adapt to distance learning if the health situation makes it impossible to provide face-to-face training.
The training 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 25. If necessary, a selection will be made, taking into account the motivations of the candidates and the balance between UMRs.
There is no registration fee.
Registration
To take part, complete the application form, stating the reasons for your interest and, if possible, presenting examples of the situations of access to biological resources and traditional knowledge with which they are confronted and which could provide input for the workshops (the cases will be anonymised if necessary).
Deadline for applications :
5 November 2021
The registration form should be sent by e-mail to chloe.desmots@ird.frcopy to jean-louis.pham@ird.fr. Confirmation will be sent no later than 8 November 2021.