Since 2015, Benin has developed a system for joint implementation of the Access and Benefit-sharing (ABS) provisions of the ITPGRFA and the Nagoya Protocol in the frame of a project implemented by the Institut National des Recherches Agricoles du Bénin (INRAB) and the NGO Cercle de Sauvegarde des Ressources Naturelles (CeSaReN). Bioversity International, the Darwin Project and several other partners were involved in this initiative. Project activities entailed pilot work in two communities to raise farmers' awareness of their rights and enhance their capacities for sustainable management of resources. After a series of consultations, transitional provisions called ‘National Guidelines for Access and Benefit-sharing from the Utilization of Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge (ABS)’ were developed, establishing a ‘single window’ system and delegating responsibilities to the competent national authorities. These ‘National ABS Guidelines’ were adopted by the Council of Ministers in 2017; the Decree on National ABS Guidelines was signed in September 2018. The rights of holders of traditional knowledge associated with genetic resources are protected based on standard procedures for Prior Informed Consent and Mutually Agreed Terms. Benefit-sharing contracts must be established in accordance with the provisions of the national guidelines and can include monetary or non-monetary benefits.
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| Most relevant categories | - Legal measures for the implementation of Farmers’ Rights, such as legislative measures related to PGRFA.
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| Also relevant categories | - Recognition of local and indigenous communities’, farmers’ contributions to conservation and sustainable use of PGRFA, such as awards and recognition of custodian/guardian farmers
- Catalogues, registries and other forms of documentation of PGRFA and protection of traditional knowledge
- In-situ/on farm conservation and management of PGRFA, such as social and cultural measures, community biodiversity management and conservation sites
- Facilitation of farmers’ access to a diversity of PGRFA through community seed banks, seed networks and other measures improving farmers’ choices of a wider diversity of PGRFA.
- Farmers’ participation in decision-making at local, national and sub-regional, regional and international levels
- Training, capacity development and public awareness creation
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| Institution/organization | Government organization; Research Centers and Academic Institution |
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| Provision of Art. 9 addressed | Art. 9.1; Art. 9.2a; Art. 9.2b; Art. 9.2c; Art. 9.3 |
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| Types | Technical; Administrative; Legal |
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| Countries | Benin |
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| Regions | Africa |
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| Keywords | Benefit-sharing; Capacity development; Farmers’ Rights; Genetic resources; Sustainable use; Traditional knowledge |
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| Resource link | https://www.fao.org/3/ca4106en/ca4106en.pdf |
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