By 2040, there is a significant increase of the benefit shared, with providers and rights holders in accordance with applicable ABS instruments
 

To support the Philippine government in achieving the target of increasing the sharing of benefits from genetic resources, digital sequence information, and traditional knowledge, several actions can be taken. 

Development and Implementation of Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) Guidelines:

• Develop comprehensive ABS guidelines to regulate access to genetic resources and ensure fair and equitable benefit-sharing arrangements.
• Establish procedures for obtaining permits and conducting negotiations with stakeholders, including indigenous communities and local governments.

Capacity Building Programs (Target 20):

• Conduct capacity-building programs to enhance the understanding of ABS principles and procedures among relevant stakeholders, including government officials, researchers, indigenous peoples, and local communities.
• Provide training on negotiation skills, conflict resolution, and legal aspects of ABS agreements.

Legislative and Policy Reforms:

• Review and amend existing laws and policies to strengthen the legal framework for ABS, ensuring alignment with international agreements and best practices.
• Develop new legislation or regulations to address gaps in ABS governance and enforcement.

Establishment of Multi-Lateral Systems:

• DENR can work with relevant government agencies, such as the Department of Agriculture (DA), to establish a multi-lateral system under the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA).
• Facilitate collaboration with other countries and international organizations to promote the exchange of genetic resources and ensure fair and equitable benefit-sharing.

Creation of Registries and Seed Banks:

• Establish centralized registries or databases of native species and genetic resources to facilitate access and tracking (Targets 4 and 21).
• Support the establishment and maintenance of seed banks and germplasm repositories to conserve and preserve genetic diversity (Target 4).

Implementation of DNA Barcoding Programs:

• Institutionalize DNA barcoding programs to enable the identification and authentication of genetic resources.
• Collaborate with research institutions and academic partners to conduct DNA barcoding studies and build capacity in this area.

Establishment of Philippine Access and Benefit Sharing (PH ABS) Clearing House:

• Work with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) through State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) to establish the PH ABS Clearing House.
• Develop an online platform or database to serve as a centralized repository for information on ABS procedures, permits, agreements, and benefit-sharing mechanisms (Target 21).

Promotion of Stakeholder Engagement and Participation:

• Encourage active participation of indigenous communities, local governments, academic institutions, private sector entities, and civil society organizations in ABS processes.
• Foster dialogue and consultation to ensure that the needs and concerns of all stakeholders are addressed in ABS agreements and decision-making.

By undertaking these actions, the Philippine government can make significant progress towards establishing a National Access and Benefit Sharing System and ensuring the fair and equitable sharing of benefits from genetic resources, digital sequence information, and traditional knowledge. Collaboration and coordination among government agencies, indigenous communities, academia, and other stakeholders will be essential for the successful implementation of these measures.

• Wetland International Philippines