Why is ABS important for Canada?
ABS is an important aspect of the Convention on Biological Diversity. Canada played a significant role in the negotiation of this convention and was among the first countries to ratify it. Apart from providing a potential source of benefits that could improve environmental conservation, an ABS policy would also contribute in establishing a clear framework for those who want to access and use Canada’s genetic diversity. This in turn, would increase legal certainty and ultimately could be beneficial for national and international business investment notably in the biotech, genomic and pharmaceutical industries. Ensuring the appropriate utilization traditional knowledge associated to genetic resources, with the consent of those who hold it and with the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits that can arise from its use also represents an important dimension for Canada.
