Promoting Access to Genetic Resources and Ensuring Fair Sharing of Benefits: A Call for Global Cooperation
Promoting Access to Genetic Resources and Ensuring Fair Sharing of Benefits: A Call for Global Cooperation The world's genetic resources – the genetic material found in plants, animals, and microorganisms – are invaluable treasures that hold the key to addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing humanity, from food security and healthcare to environmental sustainability. However, ensuring equitable access to these resources and fairly sharing the benefits derived from their use remains a complex and contentious issue. To harness the potential of genetic resources for the benefit of all, it is essential to promote access and establish mechanisms for equitable benefit-sharing. Genetic resources are the foundation of countless products and innovations that contribute to human well-being and economic development. From medicinal plants with potential therapeutic properties to crop varieties with traits for increased resilience to climate change, genetic resources offe...