Access and benefit sharing from genetic resources

All the countries in the Hindu Kush-Himalayas are party to the CBD. However, only a few of them have ABS policies and laws, and these are at different stages of implementation. Central to the delay is a lack of awareness and understanding of ABS and the key components of an effective ABS regime. This paper is designed to raise awareness among policy makers of the key components of an effective ABS regime and thus enable development of a better ABS policy framework in the countries in the region.