ABSCH Genetic Resources Information Center

On-the-spot consultation: How to implement Genetic Resources Act

NIBR conducted on-site interagency consultation for the implementation of the Genetic Resources Act (“the Act”) from 11-13 October at COEX in Seoul, where the “CPhI Korea 2021” was held. The purpose of the consultation is to help Korean biotech industry implement the Nagoya Protocol and the Act.

The interagency consultation was joined by the 5 government institutions including NIBR; Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology; National Institute of Agricultural Sciences; The National Forest Seed and Variety Center; and National Marine Biodiversity Institute of Korea.

The consultation was carried out in a way that helped people understand and comprehend domestic and foraging access regulations in case foreigners access to Korean genetic resources, and Koreans access foreign genetic resources.

Since competent national authorities are designated depending on the types of genetic resources*, difficulties may arise when it is not clear which authority is in charge of the resources in question. That’s why the interagency consultation was conducted on the spot to address the challenges. 

*Ministry of Environment (biological resources in the field of wildlife); Ministry of Science and ICT, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (biological research resources); Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (agricultural bio-resources); and Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (marine and fisheries bio-resources), etc.

During the consultation, officials from the relevant ministries and patent attorneys from the Korea Patent Attorneys Association provide legal advice on domestic measures related to access to Korean genetic resources and negotiation options and processes related to access and benefit-sharing of foreign genetic resources.  

In addition to domestic and foreign ABS legislations, the consultation provided information on how to apply for a patent on genetic resources and other ministerial legislation related to the utilization of genetic resources.