Tourism, Trade and Industry. In addition to this, export of specimen of a species included in Appendix
III by the importing country requires the issuance of a Certificate of Origin by the exporting country
Sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic/biological resources is one of the objectives of the
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The Convention calls for “the fair and equitable sharing of
benefits arising out of the utilisation of genetic resources”. This has been emphasised in Regulation 20
of the Regulations on Access to Genetic Resources and Benefit Sharing in Uganda.. All benefits
arising out of the collection, modification and use of genetic resources shall be shared by the parties.
The sharing must be fair and the criteria for sharing shall be mutually agreed upon by the parties who
shall be guided by the principle of fairness and equity.
The CBD acknowledges the importance of keeping information and knowledge on biological diversity
and requires contracting parties to put in place masures to promote information sharing and
management. All information regarding access to genetic resources shall be collected and stored by
the UNCST. Some of the information resulting from allowing access and use of genetic resources shall
be stored by the Lead Agencies and copies given to the UNCST. An application for confidential
treatment of information given to the UNCST or the Lead Agencies shall be submitted together with
an application for access to genetic resources and shall state the reason for seeking such
confidentiality. Confidentiality of information does not apply where it is considered necessary for the
public good or environmental protection and does not go beyond three years.
A monitoring system used by the lead agencies shall be applied to track and keep record on the genetic
resources being accessed in Uganda as well as the extent of benefit sharing that has been achieved.
This system willl help in monitoring the effectiveness of implementing these guidelines. The mandate
for this is with the UNCST in collaboration with NEMA. The information and experience gained from
the implementation of this guidelines shall form the basis for review and updating the Guidelines to
suit the existing circumstances. In this regard, this First Guidelines shall be reviewed after the five (5)
years of implementation. Subsequent reviews and updating shall take place within a period of not less
than 5 years but shall not exceed 10 years.
Guidelines for Access to Genetic Resources and Benefits Sharing
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