Marine Genetic Resources Beyond National Jurisdictions: Components of a Fair, Informed and Progressive Internationally Binding Legal Instrument

Abstract

Negotiations on an internationally binding legal instrument on biodiversity and marine genetic resources beyond national jurisdictions will commence in September 2018. Based on international biodiversity law, patent rights and the recent developments in the governance and circulation of genetic resources, this note suggests ten key components for a fair, informed and progressive internationally binding instrument on marine genetic resources beyond national jurisdictions.

Keywords: Marine Genetic Resources, Law of the sea, BBNJ, Nagoya Protocol, Patents, Access, Benefit Sharing, Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction