Nutzenbeteiligung

Nutzenbeteiligung, often translated as "benefit sharing," is a concept that addresses the distribution of advantages arising from the use of biological resources or traditional knowledge. It is a key principle within the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization, adopted under the Convention on Biological Diversity. The core idea is that when genetic resources or traditional knowledge are accessed and utilized for commercial or research purposes, the country or community that provided these resources or knowledge should receive a fair share of the benefits derived.

These benefits can be monetary, such as royalties or license fees, or non-monetary, like technology transfer, capacity-building, or joint research opportunities. The objective is to promote the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable use of its components by providing economic incentives. Nutzenbeteiligung aims to ensure that the utilization of genetic resources and traditional knowledge contributes to the livelihoods of indigenous peoples and local communities, as well as to national development. Its implementation involves establishing clear legal frameworks, procedures for seeking prior informed consent, and mutually agreed terms between providers and users of genetic resources.