Accessing biological control genetic resources: the South American experience

National idiosyncrasies in the adoption of the Nagoya Protocol (NP) and implementation of access and benefit sharing (ABS) have created obstacles for many research-based activities that require access to genetic resources. This is particularly true for disciplines such as classical and augmentative biological control. As a provider of biological control genetic resources worldwide, South America plays an important role in this context. The status of adoption of the NP in South America is reviewed, analysing the number of internationally recognised certificates of compliance, and examining the number of certificates issued in South America to access biological control genetic resources. We also summarise the common problems associated with access and export of biological control genetic resources through the experience of a non-governmental organisation in Argentina, the Fundacion para el Estudio de Especies Invasivas (https://en.fuedei.org/). Finally, we provide some communication and awareness-raising activities to persuade policy makers on the importance of facilitating the exchange of biocontrol genetic resources and ABS regulations in South America.

Automated summary

National idiosyncrasies in the adoption and implementation of the Nagoya Protocol pose obstacles for research-based activities that require access to genetic resources, especially in the field of biological control. South America, as a provider of biological control genetic resources, is reviewed for its adoption status and the number of certificates issued for accessing these resources. The common problems associated with access and export of biological control genetic resources are summarized based on the experience of an Argentine NGO. Communication and awareness-raising activities are suggested to persuade policy makers in South America on the importance of facilitating the exchange of biocontrol genetic resources and complying with ABS regulations.