Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

Access and benefit sharing involves a legitimate process where users access genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge and they share resulting benefits with providers. Cameroon sees the Protocol as a policy that will contribute to improve the livelihoods of its people if implemented (NSABS 2012).

This study examines the manner in which the Ministry of Environment, Protection of Nature and Sustainable Development develops a Strategy on Access and Benefit Sharing and the implementation of the Access and Benefit Sharing Project of 2011. Using implementation theory, this study identifies, and analyzes actors’ participation in the national process to implement the Nagoya Protocol. It also analyzes the likelihood of its effective implementation, including possibilities for indigenous peoples to benefit from a national legislation on ABS.

In conclusion, this study recognizes a need for the national implementing agency to develop greater cooperation and communication with ministries, non-governmental organizations and indigenous peoples that have stakes in Access and Benefit Sharing. In order to improve the chances for indigenous peoples to participate and benefit from the implementation process, there is a need for the implementing agency to increase its regard on the needs of staffs at regional offices. Cameroon must determine and understand how benefit sharing works in reality, weigh potential benefits to its environ-economic opportunities before it can decide to ratify the Nagoya Protocol.