Annex 1 - Definitions
This Checklist uses the definitions listed in the Nagoya Protocol and UK ABS Regulations.
- Access: the acquisition of genetic resource or of traditional knowledge associated with genetic resources (aTK).
- Access and Benefit Sharing Clearing House (ABSCH): The nominated platform for exchanging information on ABS and a key tool for facilitating the implementation of the Nagoya Protocol. (https://absch.cbd.int/)
- Biotechnology: ‘any technological application that uses biological systems, living organisms, or derivatives thereof, to make or modify products or processes for specific use’.
- Derivative(s): ‘A naturally occurring biochemical compound resulting from the genetic expression or metabolism of biological or genetic resources, even if it does not contain functional units of heredity’. Examples of derivatives include proteins, lipids, enzymes, flavonoids, essential oils and resins.
- Genetic material: ‘Any material of plant, animal, microbial or other origin containing functional units of heredity’. See genetic resource.
- Genetic Resource(s) (GR): ‘genetic material of actual or value’. See derivative.
- (IT)PGRFA: The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) is a specialised international ABS instrument. It applies to plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA).
- Nagoya Protocol: is an international legal framework that implements the access and benefit-sharing obligations of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
- Registered collection: a verified collection of ABS-compliant genetic resources that meets the criteria set out in the EU ABS Regulation (Article 5), as amended by Nagoya Protocol (Compliance) (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018.
- Traditional Knowledge associated with genetic resources (aTK): ‘Traditional Knowledge held by an indigenous or local community that is relevant for the utilisation of genetic resources and that is as such described in the mutually agreed terms applying to the utilisation of genetic resources’
- UK ABS Regulations: the legislation in force in the UK to implement the requirements of the Nagoya Protocol. All users of genetic resources in the UK must comply with the UK ABS Regulations (see section 1 in
- Utilisation (of genetic resources): ‘to conduct research and development (R&D) on the genetic and/or biochemical composition of genetic resources, including through application of biotechnology’. This includes basic and applied research. Refer to the UK ABS guidance document for further details.
