Analysis of Evolving Domestic Access and Benefit Sharing Legislation in Russia from the Perspectives of Indigenous People and Local Communities

Abstract

Under Article 15 of Convention on Biological Diversity, the Nagoya Protocol came into force in 2014 as an international regime to regulate the cross-border utilization of biological resources. By promoting the use of genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge, and by strengthening the opportunities for fair and equitable sharing of benefits from their use, it is believed that the Nagoya Protocol binds the Parties to develop their respective ABS legislation or administrative measures to regulate access to genetic resources and benefit sharing arising out of its commercial utilization. In compliance with CBD obligations, Russia has been dealing with Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) issues under certain pre-existing legislations and administrative measures. However, as part of the National Conservation Strategy 2014, the Russian Federation has been developing a national ABS legislation, and preparing the signing of the Nagoya Protocol. By conducting an opinion survey of organizations representing the indigenous people in Siberia, North and Far East regions, the present paper is aimed at understanding primarily the recognition of and space allowed to indigenous people and local communities in existing/evolving domestic ABS measures of Russia, and their participation/involvement in domestic ABS processes nationally.