This publication illustrates the impact of the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) and national ABS laws/policies on the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  Specifically, this legal framework, is being used by the private sector, researchers, indigenous peoples, and local communities from 27 countries to develop innovative products that contribute to the implementation of the SDGs.

The reader will be taken on a journey around the world to learn about 27 biodiscovery stories of how traditional knowledge, science, technology, and human ingenuity have been used to develop novel products from genetic resources. Eyewitnesses and sustainable development advocates provide a personal account of impacts of the biodiscovery case, including a reflection on key challenges and how they were overcome.

This book underscores that genetic resources are accelerators of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Genetic resources are contributing to poverty alleviation (SDG 1), food security (SDG 2), good health and wellbeing (SDG 3), gender equality (SDG 5), innovation (SDG 9) and life on land (SDG 15), just to name a few. Furthermore, the biodiscovery stories are excellent examples of national and international partnerships (SDG 17) needed to promote all the SDGs.

This publication illustrates efforts supported by UNDP and the Global Environment Facility and carried out by countries. The chapters are authored by experts and practitioners from government, private companies, research institutions, indigenous peoples, local communities and UNDP.