The Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-sharing

Access and Benefit-sharing // ABS Information Systems
Thursday // 3.20.2025

ABS Information Systems

Implementing the Protocol and operationalizing an ABS legal framework requires Parties to develop standard operating procedures and systems to manage information related to access, benefit-sharing, and compliance in a well-organized and efficient manner. Projects submitted under this focus area are designed to assist Parties in enhancing how they store, manage, and use ABS related information. For example, this may include systems for:

  • Managing information on permits and publishing internationally recognized certificates of compliance in the ABS Clearing-House;
  • Managing and sharing information gathered by checkpoints and publishing checkpoint communiqués in the ABS Clearing-House;
  • Monitoring mutually agreed terms and reporting requirements, as well as the monetary and non-monetary benefits received for reporting on Goal C and Target 13 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

 

Criteria for selection

Who can apply? 

  • Parties to the Nagoya Protocol that are eligible to receive official development assistance (ODA). 
  • Relevant organizations applying for projects that will benefit Parties to the Nagoya Protocol eligible to receive official development assistance (ODA).
  • Indigenous peoples and local communities. 

Priority will be given to projects that: 

  • Involve Parties that have ABS measures and institutional arrangements in place. 
  • Involve more than one eligible Party and/or relevant organizations.
  • Foster synergies or joint work among different governmental institutions, countries, indigenous peoples and local communities and relevant stakeholders, women and youth.
  • The objective or activity is included in national biodiversity strategies and action plans (NBSAPs) or relevant planning document.
  • Produce concrete output(s) and lasting outcome(s). 
  • Propose efficient and effective approaches. 
  • Include actual or potential co-funding.

Funding available:

  • Up to $20,000 USD for single-country projects.
  • Up to $35,000 USD for projects involving 2-3 countries.
  • Up to $50,000 USD for regional or global projects.

The funding from the small grants could be used to leverage funding from other sources.

Expectations for applicants 

The project concept notes will be assessed based on the criteria described above and the selected applications will be further developed into detailed projects documents by the applicant together with the Secretariat and will serve as a basis for receiving the funding.

Applicants should be ready to commit the time necessary to develop and realize the agreed project as well as  document its progress and experience, including lessons learned. 

Relevant project information (outputs) must be published in the ABS Clearing-House, including a final report, executive summary, and lessons learned from the project.

Applicants should be ready to commit the time necessary to realize projects and complete the experience sharing requirements. Opportunities to share experiences will be available both online, at in-person meetings and during an event at COP-MOP 6. 

How to apply 

 If your country/organization meets the criteria and is interested in submitting a project concept note for consideration, please complete the project concept format provided below and send it to secretariat@cbd.int by 30 May 2025. Concept notes where the project will involve country governments and require the endorsement of the ABS national focal point.  

Download the project proposal form here: ABS Information Systems Project Proposal Form (2).docx