A comparative analysis of policy options for dsi under the CBD: how do they measure up?

A Webinar co-organised by the Global Plant Council, the DSI Scientific Network, the Global Genome Biodiversity Network and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture

Establishing and implementing an effective Post-2020 Framework for Biodiversity will not be possible without coming to an agreement on a solution for DSI that enables fair and equitable sharing of benefits while preserving open access in support of research, biodiversity conservation, food security, and public health. The DSI Scientific Network, the Global Plant Council, the Global Genome Biodiversity Network and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture will host a joint webinar to discuss the implications of different policy options for a benefit sharing mechanism for DSI. Experts will share their views on the possible impacts of the proposed policy options, highlighting where win-win solutions could be identified from a research perspective. Use of DSI underpins work in all fields of conservation biology and ecology, plant and animal sciences, as well as many domains beyond. Parties must find a way to ensure the benefits of this use are shared fairly and equitably. The ongoing biodiversity crisis demonstrates the urgent need for further research into how to address and reverse it, which will depend on open access to DSI.

Agenda and Panellists:

• Andrew Hufton, Biotechnology Journal and Advanced Genetics, Wiley – What do we mean by “open access”?
• Manuela da Silva, Fiocruz; David Nicholson, Wellcome Sanger Institute – Overview of the CBD policy options matrix – how do they measure up?
• Derek Eaton, Smart Prosperity Institute – Thinking through the economic implications of the policy options
• Understanding the use of DSI in research and the role of open access
  o Sarah Hearne, CIMMYT – The case of wheat and maize
  o Christine Prat, European Virus Archive – Using DSI for public health
• Q&A