Policies

National Guidelines for Access and Benefit-sharing arising from the Utilization of Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge (2018) (French)

Benin’s national Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) guidelines regulate access to genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge and ensure fair benefit-sharing with the state and local communities, in line with the Nagoya Protocol.

National Catalogue of Plant Species and Varieties (CaBEV) (2018)

The CaBEV is the official register of plant species and varieties authorized for production and commercialization in Benin. It supports variety approval, seed certification, and alignment with regional ECOWAS–UEMOA seed systems.

National Plant Seed Committee (2018)

The National Plant Seed Committee is an advisory body responsible for guiding Benin’s seed sector, reviewing varieties for release, and coordinating seed policies with regional ECOWAS–UEMOA standards.

National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2016)
Ghana’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan outlines national priorities and actions for conserving ecosystems, species, and genetic diversity while aligning with the Convention on Biological Diversity.

National Seed Policy (2013)
Ghana’s National Seed Policy provides a framework for strengthening the seed sector, improving access to high-quality seeds, and supporting both formal and informal seed systems.\

Plants and Fertilizer Act 803 – Seeds (2010)
This legislation regulates seed production, import and export, and quality control in Ghana’s formal seed sector, establishing procedures for seed registration, testing, and certification.

National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan
Tanzania’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan provides the national framework for conserving biodiversity and promoting the sustainable use of ecosystems, species, and genetic resources. It outlines priorities and actions to address biodiversity loss and implement the country’s commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity.

National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan II (2015–2025) (2016)
Uganda’s national strategy for conserving biodiversity and promoting the sustainable use of ecosystems, species, and genetic resources. It sets priorities and actions to integrate biodiversity into national development planning.

National Seed Policy (2018)
A national framework guiding the development and regulation of Uganda’s seed sector. It aims to improve access to high-quality seed, strengthen institutional coordination, and encourage private-sector participation.

Seeds and Plant Regulations (2016)
Regulations implementing the Seeds and Plant Act, providing detailed procedures for seed certification, variety release, import and export controls, and seed quality assurance.

Uganda National Seed Strategy (2014)
A strategy outlining actions to implement Uganda’s seed policy and strengthen the national seed sector. It focuses on improving farmers’ access to quality seed and supporting a competitive and sustainable seed system.

Guidelines for Accessing Genetic Resources and Benefit Sharing in Uganda (2007)
These guidelines outline practical procedures for accessing genetic resources and implementing benefit-sharing. They clarify institutional roles and permit requirements while supporting Uganda’s commitments under international biodiversity agreements.

National Environment (Access to Genetic Resources and Benefit Sharing) Regulations (2005)
Uganda’s legal framework regulating access to genetic resources and ensuring fair and equitable sharing of benefits from their use. It defines access procedures, permits, community rights, and institutional responsibilities for monitoring compliance.

Seeds and Plant Act (2006)
National legislation regulating the production, certification, quality control, and marketing of seeds and planting materials in Uganda. It establishes institutional roles for seed inspection, variety release, and enforcement.

Integrated Seed Sector Development in Africa (ISSD Africa) (2014)
A program supporting the development of resilient and inclusive seed systems by strengthening both formal and informal seed sectors and improving farmers’ access to quality seed.

African Seed and Biotechnology Programme (2007)
An African Union initiative aimed at strengthening seed systems and promoting the safe use of agricultural biotechnology to improve seed quality, regional trade, and food security across Africa.

African Perspectives on Genetic Resources (2003)
A policy framework outlining Africa’s shared position on the conservation, governance, and equitable use of genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge.

African Model Legislation for the Protection of the Rights of Local Communities, Farmers and Breeders, and for the Regulation of Access to Biological Resources (2000)
A framework developed by the Organization of African Unity to guide national laws protecting community and farmers’ rights, regulating access to biological resources, and ensuring fair and equitable benefit-sharing.

West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) (1994)
A regional economic union that harmonizes economic policies and regulations among eight West African countries to strengthen regional markets and integration.

Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) (1975)
A regional organization promoting economic integration, policy coordination, and regional cooperation among West African countries, including in agriculture and seed regulation.

WIPO Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge (2024)
An international treaty requiring disclosure of the origin of genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge used in patent applications.

Paris Agreement (2015)
A global climate treaty aimed at limiting global warming and strengthening countries’ capacity to adapt to climate change and build climate-resilient development pathways.

Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing (2014)
An international agreement under the CBD establishing rules for fair and equitable benefit-sharing arising from the use of genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge.

Standard Material Transfer Agreement (SMTA) (2006)
A standardized contract used under the ITPGRFA to regulate the transfer of plant genetic resources within the Multilateral System.

International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) (2004)
A multilateral treaty promoting the conservation, exchange, and sustainable use of plant genetic resources to support global food security and agricultural research.

Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) (1993)
A global treaty that guides countries in conserving biodiversity, using biological resources sustainably, and ensuring fair and equitable sharing of benefits from genetic resources.

International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) (1951)
A global treaty supporting international cooperation to prevent the spread of plant pests and protect plant resources through phytosanitary measures.

State of the World’s Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (2025)
A global FAO assessment analyzing the status, trends, and challenges in the conservation and use of plant genetic resources.

• Second Report (2010)
• State of the World’s Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (First Report, 1997)

Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (2022)
A global framework adopted under the Convention on Biological Diversity to guide international action toward halting biodiversity loss and achieving a world living in harmony with nature by 2050.

Voluntary Guidelines on Food Systems and Nutrition (2021)
Policy guidance helping countries transform food systems to promote healthy diets, reduce malnutrition, and strengthen sustainable food production and governance.

State of the World’s Biodiversity for Food and Agriculture (2019)
A global report evaluating the status and trends of biodiversity that supports food and agricultural systems.

2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (2015)
A global framework guiding international efforts to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure sustainable development through inclusive policies and resilient food systems.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (2015)
A set of 17 global goals adopted by UN member states to address poverty, inequality, environmental protection and sustainable development.

Principles for Responsible Investment in Agriculture and Food Systems (2014)
A global framework guiding responsible investment in agriculture to support food security, environmental protection and sustainable livelihoods.

Global Plan of Action for Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (1996, updated 2011)
An international framework guiding the conservation, sustainable use and management of plant genetic resources through coordinated national and global actions.

Voluntary Guidelines on the Right to Food (2004)
Guidelines supporting governments in implementing the human right to adequate food through policies that strengthen food security and access to resources.

Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) (2000)
A global development framework that guided international efforts to reduce poverty, improve health and education and promote environmental sustainability from 2000 to 2015.

Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES)
An international body providing scientific assessments on biodiversity and ecosystem services to inform policy and decision-making.

Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)
An international data infrastructure providing open access to global biodiversity data to support research, conservation and policy development.

Codex Alimentarius (1963)
A collection of international food standards, guidelines, and codes of practice developed by FAO and WHO to protect consumer health and support fair food trade.