National Consultant – Development of Sub-National Financial Guidelines on ABS and Bioprospecting Guidelines, and Relevant Rules and Regulations សំរាប់ Advance ABS Implementation in Cambodia Project

The Advancing Access and Benefit Sharing Implementation in Cambodia (A-ABS) Project and its interventions are purpose-built and closely focus on addressing legal, institutional, and stakeholder capacity gaps related to Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS). The key expected results include strengthened national ABS governance, Capacity development for stakeholders, Demonstration projects for ABS implementation, and knowledge management.

To strengthen national ABS governance, the project will develop and implement ABS legal and regulatory frameworks at national and sub-national levels, aligned with the Nagoya Protocol, including policy guidelines, permit systems, and compliance monitoring. By doing these, the project expects a fully operational ABS framework at national and sub-national levels, ensuring compliance and improved resource management. It is believed that the clear, streamlined, and tightly integrated legal and policy frameworks will enhance coordination among stakeholders and improve equitable access to and sharing of benefits derived from genetic resources.

The project will conduct targeted training programs to develop local capacity for government officials, the private sector actors, and indigenous people and local communities (IPLCs) on ABS negotiations, monitoring, and sustainable use of genetic resources. The improved knowledge and skill set among stakeholders is expected to increase compliance and foster more equitable and sustainable ABS partnerships.