The Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit sharing was adopted by the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity in the City of Nagoya, Japan on October 29, 2010. The Protocol advances the importance of the use of traditional genetic resources by both the provider and user in a legal and transparent manners and forms. It seeks obligation to support compliance with domestic legislation or regulatory requirements by providing genetic resources and contractual obligations reflected in mutually agreed terms.

However, the objective of the Nagoya Protocol seeks for the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources, including the appropriate access to genetic resources, by appropriate transfer of relevant technologies, taking into account the rights over those resources and technologies, and by funding, thereby contributing to the conservation of biological diversity and the sustainable use of its components.

National Focal Point

Frances Browne-Seydou is the focal point for the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS). She got employed with the EPA 2004, and has served in the following capacities/positions: Awareness Officer, Assistant Manager-Intersectoral Coordination, Assistant Manager Awareness unit and currently serving as Manager for the Department of Intersectoral Coordination. Francis professional objective is to hone her working abilities, serve her fellowmen with sincerity, loyalty, and explore possibilities for the betterment in helping to improve the Environmental standards of Liberia and around the world. She holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) from the Cuttington Graduate School and a Bachelor of Science Degree (BSc.) Biology/Chemistry from the Cuttington University.