Access to Biological Resources and Benefit Sharing (ABS)
ABS is a legal framework on how biological resources or traditional knowledge associated with biological resources can be accessed whether in-situ or ex-situ, and how the benefits arising from the use of such biological resources or traditional knowledge can be shared fairly and equitably between the users and providers of the resources.
ABS is important as it establishes a legal framework that ensures the use of biological resources or traditional knowledge whether for commercial or non-commercial research (academic) is conducted ethically, with full respect for the rights of natives and local communities and guarantees that the benefits derived from the use are shared fairly and equitably.