Market value of marine genetic resources in the context of the BBNJ Agreement
The European Commission requested a study be carried out on the market value of marine genetic resources and the state of the art of commercialisation of related products in the context of the Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ). The study, which was funded by the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF), was carried out by a consortium led by MARBLES partner ABS International (ABSint-3BIO), and two subcontractors from the UK: MARBLES partner University of Aberdeen (UNIABDN) and POMC Consulting Ltd. (doing business as One World Analytics). The main experts involved are Thomas Vanagt (ABSint), Paul Oldham (One World Analytics) and Marcel Jaspars (University of Aberdeen).
The goals of the study were to:
- Map the recent and planned marine scientific research activities undertaken in marine areas beyond national jurisdiction that look into exploring marine genetic resources in those areas
- Investigate the market value and state of commercialisation of marine genetic resources from areas beyond national jurisdiction through a scientific and patent landscape analysis
- Provide regulatory options for the sharing of the monetary benefits arising from the utilisation of marine genetic resources from areas beyond national jurisdiction in the context of the BBNJ Agreement.
The outcomes will feed the future negotiations at the BBJN Conference of the Parties, once the Agreement enters into force. The final report and executive summary are now available.