Citizen consensus and diverging views on benefit-sharing for genetic resources

Area of Science:

• Biodiversity governance
• Genetic resource management
• Digital sequence information (DSI) policy

Background:

• The Convention on Biological Diversity framework struggles with equitable benefit-sharing for genetic resources and DSI.
• Global North and South citizens hold differing views on benefit-sharing mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate public preferences regarding benefit-sharing models for genetic resources and DSI.
• To identify areas of consensus and divergence in citizen perspectives on DSI governance.

Main Methods:

• Survey research conducted across nine countries in the Global North and South.
• Analysis of citizen preferences on monetary vs. non-monetary contributions and government responsibility in benefit-sharing.

Main Results:

• Divergent preferences observed regarding monetary vs. non-monetary benefit-sharing contributions.
• Differing views on whether governments should be responsible for DSI-related payments.
• Consensus reached on the need for criteria-based DSI allocations and specific funding purposes.

Conclusions:

• Public opinion on DSI governance is divided on contribution types and payment responsibility.
• A consensus exists for structured DSI allocation and targeted funding, offering a path forward for international agreements.