Policy in Practice: How to do the Nagoya Protocol: common misconceptions, challenges and best practices for access and benefit-sharing compliance

Sustainable Microbiology 2026 Open access

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Authors: Davide Faggionato, Melania Muñoz-García, Tanja Kostic, Mariana L. Ferrari, Pascale Vonaesch, Mathilde Poyet, Perrine Portier, Matthew J. Ryan, Djamila Djeddour, Cornelia Stumptner, Giovanna Cristina Varese, Aurora Zuzuarregui
+8 more Mathieu Groussin, Michael Schloter, Robert D Finn, A Haas, Ian Probert, G.J.M. Verkley, Jörg Overmann, Amber H Scholz
DOI: 10.1093/sumbio/qvag007
Cited by: 2
References: 23

Abstract

The Nagoya Protocol establishes an international framework for access and benefit-sharing including for microbial research. Yet many microbiologists have only a vague understanding of what the Nagoya Protocol requires and are unsure how to navigate its complexities, despite the fact that non-compliance can have significant legal consequences and far-reaching reputational and legal impacts. This paper discusses common misconceptions and practical challenges that microbiologists may encounter when complying with the Nagoya Protocol and a step-by-step guide on how to "do" the Nagoya Protocol. We present three case studies to showcase real-life experiences and provide best practice principles for access and benefit-sharing while fostering biodiversity conservation, equitable collaboration, and sustainable innovation.

Fields of Study & Subjects

International Maritime Law Issues Alexander von Humboldt Studies Environmental and Cultural Studies in Latin America and Beyond

Publication details

Journal / source
Sustainable Microbiology
Publisher
Oxford University Press (OUP)
Volume
3
Issue
2
Pages
qvag007–qvag007
Publication date
1 January 2026
Language
EN