OO. 6.1 Explain the concept of ABS and disseminate widely information on ABS

It is important to raise the level of awareness of users and providers of genetic resources on the CBD and related ABS provisions as well as on ‘best practices'. As the ABS provisions of the CBD are insufficiently known and can be ambiguous and difficult to understand for practitioners, it is important that Belgium facilitates their understanding and explains their relevance and implications. As the Bonn Guidelines are the most practical tool so far on the ABS provisions under the CBD, specific attention will be devoted to this instrument and its use will be encouraged.

One communication tool that can be used for this purpose is the EC ABS Portal (http://abs.eea.eu.int/index.php) that aims to establish a network of European stakeholders in ABS, in order to share experiences on the issue.

A first step towards an information campaign on ABS issues has been taken by Belgium by launching an analysis of Belgian stakeholders' awareness of the ABS provisions, and the impact of these provisions on their policy towards the implementation of ABS principles.