In Vietnam, the utilization of GRs is of significant importance as the economy is heavily dependent on natural resources. GRs play a great role and importance in many social aspects, bringing out enormous economic values and providing great potential contributions to the national economic development if applied and managed well. ABS, as a way to promote access to GRs for their utilization and the sharing of resulting benefits, could benefit both users and providers. It ensures that GRs shall be accessed and utilized in a way that maximize benefits of the two parties, ecosystems and communities where GRs are found.

Companies and research institutions seek access to GRs for different types of utilization, from scientific research to the development of commercial goods that contribute to human life such as food, medicine, cosmetics, natural ingredients and new varieties of plants. Providers agree with access to GRs and shall receive in return fair and equitable sharing of benefits from the utilization of GRs. Ideally a part of these benefits are used to enhance conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. The sharing of monetary and non-monetary benefits can contribute significantly to poverty reduction and sustainable development. In 2008, the National Assembly of Vietnam passed the Law on Biodiversity which consists Chapter V on sustainable use of GRs, later, in May 2017, the Government passed the Decree number 59/2017/ND-CP on regulating access to GRs and sharing of benefits from utilization of GRs. This document focuses on guiding the implementation of Decree 59, aiming to explain basic concepts and requirements for organizations and individuals which seek access to GRs in Vietnam. This material also contains detailed instruction, orders and procedures for registration, negotiation, signature of contract and licensing and benefit sharing from utilization of GRs.