Getting started using the ABS Clearing-House for Stakeholders

Other stakeholders, including indigenous people and local communities (IPLCs), capacity-building organizations, private sector and research institutions and international and non-governmental organizations and others are invited to submit relevant reference records. Reference records include a number of ABS relevant resources and information and can be submitted by any registered user of the ABS Clearing-House. The CBD Secretariat, acts as the publishing authority for reference records and is responsible for validating all reference records before final publication in the  ABS Clearing-House. Although, registered users do not publish reference records directly, they must ensure the information they submit is correct, non-confidential, complete and up-to-date.

• Indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLCs): IPLCs can use the ABS Clearing-House to share information on how to access traditional knowledge associated with genetic resources, such as community protocols and procedures and customary laws. They can also access and contribute to the ABS Clearing-House with awareness-raising and capacity-building materials on ABS in their own indigenous languages. 
   
• Capacity-building Organizations: Organizations involved in capacity-building for the Nagoya Protocol can share capacity-building resources and materials and information on their projects or activities, including lessons learned from their implementation. In exchange, they are able to access information on projects or resources registered by other actors, and therefore, create opportunities for capitalizing best practices and developing coordinated approaches to building and developing capacity.
• Private sector and research institutions: Private sector and research institutions utilizing or seeking access to genetic resources can also benefit from the  ABS Clearing-House by finding reliable and up-to-date information on how to access genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge. They can also use the ABS Clearing-House to share information on the model contractual clauses, codes of conduct, guidelines and best practices that they have developed.
   
• International and non-governmental organizations and others: International and non-governmental organizations and others can raise awareness and promote capacity building on ABS through the ABS Clearing-House. The ABS Clearing-House offers a space to share materials, general literature and learning material related to ABS and the Nagoya Protocol. These resources can contribute to promote ratification and implementation of the Nagoya Protocol, as well as increase opportunities for collaboration among the ABS community.

Follow the steps below to start submitting relevant information to the ABS Clearing-House. For any questions or assistance, please contact: absch@cbd.int.

STEP 1: Sign up for a CBD Account 

A CBD account is needed to be able to submit information on the ABS Clearing-House. If you don't have a CBD account please sign-up here: accounts.cbd.int/signup. After filling the simple form, you will automatically be emailed a link to use to confirm your account. A CBD account enables you to register reference records in the ABS Clearing-House . Click here to create a CBD account.

 

STEP 2: Sign in

Simply click "sign-in" at the top-left of the screen to sign into the ABS Clearing-House . Once signed in, click the "submit" link in the main navigation bar, to access your dashboard where you can choose the type of record you wish to submit.

 

STEP 3: Submit reference records

Submitting information in the ABS Clearing-House should be easy. The CBD Secretariat operates a help desk to provide on-demand technical support, answer questions and receive feedback. The CBD Secretariat can also provide online webinars and face-to-face training. Please contact us (absch@cbd.int) for more information.