ABS National Focal Point: Eavin Parry. No difficulties or challenges to the designation of the NFP

Competent National Authority: The Department of Environment

Checkpoint: The Department of Environment

i. The National Conservation and Environmental Management Act, NCEMA 2025 establishes the national legal framework for ABS matters.

In accordance with NCEMA, access to genetic resources is subject to written application to the Department, mutually agreed terms, an ABS agreement and issuance of a permit.

In accordance with NCEMA,

Outline in the NCEMA

The Department of Environment (CNA) has implemented interim administrative procedures for processing applications, negotiating benefit-sharing agreements, and issuing permits. Multiple ABS agreements and permits have been negotiated and implemented during the reporting period, providing legal certainty for access to genetic resources while safeguarding national sovereignty over biological resources.

Provisions are made in Part VIII of the National Conservation and Environmental Management Act

ii. One known non-commercial ABS agreement was executed in 2025 with Mississippi State University for the salvage, export, analysis and disposal of shorebird eggshell material, with prior informed consent and non-monetary benefit-sharing obligations.An agreement for research was signed with Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2026

No information available for publisheng

The CNA may require confirmation that resources were accessed in accordance with prior informed consent and mutually agreed terms;

New measures are just being put into place and are subject to review.

Provisional: Part VIII of the National Conservation and Environmental Management Act. (NCEMA) of 2025

Provisional: Part VIII of the National Conservation and Environmental Management Act. (NCEMA) of 2025

Provisions and made within the National Conservation and Environmental Management Act 2025, and other supporting national action plans

Provisional: Part VIII of the National Conservation and Environmental Management Act. (NCEMA) of 2025

No issues encountered during the reporting period

No issues encountered during the reporting period

Answer: Partially — measures are in place and being strengthened. Explanation and current measures: St. Kitts and Nevis has adopted a user-compliance approach to safeguard traditional knowledge (TK) associated with genetic resources utilized within our jurisdiction: Administrative ABS procedures: The Department of Environment (Competent National Authority) requires applicants engaged in access, research or utilization of genetic resources/TK to obtain prior authorization. As part of this process, applicants must demonstrate evidence of prior informed consent (PIC) and mutually agreed terms (MAT) when TK originates from indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLCs) in another Party, consistent with that Party’s domestic requirements. Permit and checkpoint system: Evidence of PIC/MAT (or a formal statement from the provider Party/CNA) is checked at several points, including: research/collection permits, MTA/ABS contract review, export permits (where relevant), and during institutional ethics or funding clearances. Standard clauses and guidance: Standard ABS clauses addressing TK (confidentiality, attribution, culturally appropriate engagement, non-commercial to commercial transitions, benefit-sharing triggers) are included in our model MTAs/permit conditions. Awareness and due diligence: Universities, visiting researchers and private sector users are advised—at proposal stage—that utilization of TK in St. Kitts & Nevis requires proof that PIC and MAT were secured in line with the provider Party’s rules. Domestic TK context: While St. Kitts & Nevis does not have formally recognized indigenous peoples, local communities (e.g., traditional healers, small farmers, fisherfolk) are treated as TK holders. Engagement with these groups is required for any access to locally held TK, with community involvement reflected in authorization letters and benefit-sharing terms. Effectiveness to date: To date, no confirmed cases of utilization in St. Kitts & Nevis have proceeded without providing PIC/MAT documentation when foreign-sourced TK was involved. The permit/checkpoint approach has been effective for small numbers of research projects; however, wider awareness among private users and smaller research collaborations is still needed. Gaps and planned improvements (2025–2027): Legal consolidation: Finalization and operationalization of ABS regulations (under the national environmental framework law) that expressly codify user-compliance obligations for TK associated with genetic resources and clarify sanctions and remedies. Community protocols and guidance: Development of community protocols and practical guidance for engaging local TK holders, including model PIC/MAT procedures and culturally appropriate benefit-sharing options. Additional checkpoints: Formalization of additional checkpoints with customs, IP offices, research ethics bodies and grant-funding agencies to capture a broader range of utilization pathways. Capacity building: Targeted training for enforcement officers, academic partners and private sector users on due diligence for TK and recognition of provider-Party requirements. Summary: St. Kitts & Nevis has established administrative and contractual measures that require users to show PIC and MAT in accordance with the provider Party’s domestic requirements when TK associated with genetic resources is utilized here. These measures are functioning for current levels of activity, and are being strengthened through forthcoming regulations, clearer community-level tools, expanded checkpoints and continuous capacity building.

No situations encountered during the reporting period

No issues encountered

St. Kitts and Nevis requires users of genetic resources to provide information related to prior informed consent (PIC), the source of the genetic resource, the establishment of mutually agreed terms (MAT), and the intended utilization, in specific circumstances where an ABS permit, research/collection permit, or related authorization is required. This requirement applies particularly to: Research and academic users seeking authorization to access or utilize genetic resources; Users seeking export permits for biological materials; Applicants requesting ABS clearance, MTAs, or benefit-sharing agreements; Projects funded through government or development partners that require ABS due diligence. Checkpoint functions are carried out through mechanisms such as: The Department of Environment’s ABS authorization/permit system (primary checkpoint); Export permit review and endorsement, where applicable; Institutional review processes (e.g., universities or collaborating research institutions); Funding approvals for research involving genetic resources (secondary/indirect checkpoints). Rationale for selecting “Yes, in some cases”: St. Kitts and Nevis does not yet have fully codified, formalized checkpoints across all institutions and sectors, and thus the requirement is not triggered in all potential utilization scenarios. However, in contexts where access or utilization is reviewed through established administrative procedures, users are required to submit the Article 17.1(a) information.

St. Kitts and Nevis has partially integrated measures to encourage the inclusion of provisions in mutually agreed terms (MAT) that promote information-sharing on the implementation of those terms. While not yet formalized in legislation, these measures are reflected in administrative practice and in the guidance provided to users during the ABS permitting process. Key elements include: Model clauses and templates: The Department of Environment provides model MAT/ABS contract clauses that encourage parties to include reporting obligations, such as periodic updates on research progress, benefit-sharing milestones, publications, commercialization intentions, and any change in utilization. Administrative guidance during negotiations: When reviewing draft MAT or MTAs submitted by users, the Competent National Authority (CNA) advises that clear reporting and information-sharing provisions be included to ensure transparency, traceability, and compliance with agreed terms. Permit conditions: ABS and research permits typically include conditions requiring submission of reports, notification of transfers to third parties, and disclosure of results arising from utilization, thereby reinforcing information-sharing expectations. Encouragement of good practices: Users—especially academic and research institutions—are encouraged to follow best practices for data sharing, acknowledgement of providers, and open communication with national authorities and local knowledge holders, where applicable. Current limitations: The country does not yet have a legally binding, standardized MAT framework that mandates specific information-sharing provisions in every agreement. The inclusion of such provisions currently depends on the nature of the project and the negotiations between the parties, supported by CNA guidance. Overall summary: St. Kitts and Nevis encourages the inclusion of information-sharing provisions in MAT through administrative practice, model clauses, and permit conditions, but full standardization will be achieved with the forthcoming ABS regulations and formal MAT templates.

St. Kitts and Nevis encourages the use of cost-effective communication tools and simple monitoring systems to support transparency in the utilization of genetic resources and traditional knowledge, though this remains at an early stage of implementation. Current measures and practices include: Digital submission of ABS applications: The Department of Environment accepts ABS-related documents—permit applications, PIC/MAT evidence, MTAs, research updates—via email and secure electronic document transfer, reducing administrative burden and improving traceability. Electronic record-keeping: A basic internal digital tracking system is used to maintain records of ABS authorizations, permit conditions, and user updates, supporting transparency and timely follow-up. Use of existing institutional platforms: Academic users, government agencies, and collaborating research institutions frequently use low-cost digital communication tools (email, shared folders, video conferencing) for clarifications, monitoring of deliverables, and reporting on research progress tied to MAT. Information-sharing through project frameworks: For ABS-related projects supported by regional or international partners (e.g., UNEP, OECS, GEF), standardized electronic reporting templates and shared communication channels are used to track research activities and utilization pathways. Limitations: The country does not yet have a centralized ABS digital monitoring platform or an online permit management system. Communication and monitoring tools are functional but not yet formalized as part of a national ABS digital infrastructure. Summary: St. Kitts and Nevis encourages the use of practical, low-cost digital tools to support monitoring, information exchange, and transparency in ABS processes. These efforts are being strengthened and will be further institutionalized as part of ongoing ABS regulatory and systems development.

Provisions are outlined the NCEMA Act, 2025

ABS Agreements include provisions for dispute resolution clauses. i. The National Conservation and Environmental Management Act, 2025 requires an ABS Agreement before access is granted and includes dispute-resolution requirements, including arbitration in accordance with the laws of Saint Christopher and Nevis. ii. No known dispute under MAT has been reported since the INR.

The ABS legislation provides for access to justice and recognition of foreign judgments.

Provisional: Part VIII of the National Conservation and Environmental Management Act. (NCEMA) of 2025

Provisional: Part VIII [Section 65 - Guidance for access and benefit sharing of genetic resources] of the National Conservation and Environmental Management Act. (NCEMA) of 2025

Provisional: Part VIII [Section 66 - Application for access to genetic resources] of the National Conservation and Environmental Management Act. (NCEMA) of 2025

Provisions are provided in other legislation or environmental action plans

Provisional: Part VIII of the National Conservation and Environmental Management Act. (NCEMA) of 2025

i. No formal change has been identified confirming the presence of Indigenous Peoples. ii. The 2025 Act refers to ‘local communities’ and protects traditional use and exchange of biological resources and related knowledge/technologies carried out by and between local communities based on customary practices.

St. Kitts and Nevis encourages the use of benefits arising from genetic resource utilization to support biodiversity conservation and sustainable use, and this expectation is now reinforced under the National Conservation and Environmental Management Act (NCEMA). In practice, ABS permits and MAT issued by the Department of Environment routinely include non-monetary benefit-sharing provisions—such as data sharing, research findings, training, species inventories, and capacity-building—that directly contribute to national conservation priorities. Research projects accessing genetic resources are also required to generate information that strengthens national biodiversity assessments and supports implementation of the NBSAP, the GBF targets, and species management plans. However, while the NCEMA provides a legal basis for benefit-sharing and establishes requirements for ABS Agreements (including potential conservation-related benefits), a formal national framework for directing monetary benefits into dedicated conservation funds or programs is still under development. As a result, the approach is partially implemented but not yet fully institutionalized. Overall, the country actively promotes conservation-oriented benefits through administrative practice and legal provisions, with further systematization expected as ABS guidelines and MAT templates are finalized.

Provisions are provided in the Biosafety Act, the National Conservation and Environmental Management Act, and the National Biosafety Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP)

Only 'local communities' have been referenced in national legislation.

Not applicable as the legislation does not speak to indigenous peoples

Provisions in the NCEMA

The legislation outlines provisions for code of conduct in the application for use of genetic resources process

i. Awareness and capacity-building since 2019 include the current GEF 11908-supported NR1 process, stakeholder engagement, ABSCH reporting support and alignment with KM-GBF/NBSAP processes. ii. Earlier IUCN-ORMACC and national workshop activities remain important baseline information. iii. Additionally post-2019 awareness activities and capacity building activities have been undertaken. iv. Some public awareness initiatives have been undertaken. v. St. Kitts and Nevis has been beneficiary to several regional and international capacity development initiatives such as with the UNCBD, GEF, GIZ and CARICOM.

The Department of Environment has undertaken some public awareness, including radio broadcast discussions

i. Awareness and capacity-building since 2019 include the current GEF 11908-supported NR1 process, stakeholder engagement, ABSCH reporting support and alignment with KM-GBF/NBSAP processes. ii. Earlier IUCN-ORMACC and national workshop activities remain important baseline information. iii. Additionally post-2019 awareness activities and capacity building activities have been undertaken. iv. Some public awareness initiatives have been undertaken. v. St. Kitts and Nevis has been beneficiary to several regional and international capacity development initiatives such as with the UNCBD, GEF, GIZ and CARICOM.

i. Awareness and capacity-building since 2019 include the current GEF 11908-supported NR1 process, stakeholder engagement, ABSCH reporting support and alignment with KM-GBF/NBSAP processes. ii. Earlier IUCN-ORMACC and national workshop activities remain important baseline information.

ii. The 2025 Mississippi State University agreement provides a practical non-commercial template, however, formal national model clauses, codes of conduct or best-practice guidance may still need to be developed and approved.

Technical cooperation in regional initiatives to implement the protocol

i. GEF 11908 provides external support for the preparation and submission of the NR1. ii. Earlier IUCN-ORMACC and national workshop activities remain important baseline information. iii. Additionally post-2019 awareness activities and capacity building activities have been undertaken.

General provisions are made within the Department of Environment's budgetary allocations.

The Department of Environment as the NCA employs three full-time staff working in functions related to the protocol

Not a party to any specialized benefit sharing instrument outside of the provisions outlined in the Protocol and relevant legislation