In order to increase information available on non-monetary benefit-sharing for the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and facilitate monitoring the utilization of genetic resources, users of genetic resources and/or traditional knowledge associated with genetic resources are encouraged to cite the Internationally Recognized Certificate of Compliance (IRCC) they have been granted in any scientific publication resulting from access to the genetic resources obtained under the IRCC. We recommend that the IRCC be cited in the Methods section of a scientific publication and listed as a reference in the Reference section of the paper.

Suggested citation in the publication

The following wording may be used in the Methods section:

This research utilized genetic resources [and/or traditional knowledge associated with genetic resources] from XXX (provider country) that were accessed in accordance with applicable access and benefit-sharing requirements, as demonstrated by the Internationally Recognized Certificate of Compliance unique identifier: ABSCH-IRCC-XX-XXXXX-X (Country, year).”

Reference to the IRCC

The IRCC should also be listed as a reference in the publication’s Reference section using the following format:

Reference: Author (issuing country). Year (when the ABS permit was issued). Title ("Internationally Recognized Certificate of Compliance” + ABSCH-IRCC-XX-XXXXX-X). URL. (https://absch.cbd.int/en/database/ABSCH-IRCC-XX-XXXXX-X)"

For more information on why IRCCs matter for reporting on non-monetary benefit-sharing see the below webinar: