Lessons learned and what worked well

One of the main lessons learned is that establishing a clear legal and institutional framework is a fundamental prerequisite for the effective implementation of the Nagoya Protocol. The adoption of the national Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) Regulation No. 20 of 2021 marked a significant step forward, providing a structured legal basis for regulating access to genetic resources and associated benefit-sharing arrangements. The regulation also helped clarify institutional mandates and responsibilities among relevant national entities.

The designation of a National Focal Point and Competent National Authorities has strengthened institutional coordination and created official communication channels with regional and international stakeholders. This has facilitated the progressive institutionalization of ABS within the national governance framework and improved the country’s readiness to implement Protocol obligations.

Jordan has also benefited from regional and international capacity-building initiatives, which have increased awareness among governmental institutions and supported the development of initial technical and administrative capacities for ABS implementation. Support provided through international cooperation and GEF-supported initiatives has further strengthened national preparedness and institutional engagement in ABS-related processes.

Difficulties, challenges and underlying causes

Despite the progress achieved, several challenges continue to affect the effective implementation of ABS measures in Jordan.

Underlying causes

The challenges identified above are primarily associated with:
• The relatively recent establishment of the national ABS legal framework under Regulation No. 20 of 2021, with implementation mechanisms currently being progressively operationalized;
• Limited national experience with practical ABS implementation processes and transactions;
• Competing national priorities and limited financial resources;
• The continued need for technical assistance, institutional strengthening, and specialized capacity-building programs.

Other relevant information

Moving forward, strengthening the implementation of the Nagoya Protocol in Jordan will require:

• Strengthening coordination mechanisms among relevant national institutions;
• Developing and harmonizing operational procedures for ABS implementation and compliance monitoring;
• Publishing relevant institutional information through the ABS Clearing-House;
• Expanding technical and legal capacity-building programs;
• Increasing awareness among academic institutions, researchers, local and traditional communities, and private-sector stakeholders to support effective engagement with the ABS system.

Jordan remains committed to progressively strengthening the implementation of the Nagoya Protocol through continued institutional development, capacity-building efforts, and enhanced national and international cooperation.

Jordan’s experience in developing measures related to access to genetic resources has demonstrated the importance of building upon existing sectoral legislation and administrative systems as an initial entry point for implementing access measures under the Nagoya Protocol. A phased and flexible approach has proven practical and effective, enabling institutions to progressively integrate access requirements within their existing mandates and procedures. An important lesson learned is that clearly defining institutional roles and responsibilities among competent authorities is essential for minimizing overlaps, improving coordination, and ensuring efficient decision-making. The experience has also highlighted the importance of early stakeholder engagement, particularly with universities, research institutions, and technical authorities, to identify practical implementation challenges and support the development of workable access procedures.

What worked well and why

Several elements have contributed positively to the development of access measures in Jordan:
• Utilizing existing legal and administrative procedures, including research permits, collection permits, and export approvals, enabled the country to operationalize preliminary access measures in an efficient manner;
• The coordinating role of the Ministry of Environment facilitated communication and cooperation among relevant sectoral authorities;
• Collaboration with international partners and technical organizations supported institutional learning and contributed to the development of initial procedures and implementation arrangements;
• Initial awareness-raising and capacity-building activities helped introduce the concepts of Prior Informed Consent (PIC) and Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) requirements to key stakeholders and institutions.

Difficulties and challenges

Despite the progress achieved, several challenges continue to affect the implementation of access measures:
• The continued need to further harmonize and institutionalize a unified national ABS framework has resulted in variations in procedures across sectors and institutions;
• Procedures related to obtaining Prior Informed Consent (PIC) are currently being strengthened and harmonized to support more consistent implementation;
• Additional clarification is still needed regarding the scope and categories of genetic resources covered under access measures, particularly across different sectors;
• Institutional coordination challenges persist due to overlapping mandates among authorities responsible for environment, agriculture, health, research, and related sectors;
• Technical and institutional capacities for processing access applications, conducting risk assessments, and verifying compliance continue to require further strengthening;
• A fully operational national system for issuing internationally recognized certificates of compliance (IRCCs) is still being progressively operationalized.

Underlying causes

The challenges identified above are primarily linked to:
• The cross-sectoral nature of genetic resources management, which requires coordination among multiple institutions operating under different legal and administrative frameworks;
• Limited financial, technical, and human resources allocated to ABS implementation;
• The evolving national understanding of the legal, technical, and institutional requirements associated with Article 6 of the Nagoya Protocol;
• The continued need for technical support, institutional strengthening, and specialized capacity-building programs.

Additional relevant information

Jordan is continuing its efforts to strengthen national access measures by further developing and operationalizing ABS procedures, including clearer mechanisms for Prior Informed Consent (PIC), permit issuance, and institutional coordination. Ongoing efforts also focus on harmonizing sectoral approaches, developing standardized application forms and technical guidelines, and enhancing transparency and legal certainty for users of genetic resources. Future priorities include strengthening the national ABS framework, enhancing monitoring and compliance mechanisms, improving coordination among competent authorities, and developing systems for tracking access to and utilization of genetic resources in line with Article 6 of the Nagoya Protocol.

Jordan has made important progress in establishing a legal framework for the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources by adopting Regulation No. 20 of 2021 on Access to Genetic Resources and Benefit-Sharing. The regulation is aligned with the principles of the Nagoya Protocol and provides a legal basis for mutually agreed terms (MAT) and benefit-sharing arrangements. In addition, the designation of institutional structures, including the National Focal Point, competent national authorities, and checkpoints, represents an important step toward strengthening operational implementation.

Lessons learned and what worked well

Several lessons have emerged from Jordan’s initial experience in developing and implementing ABS measures:
• The establishment of a dedicated national ABS regulation provided legal clarity and created a formal foundation for implementation;
• The designation of institutional structures, including the National Focal Point and competent national authorities, improved institutional readiness and governance arrangements;
• Integrating ABS concepts into broader national biodiversity policies and frameworks contributed to increasing awareness at the policy and institutional levels;
• Initial cooperation with regional and international partners supported institutional learning and capacity development related to ABS implementation requirements.

Difficulties and challenges

Despite progress achieved, several challenges continue to affect effective implementation:
• Practical implementation of benefit-sharing arrangements remains at an early stage, and no formal cases of negotiated benefit-sharing agreements have yet been recorded;
• Stakeholders, including governmental institutions, research organizations, universities, and private-sector actors, have limited practical experience in negotiating and implementing mutually agreed terms (MAT);
• Awareness among users of genetic resources regarding ABS obligations and procedures remains limited;
• Operational procedures and technical guidelines related to benefit-sharing, particularly concerning traditional knowledge and local and traditional communities, are currently being further developed;
• Documentation and identification of local and traditional communities and associated traditional knowledge within the national context remain limited;
• National ABS information, including institutional and procedural information, has not yet been fully published in the ABS Clearing-House, which currently limits transparency and international visibility;
• Technical, institutional, and financial capacities for monitoring the utilization of genetic resources and ensuring compliance across the value chain continue to require further strengthening.

Underlying causes

The challenges identified above are mainly linked to:
• Financial, technical, and institutional capacity constraints associated with Jordan’s status as a developing country;
• The relatively recent adoption of the national ABS regulation in 2021, with implementation systems and institutional arrangements currently being progressively operationalized;
• Limited cross-sectoral coordination among environmental, research, academic, industrial, and other relevant stakeholders;
• The technical and legal complexity of ABS procedures and the continued need for practical implementation tools and technical guidance materials.

Additional remarks

Jordan is continuing efforts to strengthen implementation of the Nagoya Protocol through institutional coordination, awareness-raising, and targeted capacity-building initiatives. Future priorities include operationalizing procedures for benefit-sharing and compliance, enhancing stakeholder engagement, improving technical guidance and institutional coordination, and publishing relevant national information through the ABS Clearing-House to improve transparency and international cooperation.

Lessons learned

Jordan has recognized the importance of establishing a clear and comprehensive legal framework to support effective compliance and monitoring under the Nagoya Protocol. Experience has also highlighted the importance of strengthening coordination among national institutions responsible for environment, agriculture, research, customs, and related sectors. In addition, continuous legal, technical, and institutional capacity-building efforts have proven essential for supporting the effective implementation of compliance and monitoring measures.

What worked well and why

Several positive developments have supported progress in this area:
• The designation of a National Focal Point (NFP) improved coordination with the Convention and facilitated communication and information exchange;
• Participation in international workshops and capacity-building initiatives enhanced institutional understanding of compliance and monitoring requirements;
• The gradual integration of Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) principles into national environmental and biodiversity policies created an initial foundation for future implementation.

Difficulties and challenges

Despite these efforts, several challenges remain:
• National checkpoint mechanisms are still being progressively operationalized;
• Mechanisms for monitoring the utilization of genetic resources, particularly when utilization occurs outside the country, continue to require further strengthening;
• Inter-institutional coordination among relevant authorities requires additional harmonization and institutional support;
• Technical expertise related to ABS compliance, monitoring, and enforcement remains limited;
• Awareness and procedural clarity for researchers, academic institutions, and private-sector users regarding ABS obligations and requirements continue to require further strengthening.

Underlying causes

The challenges identified above are mainly linked to:
• The relatively recent implementation of the Nagoya Protocol at the national level;
• The continued need to further develop ABS implementing regulations and operational procedures;
• Limited financial, technical, and human resources;
• The transboundary nature of genetic resource utilization, which complicates monitoring and compliance efforts.

Additional needs and priorities

Future priorities include:
• Developing a comprehensive national legal and operational framework for ABS compliance and monitoring;
• Establishing and operationalizing national checkpoints, including relevant authorities such as customs, research institutions, and permitting bodies;
• Developing an integrated electronic system linked to the ABS Clearing-House;
• Strengthening international cooperation on compliance-related matters;
• Expanding targeted training and capacity-building programs for national stakeholders and institutions.

Lessons learned

Jordan has recognized that including detailed provisions on mutually agreed terms (MAT) in the national Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) framework is important to ensure legal clarity, transparency, and future compliance. Developing regulatory provisions in advance of practical implementation cases has also proven valuable in establishing a foundation for future dispute prevention and smoother operationalization.

What worked well and why

Several aspects have contributed positively to the development of the national framework:
• The inclusion of MAT-related provisions within the national ABS regulation provides legal guidance and greater certainty for users and providers of genetic resources;
• The incorporation of provisions related to dispute resolution and compliance supports alignment with the Nagoya Protocol and enhances transparency within the regulatory framework;
• The establishment of preliminary institutional arrangements has improved readiness for future implementation and compliance processes.

Difficulties and challenges

Despite these advances, several challenges remain:
• Jordan has not yet encountered practical MAT disputes or enforcement cases, meaning that operational procedures and dispute resolution mechanisms remain largely untested;
• Awareness and technical understanding among stakeholders regarding the negotiation and implementation of MAT provisions are currently being strengthened;
• Limited institutional and legal experience with ABS-related contractual arrangements affects implementation readiness.

Underlying causes

The challenges identified above are primarily linked to:
• The relatively recent establishment of the national ABS framework;
• The absence to date of practical ABS agreements or MAT-related disputes requiring enforcement;
• Limited institutional experience with compliance monitoring and dispute resolution in the ABS context.

Recommendations and future priorities

Moving forward, Jordan intends to continue strengthening implementation through:
• Expanding awareness-raising and capacity-building programs for competent authorities and relevant stakeholders on MAT requirements and dispute resolution mechanisms;
• Documenting and sharing future national experiences related to ABS agreements and MAT implementation;
• Improving transparency and maintaining updated national records and guidance through the ABS Clearing-House.

Lessons learned

Jordan has recognized that including provisions on non-commercial research, food security, and agricultural genetic resources in the national Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) framework improves legal clarity and supports scientific cooperation. Experience has also demonstrated the importance of establishing forward-looking measures that allow flexibility in responding to public health, agricultural, or environmental emergencies. Another key lesson learned is that developing simplified procedures in advance is more effective than addressing research and access requests on a case-by-case basis, particularly for academic and non-commercial purposes.

What worked well and why

Several positive elements have contributed to progress in this area:
• The inclusion of general provisions and draft regulatory guidance related to non-commercial research and special considerations has created an initial foundation for future operational procedures;
• Early recognition of the importance of food security, agricultural sustainability, and emergency response has helped align the national ABS framework with national priorities and international obligations under the Nagoya Protocol;
• Initial coordination among environmental, agricultural, and research institutions has supported awareness of these special considerations within the evolving ABS framework.

Difficulties and challenges

Despite these advances, several challenges remain:
• Simplified procedures for non-commercial research and access to genetic resources for food and agriculture are currently being progressively operationalized;
• Jordan has not yet encountered practical cases involving expedited access in emergency situations, meaning that relevant procedures remain largely untested;
• Stakeholders, including research institutions and agricultural actors, continue to require clearer operational guidance regarding the application of these provisions;
• Coordination among relevant sectors continues to require further strengthening, particularly in implementing special access considerations.

Underlying causes

The challenges identified above are mainly linked to:
• The relatively early stage of ABS implementation in Jordan;
• Limited practical experience with implementation of special ABS procedures;
• Financial, technical, and institutional capacity constraints affecting operationalization;
• The need for stronger cross-sectoral coordination among institutions responsible for environment, agriculture, research, and public health.

Recommendations and future priorities

• Developing and formalizing clear standard operating procedures (SOPs) for simplified access to genetic resources for non-commercial research and agricultural purposes;
• Expanding awareness-raising and training programs for universities, research institutions, agricultural stakeholders, and competent authorities;
• Integrating emergency access procedures into practical implementation guidelines and institutional training;
• Publishing and updating relevant procedures, guidance, and institutional information through the ABS Clearing-House to enhance transparency and accessibility.

Lessons learned

Jordan has recognized that acknowledging local and traditional communities and traditional knowledge within the national Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) framework is an important step toward promoting equitable participation and supporting the protection of traditional knowledge associated with genetic resources. The experience has also demonstrated that incorporating provisions related to prior informed consent (PIC) and community involvement at an early stage helps prepare the institutional and legal framework for future implementation.

What worked well and why

Several positive developments have supported progress in this area:
• The inclusion of references to local customs and traditional knowledge within the national ABS regulations has strengthened alignment with the principles of the Nagoya Protocol;
• Awareness-raising and capacity-building activities led by the Ministry of Environment and relevant partners have helped introduce ABS concepts and requirements to stakeholders and local communities;
• Initial policy recognition of community participation has laid the groundwork for future operational mechanisms related to PIC and mutually agreed terms (MAT).

Difficulties and challenges

Despite these advances, several challenges remain:
• Jordan has not yet encountered practical implementation cases involving PIC or MAT with local communities, meaning that implementation mechanisms remain largely untested;
• Standardized procedures, criteria, community protocols, and model contractual clauses related to community participation are currently being further developed;
• Awareness and technical understanding among local communities regarding ABS rights, obligations, and procedures remain limited;
• Institutional arrangements for effective community participation and consultation are currently being progressively strengthened.

Underlying causes

The challenges identified above are mainly linked to:
• The relatively recent establishment of the national ABS framework;
• Limited practical experience with community-based PIC and benefit-sharing arrangements;
• Financial, technical, and institutional capacity constraints affecting implementation;
• The need for stronger cross-sectoral coordination to support effective community participation in ABS processes.

Recommendations and future priorities

• Developing clear standard operating procedures (SOPs) for engaging local communities in ABS processes, including PIC procedures and participation in MAT negotiations;
• Expanding awareness-raising, training, and capacity-building programs for local communities, including women and marginalized groups;
• Supporting the future development of community protocols and model contractual clauses to facilitate equitable benefit-sharing arrangements;
• Improving transparency by ensuring that relevant procedures, guidance, and institutional information are regularly updated in the ABS Clearing-House.

Jordan has not received monetary benefits from granting access to genetic resources during the reporting period. However, preparatory institutional arrangements and regulatory frameworks are in place to facilitate future benefit-sharing once access and benefit-sharing agreements are concluded. 

 No monetary benefits were received, and no cases of access to traditional knowledge occurred during the reporting period. 

 No access cases to traditional knowledge were reported, so no non-monetary benefits were received. 

Lessons learned

Jordan has recognized that establishing regulatory frameworks and Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) procedures is an essential preparatory step to facilitate future benefit-sharing arrangements and support biodiversity conservation and sustainable use. Experience has also shown that capacity-building activities and technical cooperation with international partners are valuable non-monetary benefits that strengthen institutional readiness and ABS implementation. Another important lesson learned is that integrating conservation and sustainable use objectives into the ABS framework from the outset provides clearer direction for future benefit-sharing activities once operational access cases emerge.

What worked well and why

Several positive developments have supported progress in this area:
• The development of national ABS regulations and guidance aligned with the Nagoya Protocol contributed to increasing awareness among stakeholders regarding ABS principles and obligations;
• Non-monetary collaborations, including research partnerships, technical cooperation, workshops, and training activities, helped improve institutional and technical capacities;
• Initial institutional arrangements established a foundation for future monitoring and implementation of benefit-sharing mechanisms.

Difficulties and challenges

Despite progress achieved, several challenges remain:
• The absence of operational access agreements during the reporting period limited the generation of monetary benefits;
• Practical experience with mutually agreed terms (MAT) and benefit-sharing arrangements remains limited;
• Awareness among potential users of genetic resources regarding benefit-sharing obligations is currently being strengthened;
• Systems for monitoring, documenting, and reporting monetary and non-monetary benefits are currently being progressively operationalized.

Underlying causes

The challenges identified above are mainly linked to:
• The relatively early stage of ABS implementation in Jordan;
• The limited number of access requests involving genetic resources or associated traditional knowledge;
• Financial, technical, and institutional capacity constraints affecting implementation and monitoring processes;
• Limited operational experience with ABS agreements and benefit-sharing arrangements.

Recommendations and future priorities

• Encouraging the development of operational access agreements that can generate measurable monetary and non-monetary benefits;
• Continuing institutional and technical capacity-building programs for competent authorities, researchers, and other stakeholders;
• Developing systems and procedures for systematically tracking and reporting benefits through the ABS Clearing-House;
• Expanding awareness-raising efforts among users of genetic resources regarding obligations to support biodiversity conservation and sustainable use through benefit-sharing mechanisms.

Lessons learned

• Including transboundary cooperation provisions in the ABS regulation establishes a framework for potential future collaboration with neighboring countries.
• Anticipating cross-border issues strengthens Jordan’s alignment with Nagoya Protocol principles, even before practical cases arise.

What worked well and why

• Legal recognition of transboundary cooperation allows Jordan to prepare for future ABS arrangements involving shared genetic resources.
• Regional dialogue and collaboration initiatives help build trust and understanding among Parties for eventual ABS agreements.

Difficulties and challenges

• Jordan has not yet encountered practical cases requiring formal transboundary cooperation, meaning that related procedures remain largely theoretical.
• Awareness among stakeholders regarding potential cross-border issues remains limited.

Underlying causes

• The ABS framework is relatively recent, and operational experience with transboundary genetic resources has not yet emerged.
• The absence of documented shared traditional knowledge between communities across borders limits practical application.

Recommendations / Moving forward

• Promoting regional collaboration and information sharing on genetic resources and traditional knowledge.
• Developing guidelines for transboundary consultations, including procedures for engaging local and traditional communities where applicable.
• Updating the ABS Clearing-House with provisions and guidance related to transboundary cooperation to enhance transparency and institutional reference.

Lessons learned

• In the absence of practical MAT cases, it is important to first establish the regulatory and institutional foundations before developing model clauses or codes of conduct.
• Preparation for future ABS agreements should include planning for contractual tools and standards to support smoother implementation when access requests occur.

What worked well and why

• The regulatory framework already anticipates the need for MAT and related instruments, providing a foundation for future development.

Difficulties and challenges

• Limited practical experience with MAT constrains the ability to promote model clauses or codes of conduct.
• Stakeholders currently have limited awareness or capacity to engage in developing contractual tools or guidelines.

Underlying causes

• Jordan’s ABS implementation remains at an early stage.
• No MAT agreements have been concluded to date; therefore, no practical need for model clauses or codes of conduct has yet arisen.

Recommendations / Moving forward

• Once MAT agreements become operational, develop and disseminate model contractual clauses, codes of conduct, and best practices.
• Strengthen the capacity of stakeholders to understand and apply contractual tools for ABS compliance.
• Maintain future guidance documents and instruments within the ABS Clearing-House to support transparency and institutional reference.

Jordan’s experience demonstrates that although initial awareness-raising and capacity-building activities are important for introducing the concepts of access and benefit-sharing (ABS), they are insufficient on their own to ensure the effective implementation of the Nagoya Protocol.

One of the main challenges is the limited availability of financial resources, which remains the primary constraint to expanding awareness programs and implementing comprehensive capacity-building initiatives. This limitation has affected the ability to conduct regular training activities, build specialized expertise, and sustain continuous stakeholder engagement.

Lessons learned emphasize the importance of sustainable funding, long-term planning, and effective institutional coordination to ensure continuity and achieve meaningful impact. Strengthening cooperation with international organizations and donors is also essential to mobilize the technical and financial support required. Moving forward, Jordan intends to broaden awareness-raising activities and develop more structured capacity-building programs, subject to the availability of sufficient financial resources.

Jordan’s experience indicates that the limited level of targeted collaboration on ABS-related research and development is primarily associated with financial and technical resource constraints and the limited number of practical implementation cases.

A key challenge is the insufficient funding available to support specialized research programs, technology transfer initiatives, and international cooperation focused on ABS. Additionally, limited awareness and technical expertise in ABS-related research continue to constrain opportunities for collaboration.

Lessons learned highlight the importance of strengthening national capacities, raising stakeholder awareness, and mobilizing financial support to enable future cooperation in ABS-related research and development. Moving forward, Jordan recognizes the importance of establishing targeted partnerships and collaborative programs that support technology transfer and scientific research in line with the objectives of the Nagoya Protocol.

 Jordan’s experience highlights the importance of international cooperation and donor support in addressing financial and technical limitations. Training activities, workshops, and knowledge-sharing programs have played an important role in strengthening national ABS capacity without significant reliance on domestic funding. However, limited national financial resources continue to constrain the expansion and effective implementation of ABS measures. 

Mobilized funds have supported capacity-building activities for government staff and researchers, the development of an ABS monitoring and permitting system, and public awareness and outreach programs targeting communities, universities, and research institutions. Most of the mobilized funding has been utilized effectively, while some allocations remain pending in accordance with donor reporting and administrative requirements.

What worked well

• International funding and technical assistance have played an important role in advancing ABS implementation within a developing country context.
• Targeted capacity-building programs contributed to strengthening national compliance and governance arrangements.

Challenges

• Limited domestic financial resources restrict flexibility and the expansion of ABS-related activities.
• Dependence on external resources may affect implementation timelines when donor procedures require extended administrative processing.

Underlying causes

• National financial constraints associated with broader development priorities.
• The need to integrate ABS funding requirements within wider biodiversity and environmental policy priorities.

Recommendations for improvement

• Exploring sustainable domestic funding mechanisms, including modest national allocations, to complement donor support.
• Strengthening coordination among ministries and stakeholders to optimize the use of available resources.
• Continuing to leverage international partnerships for technical and financial support.