ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses experiences in accessing biological resources for non-commercial research. The involvement of the Swiss Academy of Sciences (SCNAT) in Access and Benefit-Sharing issues correlates with its mission and its members. The personal, semi-structured interviews included a general section about the researchers. The survey encompassed interviews with 10 researchers working in Switzerland who had carried out projects on 4 continents and in a total of 15 countries. No project had a formal access and benefit-sharing (ABS) agreement. Nevertheless, all projects shared benefits. Provider country academic institutions can enhance research cooperation by offering support and legal advice. Their knowledge of governmental ABS agencies and good local networks can facilitate formalities and multilayered negotiations. The ABS program of the Swiss Academy of Sciences aimed at raising awareness and building capacity within the Swiss research community while fostering the voluntary implementation of the Bonn Guidelines.
