ABSTRACT
Sharing the benefits associated with the commercialization of genetic and other biological resources involves not only determination of the nature and size of the benefits, but also the mode of distribution of those benefits to a range of stakeholders, and in a fashion that serves defined objectives over time. Several different models have been advocated or are already in place to share financial benefits. Trust funds – the subject of this chapter – are one model that has been employed to date, building upon experience with delivery mechanisms employed in other areas of conservation and development. There is a short but well-documented history of the use of trust funds in the conservation and development community upon which biodiversity prospecting projects can draw.
