Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) Compliance – Online Workshop

Online Workshop on Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) Compliance

23rd May 2024- The Swiss Import Promotion Programme (SIPPO South Africa), in collaboration with the Global Quality and Standards Programme-South Africa (GQSP-SA), both funded by the Swiss Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and the Southern African Essential Oils Producer’s Association (SAEOPA), welcomed 10 participants from the South African Business Support Organisation (BSO) partners offering export promotion services, to a pivotal workshop focused on Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) compliance and Online Permitting System, according to the Nagoya Protocol and the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act of South Africa (NEMBA). For South Africa, rich in biodiversity, ABS safeguards its unique flora and promotes indigenous knowledge by applying fair access to indigenous, biological and natural resources through equitable sharing.

The significance of ABS compliance was underscored during discussions with importers at international trade fairs and other forums. This workshop, facilitated by Dr. Elsie Meintjies, Chief Technical Advisor, GQSP-SA and Karen Swanepoel, Executive Director of SAEOPA provided essential insights into ABS compliance requirements. Karen Swanepoel gave a detailed presentation on these compliance requirements and the streamlined online permitting application process implemented by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE). Her insights proved to be invaluable when supporting companies navigating the complexities of ABS compliance and have further highlighted the critical role of ABS compliance in the Biotrade sector.

A user-friendly Online Permitting System is now available by following this link:
https://www.eservices.gov.za/

Contact Us to Attend: karen@saeopa.co.za