The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has clarified how Namibia's natural or biological resources should be accessed and used. 

The Head of Access and Benefiting-Sharing in the ministry, Kauna Schroder, shared this information at the Access and Benefit-sharing-ABS sector training for researchers, regulatory enforcement and media in Windhoek.

The Access to Biological and Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge Act governs how genetic resources and traditional knowledge are accessed and used in the country.

Schroder pointed out that while landowners have the right to control access to their properties, they do not own genetic resources that are found on their land.

"So a freehold farmer can deny a researcher entry to the farm based on property law. They have the right to do that, but they cannot grant or deny rights over genetic resources found there, which is ABS law."

The Act further requires that any individual or institution seeking access to genetic resources must obtain a permit, regardless of whether the research is for academic or commercial purposes.

Schroder says this is done to ensure transparency and prevent the misuse or exploitation of Namibia's biodiversity.

"So if a researcher discovers something commercially valuable, they must immediately notify the ABS office, but what we researchers do is, when we get the findings, we don't even report back, and that's why we need this in place, so that we keep you accountable to report on the progress of your research and share the outcomes with us. LINK... And this protects both the researcher who gets a lighter pathway and the communities or whoever retains full benefit-sharing rights if commercialisation occurs."

Schroder also noted that there are ongoing efforts to streamline permits and improve coordination with international institutions to strengthen implementation of the law. 

To date, Namibia has not issued any internationally recognised certificates. However, we have asked our counterparts for now to recognise the access permit and the MTA as the IRCC. We're going to give notification after this training for IRCCs, and we're going to effect it in 30 days after notice has been given publicly."