Access to genetic resources and Benefit Sharing (ABS) has been promoted under the Convention on Biological Diversity, with the aim of combining biodiversity conservation goals with economic development. However, as this book shows, since its inception in 1992, implementation has encountered multiple challenges and obstacles. This is particularly so in the marine environment, where interest in genetic resources for pharmaceuticals and nutrients has increased. This is partly because of the lack of clarity of terminology, but also because of the terms of the comprehensive law of the sea (UNCLOS) and transboundary issues of delineating ownership of marine resources. The author explains and compares relevant provisions and concepts under ABS and the law of the sea taking access, benefit sharing, monitoring, compliance, and dispute settlement into consideration. He also provides an overview of the implementation status of ABS-relevant measures in user states and identifies successful ABS transactions. A key unique feature of the book is to illustrate how biological databases can serve as the central scientific infrastructure to implement the global multilateral benefit sharing mechanism, proposed by the Nagoya Protocol. The research for this book was supported by both the Bremen International Graduate School for Marine Sciences (GLOMAR) and the International Research Training Group INTERCOAST - Integrated Coastal Zone and Shelf-Sea Research.

Access to genetic resources and Benefit Sharing (ABS) has been promoted under the Convention on Biological Diversity, with the aim of combining biodiversity conservation goals with economic development. However, as this book shows, since its inception in 1992, implementation has encountered multiple challenges and obstacles. This is particularly so in the marine environment, where interest in genetic resources for pharmaceuticals and nutrients has increased. This is partly because of the lack of clarity of terminology, but also because of the terms of the comprehensive law of the sea (UNCLOS) and transboundary issues of delineating ownership of marine resources. The author explains and compares relevant provisions and concepts under ABS and the law of the sea taking access, benefit sharing, monitoring, compliance, and dispute settlement into consideration. He also provides an overview of the implementation status of ABS-relevant measures in user states and identifies successful ABS transactions. A key unique feature of the book is to illustrate how biological databases can serve as the central scientific infrastructure to implement the global multilateral benefit sharing mechanism, proposed by the Nagoya Protocol. The research for this book was supported by both the Bremen International Graduate School for Marine Sciences (GLOMAR) and the International Research Training Group INTERCOAST - Integrated Coastal Zone and Shelf-Sea Research.

Essay from the year 2006 in the subject Biology - Ecology, grade: A, University of Bremen (Center of Marine Tropical Ecology), course: Essay for M.Sc. course, 57 entries in the bibliography, language: English, abstract: In the first part, this essay aims at providing a rough overview about the most important topics in the literature dealing with alien invasive species. This overview tries to answer questions about the general biology of alien invasive species and the existence of a perfect invader. However, some ecosystems seem to be more susceptible to invasion than others do. General assumptions are that the tropics are less invasible than temperate regions and that islands are more vulnerable than continental areas. An alien species must complete three stages of human-mediated spreading which are transportation, introduction and establishment in order to become invasive. An alien invasive species might then have positive or negative impacts. Either it adds to the species richness or it has detrimental effects on the ecological, economical or human health sector. However, sophisticated treatments are available to prevent several means of introduction. The second part of this essay will provide a critical evaluation about the literature reviewed. There still exists a great deal of uncertainty and variety of opinions within publications. The need of increased prevention of introductions and collaboration are conclusions that can be drawn. Furthermore, public awareness has to be raised and a clear definition of terms is a must. Finally, it is important to recall that many alien species are responsible for human well-being by providing food and aesthetics.