The Asia-Pacific region is home to immense biological and cultural diversity, with Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) playing a key role in conserving and sustainably using genetic resources. In recent years, countries across the region have made significant strides in ratifying and aligning with the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS), seeking to regulate access to genetic resources and ensure fair and equitable benefit-sharing. However, progress in implementation remains uneven, with persistent gaps in legal frameworks, compliance systems, institutional coordination, and the inclusion of women and IPLCs.

To support evidence-based regional dialogue and programming, UNDP’s Bangkok Regional Hub conducted a multi-step consultative process to identify implementation gaps and emerging priorities in ABS governance with a focus on gender and IPLC inclusiveness. The findings presented in this Policy Brief draw on these complementary sources of data and engagement. Together, they offer a snapshot of the current state of ABS implementation in the region and provide targeted recommendations to strengthen institutional capacity, promote inclusive governance and scale up regional cooperation