:: The Multilateral System of the FAO Treaty: ABS Lessons for Genetic Diversity of Global Importance

The Multilateral System of the FAO Treaty (MLS) is exemplary. In order to promote conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture, it establishes a global approach of simplified access to these resources and sharing of benefits from their utilization. This article analyzes the organizational structure of the MLS with the aim of unveiling concrete lessons for a possible system of global management of genetic diversity of a global importance and value based on access and benefit sharing (ABS). The underlying goal of such a system would be to promote conservation and sustainability of such genetic diversity.