Digital Sequence Information in the UN High Seas Treaty : Insights from the Global Biodiversity Framework-related Decisions

In December 2022, the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) adopted the Global Biodiversity Framework. The Decisions taken in support of the Framework represent a significant phase shift in the approach to governance of digital sequence information (DSI) on genetic resources. The authors observe that these, particularly CBD Decision 15/9, have significant implications for fraught negotiations on a proposed new UN Treaty on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction. They analyse shifting baselines on digital sequence information, data governance, transparency in use and circulation of genetic resources and monetary benefit sharing to suggest that the Global Biodiversity Framework-related Decisions provide an important and hard-won equitable road map whose key elements can be adapted to address digital sequence information (DSI) in the high seas context