What has been done on digital sequence information on genetic resources
Previous COPs and intersessional work
- COP 16 and COP-MOP 5 / 2023-2024
- COP 15 and COP-MOP 4 / 2019-2022
- COP 14 and COP-MOP 3 / 2017-2018
- COP 13 and COP-MOP 2 / December 2016
Current biennium 2025-2026
The basis for the work of the current biennium are the outcomes of COP-16 and COP-MOP 5, which are summarized here.
STEERING COMMITTEE OF THE MULTILATERAL MECHANISM FOR BENEFIT-SHARING FROM THE USE OF DIGITAL SEQUENCE INFORMATION, INCLUDING THE CALI FUND
At its sixteenth meeting, through decision 16/2, the Conference of the Parties (COP) adopted the modalities for operationalizing the multilateral mechanism for benefit-sharing from the use of digital sequence information on genetic resources, including the Cali Fund.
The multilateral mechanism, including the Cali Fund operates under the authority and guidance of the Conference of the Parties, and a Steering Committee was established (annex to decision 16/2) to support the Conference of the Parties in this role.
The functions of the Committee as set out in the terms of reference provided in Enclosure IV to the modalities, are:
(a) to provide oversight of the operations of the Cali Fund, ensuring that the Fund disburses monies according to the present modalities;
(b) to guide the operations of the Secretariat of the multilateral mechanism;
(c) to report and provide advice to the Conference of the Parties;
(d) to develop a draft methodology for the review of effectiveness of the multilateral mechanism, including the Cali Fund, with indicators, where appropriate, for the factors to be considered in the review, as described in enclosure VI of the modalities, taking account of the relevant indicators of the monitoring framework for the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
The Steering Committee consists of fifteen members from Parties (three from each region, with an alternate member for each region), six members from indigenous peoples and local communities (one from each of the six sociocultural regions, one region did not send a nomination), and six observers (two each from civil society, scientific institutions and the private sector respectively, with an alternate for each group). Representatives from the Multi-Partner Trust Fund Office, United Nations Environment Programme and United Nations Development Programme sit on this committee as ex-officio members.
Meetings of the Steering Committee of the Multilateral Mechanism for the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits from the Use of Digital Sequence Information on Genetic Resources, including the Cali Fund
- First meeting- online: Monday, 16 June- Wednesday, 18 June 2025
- Second meeting – in person: Wednesday, 3 September – Saturday, 6 September 2025
Online Space for members, observers and alternates of the Steering Committee for the Multilateral Mechanism for the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits from the Use of Digital Sequence Information on Genetic Resources, including the Cali Fund.
Composition of the Steering Committee:
AD HOC TECHNICAL EXPERT GROUP ON ALLOCATION METHODOLOGY
At its sixteenth meeting, through decision 16/2, the Conference of the Parties (COP) adopted the modalities for operationalizing the multilateral mechanism for benefit-sharing from the use of digital sequence information on genetic resources, including the Cali Fund.
According to the modalities, monies from the Cali Fund are to be allocated taking into account the overall level of funding available in the Fund and an indicative list of criteria, which is set out in enclosure II to the annex to the decision.
In the same decision, the Conference of the Parties decided that a group would be established to provide technical advice and guidance on remaining and unresolved issues relating to the disbursement of funds from the Cali Fund, on the basis of paragraph 20 of the annex, which addresses specifically direct allocations to Parties. In particular, the Group is tasked with developing an allocation methodology for disbursing funding from the Fund, for consideration by the Conference of the Parties at its seventeenth meeting, on the basis of the aforementioned criteria.
The Group comprises 23 technical experts, of whom 13 were nominated by Parties (3 from each region), 6 were nominated by representatives of indigenous peoples and local communities for the sociocultural regions and 4 were nominated by relevant organizations.
Meetings of the Ad Hoc Technical Expert Group on Allocation Methodology:
- First meeting- online: Tuesday, 27 January- Thursday, 29 January 2026
- Second meeting – in person: Tuesday, 12 May– Thursday, 14 May 2026
Online Space for Experts of the Ad Hoc Technical Expert Group on Allocation Methodology:
Link to Forum [the forum is only accessible to members of the Ad Hoc Technical Expert Group]
Composition of the Ad Hoc Technical Expert Group on Allocation Methodology: