Digital sequence information on genetic resources (DSI)
Description
There is no internationally agreed definition of digital sequence information on genetic resources (DSI). However, the term generally refers to the digital form of genetic sequence data, which may include, but is not limited to, nucleic acid sequences (DNA), ribonucleic acid sequences (RNA), information on proteins, metabolites and other macromolecules. 1 2 In other words, DSI can be understood as the genetic code of living organisms that is stored and shared electronically.
DSI is generated by extracting genetic material (e.g. DNA) from biological samples. Known as genetic resources , the information contained within these resources is converted into digital sequences using sequencing technologies. 2
CBD/COP/DEC/15/9 1
CBD/DSI/AHTEG/2020/1/7 2
Business relevance
DSI underpins a variety of cross-cutting technologies and technological applications, especially biotechnologies. It is a critical resource for research and development across sectors such as pharmaceuticals, agriculture, industrial chemicals, materials science and cosmetics. For example, DSI enables the rapid development of new drugs and vaccines, informs the design of genetically modified crops, guides the development of agricultural products, supports innovation in sustainable biofuels, and aids the creation of more environmentally friendly products. 3
At CBD COP15 it was decided to establish a mechanism and a global fund to share benefits from the use of DSI fairly and equitably. 1 A ground-breaking decision at CBD COP16 set out how the mechanism would work in practice. 4 Under this voluntary mechanism, businesses that benefit commercially from the use of DSI should contribute a percentage of their profits that derive from the use of DSI, or a percentage of their overall revenue, to the Cali Fund. A large amount of funding from the Cali Fund is expected to support the self-identified needs of Indigenous Peoples and local communities.
CBD/COP/DEC/15/9 1
UNEP-WCMC (2024) 3
CBD/COP/DEC/16/2 4