Until some decades ago, collecting living organisms and taking these across national borders was normal practice and undertaken without any obligations. Seeds and plants were considered public property, and animals could be purchased from their owner for breeding purposes. No obligations or restrictions on the use of the genetic material incorporated in such organisms existed. This practice changed due to increased awareness that genetic resources may have actual or potential value and the establishment of intellectual property rights on products developed from natural organisms and their genetic resources. As a result, countries are increasingly asserting their rights over these resources, and claiming that such resources should not be used without their consent. It was in this context that the concept of Access and Benefit- Sharing (ABS) was introduced. As a result, free access to plants, animals and micro-organisms cannot be taken for granted nowadays: often permission is required from the country where the genetic resource is obtained, and benefits from the use of such resources need to be shared. The rest of this website explores the practical implications of ABS.