XVI International Botanical Congess

175 parties have ratified the Convention on Biological Diversity. Over 44 countries have adopted or are developing laws governing the terms under which individuals and institutions may collect, use and supply specimens. Botanical institutions rely on access to plant materials to maintain and improve the diversity in their collections, for scientific research, and for education. Many also exchange materials and supply them to universities, research institutes and industry. 'Fast-track' access requires simple, unbureaucratic and cost-effective policies, agreements and procedures, and, crucially, some degree of harmonisation of practice among the world's 1,775 botanic gardens. A pilot project involving sixteen botanic gardens worldwide has concluded a harmonised policy on access and benefit-sharing, and material transfer agreements to implement it.