The Impact of Definitions and Legal Frameworks Related to Digital Sequence Information (DSI) on the Executive Functions of Gene Banks: The Experience of the Netherlands Centre for Genetic Resources

Document Type : Scientific Views

Authors

1 Head of Biodiversity Group- National Center For Genetic Resources

2 Research Professor, Grain Research Department, National Seed and Seedling Breeding and Production Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Karaj, Iran

3 Seed and Plant Improvement Institute (SPII)

10.22092/irn.2026.371616.1709

Abstract

Rapid advances in biotechnology and the declining cost of sequencing have significantly increased the role of Digital Sequence Information (DSI) in research related to genetic resources. This development has triggered extensive discussions on the legal status of DSI and how access and benefit sharing (ABS) mechanisms under the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Nagoya Protocol, and other international frameworks should apply to it. This paper examines the impact of various proposed definitions of DSI and the different regulatory scenarios for ABS on the operational functions of gene banks, with a focus on the experience of the Centre for Genetic Resources, the Netherlands (CGN). Gene banks depend on open and efficient access to passport, phenotypic and omics data to support research, plant breeding, and the sustainable management of genetic resources. Expanding the definition of DSI to include these data types could restrict the dissemination and use of essential information and negatively affect global conservation and utilization efforts. The results show that bilateral ABS systems particularly those treating DSI as equivalent to physical genetic resources create significant administrative and legal complexities for gene banks. In contrast, multilateral approaches, and especially open access scenarios, are more favorable as they maintain transparency, facilitate data exchange, prevent the privatization of DSI, and strengthen international scientific collaboration. This study highlights the need for clear, coherent, and practical regulatory frameworks for governing DSI that safeguard national interests while enabling effective use of genetic resources to address global challenges such as food security and climate change.

Keywords

Iran Nature
Volume 10, Issue 6 - Serial Number 55
March and April 2026
Pages 29-38

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