For centuries, genetic resources not protected by Intellectual Property Rights were collected and used without any regulation. They were a free good available for everyone. Huge profits were made but never shared with the custodians of biological diversity. "Access to genetic resources" underscores the importance of informed national approaches to enforce access to genetic resources and benefit-sharing provisions of the Convention on biological diversity. It discusses key issues concerning access to genetic resources and sharing of benefits arising from their use; and examines ongoing efforts to formulate and implement national measures. It brings together contributions from leading authorities in policy and legal aspects of access to genetic resources. This volume is aimed at policy makers, researchers, inter-governmental officials, practitioners and students of international environmental law and diplomacy.