Tackling the challenges of the implementation of ABS procedures in France: the case of Teko ethnobotany in French Guiana.

Since the entry into force of the Nagoya protocol, researchers has to comply with a package of regulations. French Guiana, as an overseas territory, is subject to French and European laws, but presents a specific context due to the presence of indigenous peoples.

A CNRS team, asked by some Teko Amerindians to document their ethnobotany, is experiencing since 2013 the Access and Benefit Sharing procedures. This process is pioneering in France as it only applies, to now, within the Amazonian national park (PAG).

We will describe this case where cohabit, not without complexity, indigenous peoples, researchers, elected representatives, biodiversity managers (PAG) and indigenous organizations. We will then decipher the mechanisms leading to standstills or facilitations. Lastly, we will analyze their consequences and propose potential improvements in order to develop research in the service of Indigenous people, according to the Nagoya protocol, and give new insights into the practice of ethnobiology.