Welcome to the one stop portal for Research Permits.
Please use the Applicant Checklist to ensure that you have all the documents you will need before you apply.
Read the following guidelines carefully
Learn more about Material Transfer Agreements (MTA), Mutually Agreed Terms (MAT), Prior Informed Consent (PIC), and Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS).
A Material Transfer Agreement (MTA) is a legally binding agreement governing the transfer of wildlife resources or research materials between institutions or individuals.
Requirements for Researchers
- Enter into a Material Transfer Agreement with the Permit Office.
If the researcher is NOT the right holder
- Possess valid Prior Informed Consent (PIC).
- Possess valid Mutually Agreed Terms (MAT).
- Pay all applicable MTA fees.
- Sign a Material Transfer Agreement with the Permit Office.
Once Prior Informed Consent (PIC) has been granted, applicants and right holders must negotiate and enter into an Access and Benefit Sharing Agreement known as Mutually Agreed Terms (MAT).
MAT is negotiated with the right holders or their authorised representatives and documented in writing.
MAT May Include
- Socio-economic development.
- Benefit sharing with right holders.
- Research collaboration.
- Participation of local communities.
- Joint intellectual property ownership.
Prior Informed Consent (PIC) is written authorization obtained from the relevant right holders before access to wildlife resources or research is granted.
To Obtain PIC
- Provide complete information about the intended use.
- Comply with community protocols.
- Follow guidance from the Permit Office.
Access and Benefit Sharing approval ensures:
- Legal access to resources.
- Fair and equitable benefit sharing.
- Compliance with national legislation.
- Traceable material transfers.
- Conservation and sustainable utilization of biodiversity.