South Africa's 1997 biodiversity policy was developed through a well-managed and fairly comprehensive participatory process, at a time when the new democratic government was handing over control of policy to the people. This report examines the strengths and weaknesses of the process, drawing on the views of a range of stakeholders, and with a particular reference to policy on access to genetic resources and benefit-sharing. It also identifies lessons that have broad implications for policy making in South Africa and in countries that share similar circumstances.