The need to protect biodiversity and to promote fairness in the use of genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge has engendered one of the most contentious debates of the 21st century between developed and developing countries. This debate has fundamental implications for the way in which basic and applied research on genetic resources and biodiversity is conducted and its results are made available between and within peoples and societies. Therefore, the regulation of bioprospecting i.e. the search for plant and animal species from which medicinal drugs and other commercially valuable compounds can be obtained not only tells stories about biodiversity conservation, but also about food security, global health, intellectual property, indigenous peoples, equity, justice and human rights.
Topic: biodiversity,regulations,food security,indigenous knowledge
Series: Studies no. 06/13
Publisher: Institut du Développement Durable et des Relations Internationales (IDDRI), Paris, France
Publication Year: 2013