Author
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Rossman, Amy |
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Shands, Henry |
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Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Proceedings Publication Acceptance Date: 3/7/1997 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: In the world today there is much concern about genetic resources, often referred to as biological diversity, particularly its actual or potential loss. There is an increased recognition of its value, both short-term as a source of immediate revenue and long-term as the foundation of life itself. With this increased recognition legal issues related to their use have increased and laws are being considered in countries throughout the world that would severely restrict access to these genetic resources. Their implementation has already affected the ability of scientists to provide knowledge that benefits the people of the world. Models for equitable use of genetic resources include diverse programs and policies that return material benefits directly to those involved in realizing the usefulness as well as to those who simply happen to be living in the country of origin. Through the international and national presentations by those having various kinds of expertise, readers are alerted to the issues and present potential solutions that are both equitable and contribute to global prosperity and sustainability. Technical Abstract: In the world today there is much concern about genetic resources, often referred to as biological diversity, particularly its actual or potential loss, as well as an increased recognition of its value, both short-term as a source of immediate revenue and long-term as the foundation of life itself. With the increased recognition of the value of these diminishing resources, the legal issues related to their use have increased and laws are being considered in countries throughout the world that would severely restrict access to these genetic resources. Their implementation has already affected the ability of scientists to provide knowledge that benefits the people of the world. This scientific knowledge covers the range of endeavors from elucidating basic systematic relationships among groups of organisms unrelated to those currently valued by humankind to direct screening for production of much needed pharmaceuticals and incorporation of valuable new genetic traits into crop germplasm. Models for equitable use of genetics resources include diverse programs and policies that return material benefits directly to those involved in realizing the usefulness as well as to those who simply happen to be living in the country of origin. These benefits may or may not contribute to the long-term preservation of these resources. The viewpoints of developing countries in which most of the remaining biological diversity exists must be considered when discussing policies that affect their resources. Through the international and national presentations by those having various kinds of expertise, participants and readers are alerted to the issues and present potential solutions that are both equitable and contribute to global prosperity and sustainability. |
