Confronting biopiracy : challenges, cases and international debates / Daniel F. Robinson.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Robinson, Daniel F.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Biopiracy.

Biotechnology--Patents.

Biotechnology.

Traditional ecological knowledge--Law and legislation.

Traditional ecological knowledge.

Genre:

Patents.

Physical Description:

xvi, 190 pages : illustrations ; 25 cm

Place of Publication:

London ; Washington : Earthscan, 2010.

Summary:

'Biopiracy' refers either to the unauthorized extraction of biological resources, such as plants with medicinal properties, and associated traditional knowledge from indigenous peoples and local communities, or to the patenting of spurious 'inventions' based on such knowledge or resources without compensation. Biopiracy cases continue to emerge in the media and public eye, yet they remain the source of considerable disagreement, confusion, controversy and grief. The aim of this book is to provide the most detailed, coherent analysis of the issue of biopiracy to date.

The book synthesizes the rise of the issue and increasing use of the term by activists and negotiators in the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), to form a critical understanding of the themes, implications and politics of biopiracy. Taking a case study-based approach, derived from interviews and fieldwork with researchers, government, industry, local farmers, healers and indigenous people, the author sequentially documents events that have occurred in biopiracy and bioprospecting controversies. Implications and ethical dilemmas are explored, particularly relating to work with local communities, and the power relations entailed. Detailing international debates from the WTO, CBD and other fora in an accessible manner, the book provides a unique overview of current institutional limitations and suggests ways forward. Options and solutions are suggested which are relevant for local communities, national governments, international negotiators, NGO and interest groups, researchers and industry. Book jacket.

Contents:

Collecting, prospecting, piracy

International legal backdrop

Patent-related biopiracy cases

Non-patent biopiracy cases

Implications and ethical dilemmas : what have the cases shown?

Current debates and ways forward : internationally and regionally

Current debates and ways forward : national and local approaches.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9781844077229

1844077225

OCLC:

430736567