Bioprospecting: New Zealand's International Commitments
[ Last Updated 16 December 2005 ]
PowerPoint Presentation Slides
to the
Bioprospecting in New Zealand Seminar, 21 February 2003
Kristy Hall
University of Auckland
Master of Science student
School of Geography and Environmental Science
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Contents
Slide 1: 1.1 Overview
- What is Bioprospecting?
- An Issue of Significance to New Zealand
- International Commitments
- Conclusions
Slide 2: 2.1 What Is Bioprospecting?
Bioprospecting is:
"the examination of biological resources for features that may be of value for commercial development"
Slide 3: 2.2 What Is Bioprospecting?
- Historically, bioprospecting has been conducted for centuries.
- In the last twenty years bioprospecting has grown rapidly, fueled by technological advances in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and agricultural sectors.
Slide 4: 2.3 What Is Bioprospecting?
Today, bioprospecting includes:
- The search for new pharmaceuticals
- The search for novel gene sequences or characteristics for biotechnology
- The development of new ornamental plants and commercial crops
Slide 5: 2.4 What Is Bioprospecting?
Bioprospecting is BIG business!
| Pharmaceuticals: | US$300 billion |
| Agrochemicals and Seed: | US$60 billion |
| Ornamental Horticulture: | US$16-19 billion |
| Natural Medicines: | US$10 billion |
Slide 6: 3.1 An Issue of Significance to New Zealand
New Zealand is a prime target for bioprospecting
BUT…
At present there are no guidelines or regulations governing bioprospecting activities in New Zealand
Slide 7: 3.2 An Issue of Significance to New Zealand
Why New Zealand?
- Unique biodiversity
- Māori knowledge
- Solid infrastructure
Slide 8: 4.1 International Commitments
There are no international agreements which specifically define or use the term "bioprospecting"
But a number do address the issues surrounding this activity
Current work on access and benefit sharing only focuses on bioprospecting occurring between countries
Slide 9: 4.2 International Commitments
At the international level New Zealand:
- Is a Member of several international organisations developing relevant policy
- Has signed a number of relevant international treaties and agreements. These are either binding or non-binding
Slide 10: 4.3 International Commitments
Examples of international organisations to which New Zealand is a Member:
- Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD)
- Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO)
- International Union for the Protection of Plant Varieties (UPOV)
- World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO)
- World Trade Organisation (WTO)
Slide 11: 4.4 International Commitments
Examples of binding international treaties to which New Zealand is a Party
- Convention on Biological Diversity
- Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species
- Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights
- United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea
We are also also a signatory to a number of non-binding political declarations e.g. the Rio Declaration, Agenda 21, and the WSSD Declaration.
Slide 12: 5.1 The Convention on Biological Diversity
*** A Groundbreaking Treaty!!! ***
Why?
- The first international treaty to recognise state sovereignty over genetic resources
- First treaty to include access and benefit sharing obligations
Slide 13: 5.2 The Convention on Biological Diversity
- Drafted following growing concern over the impact of humankind on the environment
- Signed at the 1992 Rio Earth Summit
- 178 nations and the European Union have ratified
Slide 14: 5.3 The Convention on Biological Diversity
Objectives:
- Conservation of biological diversity
- Sustainable use of its components
- The fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilisation of genetic resources
Slide 15: 5.4 The Convention on Biological Diversity
Relevance to bioprospecting management:
- Establishes / reaffirms state sovereignty over natural resources
- Requests that Parties facilitate access to genetic resources
- Benefit sharing
- Protection of traditional knowledge
Slide 16: 5.5 The Convention on Biological Diversity
Bonn Guidelines:
- Voluntary
- Aim to facilitate and guide policy development for access and benefit sharing
- Application should "mutually support" existing international agreements
Slide 17: 5.6 The Convention on Biological Diversity
Bonn Guidelines: Key Recommendations
- Prior informed consent
- Mutually agreed terms for access and benefit sharing
- Benefits may be monetary or non-monetary
- Respect for indigenous peoples' culture
Slide 18: 6.1 WIPO and TRIPS
- Aim to harmonise Intellectual Property law, promote innovation, and ensure that IP is not a barrier to international trade
- Some argue that the provisions of WIPO and TRIPS conflict with the objectives of the CBD:
- Permitting monopoly rights over biodiversity
- Allowing the misappropriation of traditional knowledge
- Inhibiting access and benefit sharing regimes
Slide 19: 6.2 WIPO and TRIPS
This has come to be known as
Biopiracy!!!
Slide 20: 7.1 Conclusions
- Bioprospecting … and arguably biopiracy … is already occurring in New Zealand
- New Zealand has a number of international obligations to consider
- Other countries are already taking action
- If we do not consider this issue, we may miss out on benefits and opportunities
Slide 21: Acknowledgements
Many thanks to:
- Kristina Ryan, MFAT
- Caron Mounsey-Smith, MED
- Dr Mere Roberts, University of Auckland
- Dr Basil Sharp, University of Auckland
- Also thank you to Dave Pattemore, Masters student, University of Auckland, for the fabulous photograph of Codfish Island
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