Bioprospecting
Bioprospecting involves the search for and gathering of biological material for the purpose of developing a commercial product. It has the potential to create a wide range of benefits for New Zealand.
Currently, the government is engaging with interested parties to build a better understanding of bioprospecting within New Zealand and the desirability of a policy framework to manage bioprospecting activities.
It is anticipated a coordinated and comprehensive bioprospecting policy framework will be more likely to generate and identify opportunities for New Zealand to share-in and capture the benefits, such as the development of high-value products or industry applications, derived from bioprospecting activity.
In recent years a number of countries around the world have developed their own bioprospecting frameworks, while work to develop an international regime on access and benefit sharing that effectively covers the same activities as bioprospecting, is currently being progressed through the Convention on Biological Diversity.
Stakeholder engagement and consultation
At present the government's focus is on building a better understanding of bioprospecting activity in New Zealand, so as to develop a common understanding of the resources that should be accessed and the benefits that could be captured under a comprehensive bioprospecting framework.
On 9 July 2007, the government released a discussion document Bioprospecting: Harnessing Benefits for New Zealand, as the basis for input from parties interested in bioprospecting. By 12 October 2007, 40 submissions were received.
Between July and September 2007, interested parties also had the opportunity to attend a public seminar in either Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch, or any of the 12 regional hui held around the country. Copies of the minutes from each hui are available.
Bioprospecting Working Groups
Following consultation with interested parties in 2007, several priority areas have been identified for further discussion in 2008. Currently, the Ministry of Economic Development is calling for nominations to four bioprospecting working groups. Nomination forms must be returned by 5.00pm Friday 28 March 2008.
Review of Bioprospecting Activity in New Zealand
In response to feedback from interested parties during 2007, the Ministry of Economic Development will be commissioning a review of bioprospecting activities in New Zealand in 2008. The aim of the review is to provide a clearer understanding of the level of current and historic activity, and the benefits and costs arising from this activity and that could reasonable be expected in the future. A report from the review will be made available later in the year.
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