Melanesian Spearhead Group Framework Treaty on the Protection of Traditional Knowledge, Traditional Cultural Expressions: Emerging Challenges for Pacific Island Countries

摘要

Regulation of access to traditional knowledge in general, and that associated with genetic resources, while at the same time ensuring equitable benefit sharing, is significant because of the social, cultural and economic implications for Indigenous and local communities in the small island countries in the South Pacific region. This comment provides an overview and analysis of the recently adopted Melanesian Spearhead Group Framework Treaty on the Protection of Traditional Knowledge and Expression of Culture 2011 ('The Treaty'), which concerns regulation of access to traditional knowledge with equitable benefit sharing.