Bioprospecting: lessons from benefit-sharing experiences

摘要

Biodiversity prospecting, or bioprospecting, is the exploration of biodiversity for commercially valuable genetic and biochemical resources. The Convention on Biological Diversity recognizes the sovereignty of nations over their bioresources and their rights to share in the benefits that accrue from commercialized bioproducts. Since the Convention was introduced in 1992, many biodiversity prospecting arrangements throughout the world have progressed with varying degrees of success. This paper looks at how benefits from bioprospecting have been shared among the stakeholders in the arrangements. It briefly describes lessons learned from three case studies on different continents and among various stakeholders and commercial interests.