ACCESS TO AND TRANSFER OF GENETIC RESOURCES

摘要

This paper gives a brief outline of the work of FAO and the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), with regard to free access to the world's genetic resources of plants. It reports on various meetings held to discuss regulation and attitudes towards the protection of intellectual property rights and the free exchange of technology, with a diversity of opinions between the developed and developing countries. Two examples of the problems facing this issue (involving India and the US Agency for International Development [USAID], and Costa Rica and Merck) are discussed in detail. Finally, the paper suggests an approach that both recognises the need for free access to genetic resources and private rights. [References: 5]