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Genetic resources, traditional knowledge and folklore
Genetic resources (GR) and the associated traditional knowledge (ATK) of indigenous peoples and local communities are important components of biodiversity. They can serve as a starting point for innovations in different areas. For example, traditional knowledge about the healing properties of a particular plant can facilitate the research and development of new medicinal substances. GR/ATK also play an important role in the fields of cosmetics, agriculture and food, as well as in biotechnology in general.
There are various international agreements that regulate access to GR/ATK and the sharing of the benefits arising from their use (known as ‘access and benefit sharing’ or ‘ABS’). These include:
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the associated Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization (Nagoya Protocol); and
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the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA).
There are overlaps between intellectual property and the international work on ABS. Developing countries in particular are calling for measures to be introduced in the area of intellectual property in order to better protect GR/ATK.
Events
19.01.2023 | Law and policy, Event
Conference on Intellectual Property & Sustainability at the University of Geneva
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