Confronting Biopiracy: Challenges, Cases and International Debates

Description

'Biopiracy' refers either to the unauthorized extraction of biological resources, such as plants with medicinal properties, and associated traditional knowledge from indigenous peoples and local communities, or to the patenting of spurious 'inventions' based on such knowledge or resources without compensation. Biopiracy cases continue to emerge in the media and public eye, yet they remain the source of considerable disagreement, confusion, controversy and grief. The aim of this book is to provide the most detailed, coherent analysis of the issue of biopiracy to date. The book synthesizes the rise of the issue and increasing use of the term by activists and negotiators in the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), to form a critical understanding of the themes, implications and politics of biopiracy. Taking a case-study based approach, derived from interviews and fieldwork with researchers, government, industry, local farmers, healers and indigenous people, the author sequentially documents events that have occurred in biopiracy and bioprospecting controversies. Implications and ethical dilemmas are explored, particularly relating to work with local communities, and the power relations entailed. Detailing international debates from the WTO, CBD and other fora in an accessible manner, the book provides a unique overview of current institutional limitations and suggests ways forward. Options and solutions are suggested which are relevant for local communities, national governments, international negotiators, NGO and interest groups, researchers and industry.

Daniel F. Robinson is Lecturer at the Institute of Environmental Studies, University of New South Wales, Australia

'Biopiracy has emerged as a powerful concept inspiring critical perspectives on the commercial use of biodiversity and traditional knowledge. But what does it really mean? This well-researched and thoughtful book provides a thorough investigation of the theory and practice of biopiracy that scholars and policymakers alike will find illuminating.' Graham Dutfield, Professor of International Governance, University of Leeds, UK 'Daniel Robinson's timely and authoritative book will inform the contemporary, but until now unproductive, discussions in WIPO and the WTO about ways in which spurious intellectual property claims over biological resources and traditional knowledge can be sanctioned as 'biopiracy'.' Michael Blakeney, Herchel Smith Professor of Intellectual Property, Queen Mary, University of London, UK 'The book is engaging, thoroughly researched, and well organized and an excellent and accessible read for scientists, industry managers, policy makers, and community leaders. It is also unusually evenhanded.' Kate Davis, Botanic Gardens Conservation International, in 'Conservation Biology'.