SciDev.Net

Scientists and farmers from Peru and Ethiopia will defend agrobiodiversity through the exchange of scientific and traditional knowledge.

Peru has modified its intellectual property laws to bolster a trade deal with the US — but critics say the move could encourage biopiracy.

The region of Cusco in Peru has enacted a law banning the use and patenting of natural resources without local permission.

Ecuadorian researchers disagree with an article in the new constitution that bans patenting products related to the country's biodiversity.

Following the UN biodiversity conference, countries have agreed a roadmap to negotiate the access and sharing of genetic resources.

A round-up of news from or about South Asia for the period 1–15 March 2008.

A round up of news from or about Sub-Saharan Africa for the period 25 February–12 March 2008.

 

India's sample-sharing laws are hindering biodiversity research and taxonomy in the country, say a group of botanists.

The World Intellectual Property Organization has adopted a fresh agenda that recognises the rights and needs of developing countries.

Arguments over ownership of animal genetic resources are delaying vital conservation efforts, say experts.

Developing countries should create legislation on indigenous genetic resources or risk losing out to developed nations, say experts.

Japanese and Mongolian researchers have returned from an expedition searching for novel microorganisms in extreme environments.

The jailing of a primatologist in Brazil has led to an outcry that biopiracy measures are stifling science in the tropics.

Kenya has formed a partnership with a biotechnology company to find and develop microbial enzymes with industrial applications.

Peru has created an online public register for research on the country's biodiversity.

Brazil has launched a new system to speed up licensing for the collection of biological material in scientific research.

A report released today urges more support for botanical gardens because of the contributions they make to sustainable development.

The debate over how communities can share the benefits of research based on Africa's biodiversity is heating up.

An Indian scientist accused of giving valuable plants owned by his former university to the private company that now employs him has denied any wrongdoing.

Costa Rica's most ambitious biodiversity conservation programme is threatened by severe funding shortages and could need millions of dollars to secure its future.