EU ponders biopiracy law to protect indigeneous people

The European Parliament debated in April 2013 a draft biopiracy law requiring industry to compensate indigenous people if it makes commercial use of local knowledge such as plant-based medicines.

Under the law - based on the international convention on access to biodiversity, the Nagoya protocol - the pharmaceuticals industry would need the written consent of local or indigenous people before exploring their region’s genetic resources or making use of their traditional know-how.

Relevant authorities would have the power to sanction companies which failed to comply, protecting local interests from the predatory attitude of big European companies.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background Information: Press Release: Environment: Commission proposes measures to tackle 'biopiracy' and facilitate nature-based research http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-environment-commission-proposes-measures-to-tackle-biopiracy-and-facilitate-nature-based-research/

---