The Commercial Use of Biodiversity: Access to Genetic Resources and Benefit Sharing

Hardback  400pp  ISBN 9781853839412      £64.00

In this authoritative and comprehensive volume the authors explain the provisions of the Convention on Biological Diversity on access and benefit-sharing, the effect of national laws to implement these, and aspects of typical contracts for the transfer of materials. They provide a unique sector-by-sector analysis of how genetic resources are used, the scientific, technological and regulatory trends and the different markets in Pharmaceuticals, Botanical Medicines, Crop Development, Horticulture, Crop Protection, Biotechnology ( in fields other than healthcare and agriculture) and Personal Care and Cosmetics Products. 'Written by two of the world's leading authorities on the commercial use of biodiversity, this book is an invaluable resource and guide for further research. It is as practical as it is informative and should be in the hands of every policy-maker, entrepreneur and student interested in the state and fate of the world's living resources. It will bring much clarity to one of the most controversial issues in international trade'
PROFESSOR CALESTOUS JUMA Center for International Development at Harvard University, former Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity

'An accelerating understanding of genetics presents great opportunities for a better and more sustainable future for all. But it also raises complicated ethical, legal and economic questions about the commercial use and conservation of the planet’s biological diversity. This book is a comprehensive and timely guide to the basic science, law and business partnerships involved, and to the potential applications of genetic resources in medicine, agriculture and other fields in both the developed and developing worlds
PROFESSOR SIR ROBERT MAY, AC, FRS Chief Scientific Adviser to the UK Government

'This book is a must for all interested in the effective implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity and in promoting a symbiotic social contract between conservers and users of biodiversity'
PROFESSOR MS SWAMINATHAN Chairman, MS Swaminathan Research Foundation, Madras, former Independent Chairman of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and former President of The World Conservation Union (IUCN)

'This is a unique book. It is certainly the most detailed analysis of the numerous implications of the Convention on Biological Diversity ever to appear in print. The effect of the Convention on every type of industry utilising genetic resources is thoroughly explored by the authors in an even-handed manner. This volume will prove invaluable to individuals, organisations of all kinds and governments, as they prepare to assess the many ways in which the Convention will influence their collection and use of biological materials'
VARRO E TYLER Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Pharmacognosy, Purdue University

€Full of examples from which we can learn - this will be an invaluable resource to policy-makers, organisations studying and creating uses for genetic resources and the companies that wish to develop them€
From the Foreword by PROFESSOR SIR GHILLEAN PRANCE, FRS, VMH, Director, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and SIR RICHARD SYKES, FRS, Chairman, Glaxo Wellcome plc

€this is an impressive compilation of essential information for anyone who has an interest in the commercial use of biodiversity€
PLANT TALK

In this authoritative and comprehensive volume the authors explain the provisions of the Convention on Biological Diversity on access and benefit-sharing, the effect of national laws to implement these, and aspects of typical contracts for the transfer of materials. They provide a unique sector-by-sector analysis of how genetic resources are used, the scientific, technological and regulatory trends and the different markets in Pharmaceuticals, Botanical Medicines, Crop Development, Horticulture, Crop Protection, Biotechnology (in fields other than healthcare and agriculture) and Personal Care and Cosmetics Products.

This will be an essential sourcebook for all those in the commercial chain, from raw material collection to product discovery, development and marketing, for governments and policy-makers drafting laws on access and for all the institutions, communities and individuals involved in the conservation, use, study and commercialisation of genetic resources.

CONTENTS:

• Introduction.
• Regulating Access to Genetic Resources and Benefit-sharing: the Legal Aspects.
• Natural Products and the Pharmaceutical Industry.
• The Botanical Medicine Industry.
• The Development of Major Crops by the Seed Industry.
• Horticulture.
• Crop Protection.
• Biotechnology in Fields other than Healthcare and Agriculture.
• The Natural Personal Care and Cosmetics Industry.
• Industry and the CBD.
• Conclusions.
• Recommendations.
• Appendix.