Bioprospecting is
- the collecting and cribling of biological samples (plants, animals, micro-organisms)
- and the collecting of indigenous knowledge to help discovering genetic or biochemical resources
Before 1992, biological resources were considered common heritage of Humankind. Scientists could take samples from anywhere in the world without any specific permission.
The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD, 1992) establishes sovereign national rights over biological resources. Though not granted property upon natural resources, biodiversity-rich countries are committed to :
- conserve their biodiversity
- develop it for sustainable use
- share the benefits resulting from their use
Bioprospecting must follow the new rules of international treaties and national laws. More specifically, it must respect
- informed consent (the source country must know what will be done with the resource, which benefits will be shared and must give permission for collecting)
- fair agreement on benefit sharing (benefits may be, support for conservation, research, equipments, technologies, transfert, formation, royalties)
See also : Intellectual capital -- Natural capital