Title: Access to and transfer of genetic resources

Authors: Usha Menon

Addresses: National Institute of Science, Technology and Development Studies, Dr. K.S. Krishnan Road, New Delhi – 110 012, India

Abstract: This paper gives a brief outline of the work of FAO and the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), with regard to free access to the world|s genetic resources of plants. It reports on various meetings held to discuss regulation and attitudes towards the protection of intellectual property rights and the free exchange of technology, with a diversity of opinions between the developed and developing countries. Two examples of the problems facing this issue (involving India and the US Agency for International Development [USAID], and Costa Rica and Merck) are discussed in detail. Finally, the paper suggests an approach that both recognizes the need for free access to genetic resources and private rights.

Keywords: biological diversity; centres of origin; centres of diversity; gene banks; plant breeders; breeder rights; International Bureau for Plant Genetic Resources; IBPGR; International Undertaking on Plant Genetic Resources; farmers rights; International Code of Conduct; material transfer agreements; intellectual property rights; IPR protection; India; Costa Rica.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.1995.025629

International Journal of Technology Management, 1995 Vol.10 No.2/3, pp.311 - 324

Published online: 23 May 2009 *

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