Environment

KEY POINTS

Shortcomings of CBD

·         Restricts access – With the enforcement of CBD, the signatory countries now own the biodiversity that lies within their boundaries and can make use of the genetic resources appropriately.

·         This provision has led to many countries stepping up legislative processes to tighten their control over genetic and biodiversity resources in their territory.

·         Limits biodiversity research – As a consequence, obtaining permits for entry into protected areas and access to collect biological samples or specimens for non-commercial research has become increasingly difficult in many countries across South Asia, East Africa, and South America.

·         This also includes countries like Brazil and India that have global biodiversity hotspots like the Amazon rainforests, the Western Ghats and the Eastern Himalayas.

·         Curtails International collaboration – In India, for instance, researchers are not allowed to collect or study biological specimens without the permission of National Bio-diversity Authority (NBA) or the respective State Biodiversity Boards, as appropriate.

·         The results of research carried out in India are not to be transferred to foreigners or non-residential citizens without the prior approval of NBA.

·         Since getting permits from the NBA is a cumbersome and time-consuming process, many ecologists in India opine that the regulation not only curbs the process of advancement in knowledge but also prevents international collaborations which are essential for the progress of research in any country.

Importance of non-commercial research

·         To effectively conserve a species, it is necessary to have a scientific understanding of its ecology, behaviour to threat, anthropogenic activities and any other disturbances it may face.

·         This requires researchers to collaborate irrespective of territorial boundaries, have easy access to specimens without bureaucratic hurdles and an ecosystem that supports non-profit research-related activities.

Way Ahead

·         At a policy level, not-for-profit research that is intended for the public domain should be differentiated from commercial research which leads to proprietary rights.

·         The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) or the “Seed Treaty”, which ensures worldwide public accessibility of genetic resources of essential food and fodder, could be used as a model for exchange of biological materials for non-commercial research.

·         Another solution may be to add an explicit treaty or annex in the CBD to promote and facilitate biodiversity research, conservation, and international collaboration.