The biodiversity prospecting contracts

Abstract

A definition of the prospecting mechanism could be formulated as follows: the chemical or biochemical exploration of various organisms in order to obtain some useful product for man. This simple phrase gives us an adequate description of them. However, until recently, the term "biodiversity surveys" was strange and unknown in our environment. Not many were familiar with the meaning of it. However, today the situation is radically different. We are witnessing what some have rightly called a "boom" in biodiversity prospecting. Seminars in Madras, Stockholm, Uppsala, California, New York; publications in newspapers, specialized magazines, books; conferences, bills, etc., all referred in one way or another to the same theme: the exploration of biological diversity and the intellectual protection of indigenous knowledge and the rights of peasant communities. The actors: local and indigenous communities, scientists, transnational companies, governments, lawyers, etc. The slogan that constitutes the background of this whole picture seems to be unambiguous: carry out prospecting and obtain economic benefits from them, which must be shared between the companies that use this methodology (eg chemical, pharmaceutical, etc.) and the "owners" , "custodians" or "enhancers" of genetic resources (governments, local and indigenous communities, scientific institutions, etc.) and in favor of conservation itself. With this procedure, it is argued, the criticism of the unjust system of access and use of genetic resources for free by companies in developed countries would be overcome.