Brazil regulates research on genetic resources
By Luisa Massarani
Concerned
about the loss of its genetics resources through the activities of foreign researchers,
the Brazilian government has set up a committee to manage and to control the use of the
country’s genetic patrimony.
In
future, all scientific institutions and private companies will be required to apply for
the council’s permission to search for genetic samples and to be allowed access to
the traditional knowledge held by indigenous communities.
Foreign
research institutions and companies will only receive such permission if they work in
collaboration with Brazilian institutions and companies. The committee’s permission
will also be required to send genetic material abroad, even if only for research purposes.
The
committee, which is being set up under a law passed last year regulating genetic
exploration, is made up of 19 members, and is being co-ordinated by the Environment
Ministry.
The law
recognises the right of indigenous groups and other traditional communities to participate
in decisions about the use of their knowledge and to share the commercial use profits
generated by it.
© SciDev.Net 2002
