Abstract Detail

The Convention on Biological Diversity: What is it and why should botanists care?

Kursar, Thomas A. [1], Coley, Phyllis [1].

The CBD and bioprospecting: Linking drug discovery with sustainable development and conservation in Panama.

Bioprospecting has been criticized as an ineffective tool for conservation and development because of a perceived reliance on royalties and a failure to provide immediate benefits. However, by conducting the research in biodiversity-rich nations with local scientists, immediate benefits are realized even if a drug never makes it to market. Billions of dollars are spent annually by pharmaceutical companies and governments to support drug discovery research at small biotech companies and universities. The experience of the Panama International Cooperative Biodiversity Groups (ICBG) project suggests that much of this research can be accomplished by scientists in developing nations creating immediate and substantial benefits, including jobs, training of young scientists, scientific infrastructure, undergraduate education and national research capacity. Collections, bioassays (malaria, leishmaniasis, trypanosomiasis, and cancer) and natural products research is being conducted by Panamanian scientists. The use of ecological information on plant defenses against herbivores has enhanced the discovery of lead compounds. Research-based uses of biodiversity, such as the Panama ICBG, provide strong incentives for the source country to conserve its own biodiversity. And finally, we argue that the Panama ICBG provides a model applicable in other countries for “biodiversity partnerships” that link development with fully sustainable uses of biodiversity.

1 - University of Utah, Department of Biology, 257 S. 1400 E., Salt Lake City, Utah, 84112, USA

Keywords:
bioprospecting
conservation
sustainable development.

Presentation Type: Symposium
Session: 50-2
Location: Wasatch (Cliff Lodge)
Date: Wednesday, August 4th, 2004
Time: 1:45 PM
Abstract ID:194