SciDev.Net

Ecuadorian researchers disagree with an article in the new constitution that bans patenting products related to the country's biodiversity.

Following the UN biodiversity conference, countries have agreed a roadmap to negotiate the access and sharing of genetic resources.

A round-up of news from or about South Asia for the period 1–15 March 2008.

A round up of news from or about Sub-Saharan Africa for the period 25 February–12 March 2008.

 

India's sample-sharing laws are hindering biodiversity research and taxonomy in the country, say a group of botanists.

The World Intellectual Property Organization has adopted a fresh agenda that recognises the rights and needs of developing countries.

Arguments over ownership of animal genetic resources are delaying vital conservation efforts, say experts.

Developing countries should create legislation on indigenous genetic resources or risk losing out to developed nations, say experts.

Japanese and Mongolian researchers have returned from an expedition searching for novel microorganisms in extreme environments.

The jailing of a primatologist in Brazil has led to an outcry that biopiracy measures are stifling science in the tropics.

Kenya has formed a partnership with a biotechnology company to find and develop microbial enzymes with industrial applications.

Peru has created an online public register for research on the country's biodiversity.

Brazil has launched a new system to speed up licensing for the collection of biological material in scientific research.

A report released today urges more support for botanical gardens because of the contributions they make to sustainable development.

The debate over how communities can share the benefits of research based on Africa's biodiversity is heating up.

An Indian scientist accused of giving valuable plants owned by his former university to the private company that now employs him has denied any wrongdoing.

Costa Rica's most ambitious biodiversity conservation programme is threatened by severe funding shortages and could need millions of dollars to secure its future.

Patent representatives from six Latin American countries have agreed to work together to fight the unauthorised commercial exploitation of their native species.

Fines of up to US$20 million are among the penalties outlined in a law that Brazil hopes will deter the unauthorised use of its native species.

The UN should create a treaty to regulate the exploitation of deep-sea biodiversity, says a report from the United Nations University.