Conservation and sustainable exploitation of plant genetic rsources: International developments

Abstract

<span class="fontstyle0">Plant Genetic Resources (PGRs) are one of the most valuable natural resources of any<br />country. Biotechnology through genetic engineering of plants and the creation of new plant<br />varieties can increase the value of these resources. Different technical and legal<br />mechanisms such as ex situ/in situ collection of PGRs, and Intellectual Property Rights<br />(IPRs) indicate also an international institutional effort for sustainable use of biodiversity.<br />Investigating international developments in the fields of exploitation and conservation of<br />PGRs is therefore essential. The main purpose of this manuscript is to explore criteria that<br />international legal instruments use for creating an appropriate interaction between<br />conservation and exploitation of PGRs. These instruments have been especially developed<br />in the two systems of international environmental law and intellectual property rights.<br />Based on a descriptive analysis method, this research attempted to examine the provisions<br />of these two legal instruments. Research findings indicate that intellectual property rights<br />encourages the creation and development of green technologies, especially agrobiotechnology and protects Traditional Knowledge (TK) associated with PGRs as an<br />appropriate tool for the sustainable exploitation of PGRs when implemented in a<br />responsible manner. International environmental law paves also the way for biodiversity<br />conservation through creation of binding and non-binding obligations for preserving<br />genetic diversity on the planet. Sustainable conservation of PGRs requires an appropriate<br />interaction between the two legal systems.</span> <br /><br />