BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY, INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE, DRUG DISCOVERY AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY-RIGHTS - CREATING RECIPROCITY AND MAINTAINING RELATIONSHIPS

When new plant-derived therapeutics based on indigenous knowledge are being explored, it is important that the pharmaceutical companies retu rn benefits to the native populations and the local governments from w hich the research material was obtained. When a potentially marketable plant product is being developed, it is essential that equitable agre ements have already been established between the pharmaceutical compan ies and the people and/or countries from which this indigenous knowled ge was acquired. Equally important is the commitment to provide immedi ate reciprocity that will enhance the welfare, the biocultural diversi ty and the well-being of the forest peoples. These measures should com mence when a research project begins and continue during its duration. The development of these measures must be based upon the expressed ne eds of the indigenous communities. The relationship between the stabil ity of the rain forest biocultural diversity, the creation and develop ment of agro-forest resources and the long term benefits to the forest people is highlighted. Examples of initiatives taken by Shaman Pharma ceuticals Inc. and the Healing Forest Conservancy are described and di scussed in the context of exploring appropriate use of intellectual pr operty law to address the ethical issues facing all business and resea rch groups working in the tropics.