TANZANIAS POLICY ON BIODIVERSITY PROSPECTING AND DRUG DISCOVERY PROGRAMS

Tanzania is endowed with a rich natural resource. The biodiversity com prises over 10 000 plant species, a rich fauna and marine resources. T he collection of biological resources is guided by a set of formalitie s, namely: (i) entry visas, (ii) research permits, (iii) designation o f a relevant collaborating host institution or organization, and (iv) eventual joint field work with the collaborating host institution. A f acility exists whereby an institution within the country can collabora te with a technologically developed institution or country through mut ual research agreement in short and long-term programs. In such a case , Tanzanian scientists collect and export biological materials for dru g testing by the collaborating partner. The research agreement is base d on the understanding that benefits of the discovery are shared among all parties, namely, the host country's collaborating institution(s), government and indigenous cultures. Rules and regulations governing b iodiversity prospecting fall under the categories of (a) floristic res ources, (b) fauna or animal substances and (c) marine biological resou rces. The collection and export of CITES-listed organisms is governed by a separate policy package. Various national institutions are direct ly involved in overseeing the implementation of these policies. In thi s paper, these are reviewed to accommodate new conventions concerning research management policies on biological diversity and the sustainab le utilization and conservation of these resources.