Rare plant and animal genetic information drives pharmaceutical profits, raising biopiracy concerns ahead of UN biodiversity conference COP16.

A recent article highlights the potential of genetic information from rare plants and animals to drive profits in pharmaceutical and biotech industries, raising ethical concerns about ownership and compensation. As rapid DNA sequencing complicates existing agreements, the issue of biopiracy emerges, with companies profiting without compensating source countries. The upcoming UN biodiversity conference, COP16, aims to establish fair compensation mechanisms for those conserving biodiversity, particularly Indigenous communities.

October 15, 2024
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