Commons Resources in Brazil: Biopiracy, Bioprospection, Biotechnology

Abstract

"The knowledge associated to the biodiversity is closely connected to the traditional knowledge of all people that compose the Brazilian culture. This knowledge helps them to find alternatives to use the common biodiversity resources, and also helps in disease treatments, health care, etc.

"But in Brazil, we live a never ending withdrawal of national biodiversity products. Some for simple contemplation like animals and plants smuggled for one's individual delight. While hundreds of thousands specimen die in the attempt to send them overseas.

"As if it was not enough, Brazil is also a target of a new threat known as biopiracy. It is the illegal consignment of national fauna and flora products and byproducts to other countries. With the purpose of permitting this natural knowledge be appropriate by international corporations."