Question

What measures should be adopted to curb biopiracy?

Answer 1

To curb biopiracy, several measures should be adopted. 

• Firstly, nations should develop and enforce strong laws to protect their bioresources and traditional knowledge from unauthorized exploitation. For example, India amended its Patents Act to take action against biopiracy. 
• Secondly, international cooperation is essential to regulate patent rights and prevent unfair biopatency, as seen in disputes like the one over Basmati rice. Additionally, awareness and documentation of indigenous knowledge must be promoted to establish prior claims.
• Finally, the establishment of bodies like the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) helps monitor and regulate biotechnology research and its applications to avoid misuse of biological resources.