Plant Genetic Resources and Traditional Knowledge and Their Intellectual Property

Abstract

Today, humankind is facing greater challenges than before. Pressures of population growth, environmental pollution, impacts of climate change, growth and sustainable development, biological diversity and benefit sharing are rapidly increasing. It is crucial to humankind in cooperation of research and development of plant genetic resources for sustainable management. Under globalisation, access to plant genetic resources and relevant traditional knowledge and the benefit sharing arising out of their use are key issues for the developed as well as developing countries. These will provide a steady and fairly legal basis for whole relevant parties. Although international conventions/agreements/protocols on plant genetic resources and relevant traditional knowledge access and benefit sharing are already there, application and implementation of these conventions/agreements/protocols are not easy in fact. The differences and disputes of matters prevented global collaboration on plant genetic resources/relevant knowledge use for sustainable development goals. Then, there are acquired flexible approaches as well as social responsibility and professional morals to every party on this issue. Regarding challenges of food security in the future, a common outlook in management and use of plant genetic resources, indigenous/traditional knowledge and intellectual property should be discussed, shared and released.