Does the law of the sea provide a suitable framework for the regulation of marine genetic resources?

Extract

[...] Does the law of the sea provide a suitable framework for the regulation of marine genetic resources? Abstract There are many challenges of marine engineering at the moment, and the industry is lacking the general ruling, law and indicators to work out a universal regulation, applied to all seas, oceans, including the territories of different countries. There have been many conferences held, and the United Nations is taking part in the discussion, to clear the fog, but so far the social and economic aspects have been so different from country to country, that it seems like a hard task. [...]

[...] We have mentioned before that this was one of the most urgent problems to be dealt with by scientists and also policymakers. They did define the commonly used expression as below: “Bioprospecting is defined as the exploration of biodiversity for commercially valuable genetic and biochemical resources and should result in the protection of wild lands and wildlife, through funding of conservation activities. Furthermore, bioprospecting should bolster economic and conservation goalsunderpinning medical and agricultural advances needed to comba disease and sustain a growing human population.” 18 Conclusion The Ethical Approach of Bioprospecting When it comes to clarifying issues, regulations and concerns, we need to go back to the updated study of Diversa Corporation They deal witht the issues of unlawful taking and using of bio-genetic resources, and not only them: the legal but unethical ways as well. [...]

[...] The mapping is detailed below: These databases and map information sheets contain thousands of species, and help scientists discover the diversity and challenges of different eco- systems: hypothermal, cold sleeps, sea mounts. The study is also researching the connection between marine bioprospecting and marine scientific research. The report is highlighting the problem that there is no internationally accepted definition for bioprospecting or marine scientific research. At the moment these terms cover a wide range of activities, and unless we develop an internationally approved terminology, we are going to face huge challenges regarding to the law and regulations. [...]

[...] An Update on Marine Genetic Resources The study published by the United Nations University is giving us a clear picture of the future. Marine engineering and bioprospecting literature has increased significantly in the past twenty years. Until not long ago, science mostly focused on terrestrial organisms, and not bioprospecting. With the development of industries, the changes are visible, and we need to listen to scientists, to be able to measure and predict the consequences of marine research. The interesting part of the study is regarding to the pharmaceutical use of deep sea species and their human rights related concerns. [...]

[...] This includes basic principles to help scientists and researchers determine the right direction of marine engineering. These include the history of the oceans, the description of the current eco- systems, the future of biodiversity and access guidelines. Issues and solutions There are 13 different issues examined by the UNU-IAS Report, 14and different feasible solutions are recommended. We are only going to review the most important questions and answers, to be able to get a general objectives, achievements and recommendations of the meeting The need of further research to discover trends More funding should be obtained and new sources developed, to ensure we are increasing our knowledge about trends, long term effects regionally and globally The definition of bioprospecting A new, internationally adopted definition should be developed, to ensure that the law will give every nation a clear indication regarding to different activities The need of political decisions The study is suggesting that a General Assembly should be issued, and the guidelines should be adopted by all the nations concerned The development of clear technology sources Regional frameworks and a General Assembly should be introduced and maintained The question of sharing the benefits Global ruling is necessary, and action should be taken to develop an economical structure internationally. [...]