A Taste of Wellness for Savoury and Snacks
Givaudan
Biotech activists from more than 50 nations have announced their support for a treaty which would establish the earth's gene pool as a global commons, not commercially negotiable genetic information.
Non-Governmental Organisations' (NGOs) leaders said in a joint statement last week that they will challenge government and corporate claims on patents on life in every country. The treaty is the first globally coordinated campaign amongbiotech activists, and already has the support of over 250 organisations.
The Treaty Initiative was announced simultaneously in New York at theUnited Nations preparatory meetings for the Rio Plus 10 meeting, and inPorto Alegre, Brazil at the World Social Forum.
Activists will work with political parties to introduce the TreatyInitiative in parliaments around the world over the next year. In September2002, activists will demand that governmental delegates to the Rio +10Conference in South Africa endorse the Treaty to Share the Genetic Commonsand make it the centrepiece of future biodiversity efforts.
Jeremy Rifkin, President of the Foundation on Economic Trends inWashington, DC, said, "The gene pool should not be allowed to be claimed as intellectual property bygovernments, commercial enterprises, other institutions or individuals. Theglobal gene pool is a shared legacy and, therefore, a collectiveresponsibility." Mr Rifkin added, "A global treaty to share the gene poolis the most important task ahead of us as we make the transition into theAge of Biology."
The Treaty Initiative to Share the Genetic Commons aims to prohibit allpatents on plant, microorganism, animal, and human life.