Biodiversity Research Institute Established

***********************************************

PAPUA NEW GUINEA RAINFOREST CAMPAIGN NEWS

***********************************************

Forest Networking a Project of Ecological Enterprises

http://forests.org/ -- Forest Conservation Archives

http://forests.org/web/ -- Discuss Forest Conservation

2/10/99

*******************************

RELAYED TEXT STARTS HERE:

Title: 'Biodiversity may provide cure'

Source: The National

Date: February 1, 1999

Byline: ENNIO KUBLE

PORT MORESBY: Papua New Guinea's biological diversity could possess

properties that may heal incurable diseases such as HIV/AIDS and

cancer, apart from other benefits to enrich life.

This was highlighted at a two-day workshop held at Gateway Hotel last

week, a lead up activity to set up the PNG Biodiversity Institute

(PINBIO), which was approved by the National Executive Council

recently.

Already a medicinal value has been found in a plant that can stop the

reproduction of HIV cells though a cure is yet to be found.

PINBIO will harness all research and academic institutions to protect,

preserve and develop the biological diversity for meaningful economic

gains.

Depletion of the biodiversity through man's actions and natural

effects was noted and concern was raised that landowners sacrificed

these unique plants and animals, which PNG boasted of having up to

eight per cent of the total world biodiversity, for short-term

benefits.

To get landowners understand the importance of biodiversity was an

issue discussed at the workshop.

Environment and Conservation Secretary, Dr Wari Iamo, said PNG, with

its diverse plant and animal species, has potential for varied

agricultural, industrial and medicinal uses which are yet to be

realised.

The workshop pointed out that PINBIO should put in place an

intellectual property rights law to protect scientists in their

research into bio-cultural diversity values and uses.

Dr Simon Saulei, a pioneer of the PINBIO concept, outlined that the

mission of the institution is to promote awareness of the values of

biodiversity, means for capturing global values to achieve

biodiversity conservation and improving the quality of life through

sustainable use.

Dr Saulei said five major areas for which the collaborating

institutions and agencies will be able to conduct bioprospecting

research and development are in drug discoveries, herbal medicines and

agro-chemistry, agro-biodiversity (including ornamental horticulture).

In addition Dr Saulei said PINBIO will also be involved in research

and development of the climate change programs.

Acting UPNG vice-chancellor, Dr Cecilia Nembou pointed out that PINBIO

provides the basis to develop intellectual property rights.

Dr Nembou said a national policy on bio-prospecting will be necessary

and she was sure PINBIO would take up this issue in due course.

"Important in this network under PINBIO is the dissemination and

sharing of information. However, it will be necessary to have an

effective system of intellectual property protection in place," she

said.

United Nations resident representative, Ms Elizabeth Reid in her paper

said it was their (UN) view that PINBIO will initiate new programs and

projects that would promote bioprospecting and also create an avenue

for closer dialogue with all stakeholders for sustainable development

and utilisation of the plant and animal resources in PNG.

The workshop which closes today also looked at areas of PINBIO

administration, finance and policy guidelines.

The workshop was attended by scientists from various research

organisations, academic institutions and NGOs who will be in the

PINBIO network.

###RELAYED TEXT ENDS###

This document is a PHOTOCOPY for educational, personal and non-

commercial use only. Recipients should seek permission from the

source for reprinting. All efforts are made to provide accurate,

timely pieces; though ultimate responsibility for verifying all

information rests with the reader. Check out our Gaia Forest

Conservation Archives at URL= http://forests.org/

Networked by Ecological Enterprises, gbarry@forests.org