In a welcome move, Brazil has introduced laws against developing products from native species without sharing the benefits with local communities and governments. If enforced (a big if), the law could potentially lead to greater community development on the basis of biodiversity conservation. It is important that in implementing the law, collection of biological samples for scientific purposes, which increases knowledge and benefits all, is not impeded in any way; and differentiated from biopiracy, which is stealing.

Brazil gets tough on 'biopirates'

Brazil has introduced a law to regulate the development of commercial products from its native species. Those who use indigenous resources without permission or without sharing the benefits with the state or local communities could face a fine of up to US$20 million. The money obtained by penalising such 'biopiracy' will be used to fund conservation science in Brazil.