[Sres-postdocs] Fwd: Seminar: Implementation of Convention on Biological Diversity

[Charles Tambiah]

>Wednesday 23 August, 12.30 - 2.00pm
>Implementation of Convention on Biological Diversity  -- A case of
>access and benefit sharing from genetic resources and associated
>traditional knowledge in the Eastern Himalayas
>Dr Krishna Prasad Oli - Regional Coordinator, International Center
>for Integrated Mountain Development, Nepal
>
>Abstract:
>Two schools of thought have emerged in the Eastern Himalayan region
>in regards to the governance of biological resources. The first is
>complete government control over biodiversity by the State where the
>rights of Indigenous and local peoples are effectively removed. This
>is in direct contrast to the second or 'populist' school of thought
>which advocates for rights in biodiversity to be vested in the
>community In the Eastern Himalayan ownership of biological resources
>is characterized by the excessive use of power by the State under the
>domain of public interest and common good. Historically the laws that
>govern the ownership, access to and use of biological resources in
>the region, have been validated by the principle of eminent domain
>(the power to take private property for public use by the
>State)  These sovereign rights over natural resources has been the
>guiding factor in enacting most legislation relating to biological
>resources in the region. Thus Indigenous and local communities have
>been deprived rights over land and other resources, and as such their
>livelihoods and their knowledge base are under extreme threats.
>
>This presentation will focus on the importance of genetic resources
>and associated traditional knowledge, and the policy and legal
>arrangements for access and benefit sharing in the Eastern Himalayan
>region. It will evaluate the key elements of access and benefit
>sharing which are addressed in these policy and legal instruments.
>The presentation will also bring the key challenges facing the access
>and benefit sharing regime at both the international and local levels
>and discuss how researchers can work in collaboration with the local
>and Indigenous peoples to address these challenges.
>
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>When:   Wednesdays, 12.30 - 2.00pm
>Venue:  CAEPR Seminar Room GO58, Ground Floor, Hanna Neumann Bldg
>#21, The ANU, Canberra.
>Map:  A map of the Hanna Neumann Building location
><http://www.anu.edu.au/facilities/anumap/hanna-neumann.html>http://www.anu.edu.au/facilities/anumap/hanna-neumann.html
>admin.caepr at anu.edu.au>admin.caepr at anu.edu.au
>Future Seminars: please visit http://www.anu.edu.au/caepr/events.php