25 June 2007, 1:15 – 2:45 pm, Conference Rm 6
United Nations Headquarters, New York
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Organized by the United Nations University Office at the United Nations in New York (UNU-ONY), the United Nations University Institute of Advanced Studies (UNU-IAS) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) within the framework of the Eighth Meeting of the United Nations Open-Ended Informal Consultative Process on the Oceans and the Law of the Sea. (ICP)
The United Nations University Institute of Advanced Studies (UNU-IAS), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the United Nations University Office at the United Nations in New York (UNU-ONY), are jointly organizing a side event within the framework of the Eighth Meeting of the United Nations Open-Ended Informal Consultative Process on the Oceans and the Law of the Sea.(ICP)
Abstract
Many marine organisms exhibit unique properties that have lead to advances in biotechnology through the discovery of new enzymes to aid industrial processes, the development of new medicines for treating diseases such as cancer, and the marketing of a range of other products from skin care to nutritional supplements. With increasing research now taking place in extreme deep sea environments, such as hydrothermal vents, the potential for new discoveries has multiplied. With these discoveries come many uncertainties on how humankind should sustainably exploit marine genetic resources and share the benefits from such exploitation.
This side event will aim to further understanding of the nature and uses of marine genetic resources by presenting recent research on this important topic from the perspectives of scientists and commercial users. Firstly, an assessment of available scientific knowledge on marine genetic resources, as well as of scientists' perspective on the issue will be presented. This research includes compilation and analysis of relevant existing patents, with specific attention to analyzing the nature and degree of originality of the scientific discoveries behind those patents. Secondly, the commercial uses and potential and actual monetary values of marine genetic resources will be discussed. Finally, a new initiative to make this information widely available through the creation of a web-based database of marine bioprospecting will be presented.
Presentations will include:
- “Status of scientific research on marine genetic resources, the changing perspectives of scientists and commercial uses of marine genetic resources”, by Dr. Salavatore Arico, Programme Specialist, Bio-diversity, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and Senior Visiting Research Fellow, UNU-IAS
- “Towards the development of a global database on marine bioprospecting”, by Dr. Marjo Vierros, Visiting Professor, UNU-IAS
- Remarks by Mr. Sam Johnston, Senior Research Fellow, United Nations University Institute of Advanced Studies (UNU-IAS)
- “Update from the other international organizations and programmes”
