Bioprospecting
MoRST’s role in policy development for bioprospecting is outlined in the introduction to the Environment section.
What is bioprospecting?
Bioprospecting is the search for and examination of biological resources (e.g., plants, animals, microorganisms) that have features that might be of value for commercial development.
It includes the search for:
- chemical compounds for new pharmaceuticals (e.g., antibiotics, insecticides, anticancer agents)
- novel gene sequences or genetic characteristics for biotechnology
- novel phenotypes for the development of new ornamental plants or commercial crops.
Bioprospecting has grown rapidly in the last 20 years, fuelled by technological advances in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and agriculture areas. New Zealand is a prime target for bioprospecting because of its unique biodiversity, geographic isolation, large exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and traditional Māori knowledge.
What’s happening in Government?
New Zealand’s policy development in bioprospecting is being led by the Ministry of Economic Development.
During 2002/03 they have undertaken a review of the various policies and existing regulatory regime for bioprospecting, with the intention of developing an overarching framework for bioprospecting activities in New Zealand.
Other agencies involved are:
- MoRST
- Ministry for the Environment
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
- Te Puni Kōkiri
- Ministry of Fisheries
What are New Zealand’s international obligations?
New Zealand is a party to several binding international treaties:
- Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
- Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)
- Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS)
- UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
The CBD is particularly important to bioprospecting as it requires countries to establish access and benefit sharing regimes for other countries seeking access to their biological resources.
What’s the role of research, science and technology in bioprospecting?
Bioprospecting research involves discovery (collection of samples, screening for activity, and isolating and purifying active compounds), protection of intellectual property and product development. This research generally has an economic goal, rather than an environmental focus.
The Foundation for Research, Science and Technology, funds some of New Zealand's discovery bioprospecting-related research from its Bioactives research portfolio.