BIOPIRACY-Imitations Not Innovations

Knowledge, in all its manifestations, is valuable. Of particular significance is the information inherent in the knowledge systems of rural and indigenous communities developed as a result of long and continuous interaction with the complex ecosystems which they inhabit. Referred to as Indigenous Knowledge or IK, this knowledge is actually a highly sophisticated technology and has been the mainstay of survival of communities especially in the key sectors of food and health. With developing countries being the repository of a major part of the world was biological resources it is not surprising that people and communities of these countries have been innovating, selecting, conserving and protecting local species for ages. Biodiversity, and the indigenous knowledge associated with it, is a special strength of the local communities that are found in todayis developing countries.