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Whose woods these are: are genetic resources private property or global commons?

Date

1993

Authors

Rolston, Holmes, 1932-, author
Earthwatch, publisher

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Abstract

Wild plant species, seeds, and germplasm have been long considered in the public domain, not owned by any nation. Developing nations are now claiming ownership by the country of origin. Yet biotic resources are not evidently subject to ownership, if one refers to the species as natural kinds. Sovereign nations may control access to their territories and own individual plants and animals. But as species, those species belong to us all.

Description

Rights Access

Subject

convention on biological diversity
sovereign rights
genetic resources
germplasm

Citation

Associated Publications