ABSTRACT
In May 2002, the US Department of State (2002) issued the following guidelines to American researchers collecting plant, animal and microbial genetic materials in other countries:
Before collecting any genetic resources abroad, a researcher should have a written agreement that includes these key provisions:
prior informed consent of the national government;
access to the genetic resources or ‘traditional knowledge’ of an indigenous community or communities will normally require obtaining the prior informed consent of that community(ies);
the non-monetary and/or monetary benefits the collector will provide, and whether, and under what conditions, the collector may transfer the collected genetic resources to another party.
