Legal and Ethical Issues in Marine Bioprospecting
Marine bioprospecting raises complex legal and ethical considerations related to resource ownership, benefit-sharing, and environmental protection. The Blue Biotechnology market underscores the importance of international frameworks such as the Nagoya Protocol, which governs access to genetic resources and equitable sharing of benefits arising from their use.
Issues include ensuring prior informed consent from coastal communities and countries where marine organisms are sourced, preventing biopiracy, and safeguarding biodiversity from overexploitation.
Ethical bioprospecting requires transparent partnerships, respect for indigenous knowledge, and sustainable harvesting practices.
Disputes over intellectual property rights and commercial gains can hinder innovation and cooperation.
Harmonizing regulations and fostering global collaboration are essential for responsible marine bioprospecting that balances scientific advancement with conservation and social justice.