Few scientific developments have given rise to as much controversy as biotechnology. Numerous groups are united in their opposition, expressing concern over environmental and health risks, impacts on rural livelihoods, the economic dominance of multinational companies and the ethical implications of crossing species boundaries. Among the supporters of the technology are those that believe in its potential to enhance food security, further economic development, increase productivity and reduce environmental pressures. As a result, countries – and sectors within countries – find themselves at odds with each other while potential opportunities for development offered by the use of biotechnology are seized or missed, and related risks go unmanaged.

This book, a unique interdisciplinary collection of perspectives from the developing world, examines the ongoing debate. Writing for the International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development, leading experts address issues such as diffusion of technology, intellectual property rights, the Cartagena Protocol, impacts of international trade, capacity building and biotechnology research and regulation. With the most recent and relevant examples from around the world, Trading in Genes offers the reader a single-volume overview of the connections between biotechnology, trade and sustainability that is both wide-ranging and thorough

About the author(s)

Ricardo Melendez-Ortiz is Executive Director of the International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development (ICTSD). Vicente Sanchez is Visiting Professor at the United Nations University?s Institute of Advanced Studies

Contents

Part I: Constraints and Opportunities for Developing Countries in Biotechnology and Trade * Developing Countries' Participation in the New Bioeconomy * From Biotech Innovation to the Market * Biotechnology: A Turning Point in Development or a Missed Opportunity? * Agricultural Biotechnology * Biotechnology Impacts on Industry Competitiveness in Developing Countries * Case Study: Meeting Colombia's Agricultural Needs through Biotechnology * Part II: Regulatory Framework for Biotechnology, Biosafety and Trade * Intellectual Property Protection * Closing in on Biopiracy * The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety * Building Sound Governance Structures for the Safe Application of Biotechnology * Mapping the Connections of the SPS and TBT Agreements to Trade in Biotechnology * Addressing Developing Countries' Concerns Related to the WTO * Looking Forward * Appendices, Index