As new technologies and scientific methods for sampling and studying the ocean develop rapidly, scientists and companies are increasingly interested in exploring the genetic diversity of the underwater world. Bioprospecting, the search for marine genetic resources (GMRs) with potential commercial value, is not regulated in international waters, but ongoing negotiations on United Nations (UN) treaties could change the governance landscape. Klaudija Cremers, a researcher in international ocean governance at the Institute for Sustainable Development and International Relations (IDDRI) in Paris, spoke about the prospects for biotechnology and the outstanding issues in the final stages of treaty negotiations.
As new technologies and scientific methods for sampling and studying the ocean develop rapidly, scientists and companies are increasingly interested in exploring the genetic diversity of the underwater world. Bioprospecting, the search for marine genetic resources (GMRs) with potential commercial value, is not regulated in international waters, but ongoing negotiations on United Nations (UN) treaties could change the governance landscape. Klaudija Cremers, a researcher in international ocean governance at the Institute for Sustainable Development and International Relations (IDDRI) in Paris, spoke about the prospects for biotechnology and the outstanding issues in the final stages of treaty negotiations.
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