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Biodiversity Research Partnerships Created Between UNCTAD and US Universities


Press Release
For use of information media - Not an official record
TAD/INF/PR/98pfd7
Biodiversity Research Partnerships Created Between UNCTAD and US Universities

Geneva, Switzerland, 12 November 1998

UNCTAD yesterday concluded two letters of intent with US universities to promote the conservation of biodiversity while making it compatible with local sustainable economic development. Agreements were signed by Mr. Ricupero, the Secretary-General of UNCTAD, with the University of Chicago and with Cook College, Rutgers University.

In order to enrich the intergovernmental Convention on Biological Diversity, UNCTAD and the University of Chicago agreed to develop case studies on biological and genetic resource use, involving governments, academia, local or indigenous communities, companies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). They also agreed to develop comparative studies of these cases to implement local, sustainable economic programmes aimed at preserving biodiversity.

The partnership aims at bringing more equity into international negotiations, as well as providing more added value for products from biodiversity-rich countries, the long-term preservation of genetic capital, preservation of local forms of research and use of resources, and a sustainable improvement in local populations´ quality of life.

UNCTAD brings to the partnership its Biotrade Initiative, designed to promote development of a market that provides incentives for conservation of biodiversity and also creates sustainable economic development opportunities. The University of Chicago brings expertise in anthropological research on the local impact of the Convention on Biological Diversity.

The partnership with Cook College, Rutgers University sets up a framework to collaborate in implementing UNCTAD´s Biotrade Initiative. It will provide exertise to conduct market research and economic analysis and design and implement training and technical assistance programmes in natural product research, biotechnology and biodiversity conservation.