Bioprospecting for blue gold in the high seas : Regulatory options for access and benefit-sharing

Abstract

Oppgaven drøfter det rettslige grunnlaget og vilkårene for å drive bioprospektering på det åpne hav og undersøker ulike alternativer for regulering av denne aktiviteten med hensyn til en rettferdig fordeling av de goder aktiviteten skaper. Havrettens rettslige rammeverk åpner for bioprospektering, men etterlater samtidig viktige spørsmål om flaggstaters og forskeres plikter ubesvart. Oppgaven undersøker ulike øvrige rettslige mekanismer for og diskusjoner om fordeling av goder ved utnyttelse av biologisk mangfolk. På denne bakgrunn undersøkes de lege ferenda ulike alternativer

The thesis examines the current legal framework for conducting bioprospecting in the high seas and seeks to identify regulatory options for sharing the benefits that arise out of this form of use of biological diversity. Bioprospecting is a lawful use of the high seas. Yet important questions pertaining to the conditions applicable to the activity are left unanswered under the 1982 Convention on the Law of the Sea, such as the relationship between bioprospecting and obligations to publish research results and transfer technology. The thesis further explores on-going approaches to bioprospecting and benefit-sharing in other fora. These findings are used to outline regulatory options for benefit-sharing in relation to the high seas. Of particular importance when designing alternatives to the current situation is regard to furthering of scientific research and innovation, as well as the fairness inherent in the concept of benefit-sharing.