Plant-genetic resources between supply and demand - Development of institutional framework conditions for conservation and use

Genetic resources were long perceived as "man's inheritance", to which everyone had free access either in their own or in the public interest. This situation is currently in process of radical change-developments in biotechnology are increasing the demand for genetic resources; while at the same time, the decline in the diversity of species and varieties is reducing their supply. Institutional regulations governing the exclusion of users of these resources are being continuously tightened. A new market is arising in which a formerly free/public ware is being exchanged as a scarce/private ware. Marker solutions for the exchange of genetic resources are to hand for well defined products "genetically coded information", but not for the general fostering of biodiversity. Efficient market-forming processes with compensation and participation models demand increased political attention. In view of the current lack of markets, or potential market collapses, the point at issue in the current international negotiations on rights, compensation and market forming is the avoidance of any over-regulation, or exclusive reliance on government or international programmes.