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TUESDAY, MAY 7, 2002

A treaty aimed at preserving and protecting biological species around the world has resulted in bureaucratic bungles, according to the scientific community which pushed for it.

Known as the Convention on Biological Diversity, the treaty tries to stop biopiracy by requiring scientists to get permission to do research in ecologically-rich areas. But they now complain that governments make it extremely difficult to do work and that a broad coalition of interests, including tribes, has hampered work.

The scientists concede that foreign countries and communities are concerned their species will be taken and used without their permission. But they say the vague treaty allows for too much exploitation.

Former President Bill Clinton signed the treaty but the Senate never ratified.

Get the Story:
Biologists Sought a Treaty; Now They Fault It (The New York Times 5/7)
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Relevant Links:
Convention on Biological Diversity - http://www.biodiv.org