Mourning the Increasing Loss of Biodiversity

Manjula V. Guru, Agricultural Policy Specialist
James E. Horne, President & CEO

Download complete PDF file (2.7 MB)

Mourning the Loss of Biodiversity (Summary) (36k)

Abstract

Thousands of genetically distinct varieties of our major food crops owe their existence to years of evolution and to careful selection and improvement by our farmer ancestors.

Maintaining distinct strains of agricultural crops is important because these strains may contain genes useful in the continuing fight against pests, drought, and diseases, and even those strains with overall characteristics that may not be attractive economically. In this report the concerns associated with the advent of the biotechnological age and the consequent loss of biodiversity; and the developments and viewpoints held on the interrelationship of intellectual property rights and genetic engineering are examined.

Note: Due to the large size of this document, we have also divided it into separate parts.

Part I Introduction 1
(628 k)
1.1 What is biodiversity?
1.2 Genetic Engineering and Widespread Eradication of Bio-Diversity

Part II The Two Sides of the Same Coin (429k)
2.1 The good side
2.2 The other side
2.2.1 Environmental and ecological consequences of
biotechnology
2.2.2 Possible human impact
2.2.3 Biotechnology in developing countries

Part III Biodiversity – A Must (489k)

Part IV Biotechnology and Intellectual Property Rights in the U.S. (146k)
4.1 Historical development in the U.S.
4.2 An international focus

Part V Cause for Concern (917k)
5.1 Why worry?
5.2 Same issues: Different viewpoints

Part VI Conclusions and Suggestions (177k)

Back to Top