Exploring Traditional Knowledge: Bio-Prospecting and Biopiracy in India and Southeast Asian Mega-Diversity Nations

Ancient Asian, African, and Latin American civilizations hold traditional knowledge (TK) systems dating back two million years, evolving alongside natural interactions. These regions host diverse traditional communities with extensive generational knowledge. In today’s globalized world, multinational corporations from industrialized nations exploit biological resources and TK in developing countries, engaging in bio-prospecting for valuable bio-products. This poses a significant threat to biodiversity and TK, notably due to escalating bio-prospecting by entities like pharmaceutical companies in indigenous territories. Among the 17 globally significant megadiverse nations, India, China, Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia exemplify unique examples in Asia. They embody dynamic challenges and opportunities in equitable access and sharing of benefits (ABS) regarding biological resources derived from bioprospecting for valuable products. Accessing biological (genetic) resources span research for safeguarding plant, animal, or microbial genetic resources and associated TK. Accessibility to resources or knowledge and equitable benefit distribution play pivotal roles, contributing to sustainable development, research progression, environmental protection, and the socio-economic well-being of indigenous communities. This can be achieved through judicious application of indigenous TK and thoughtful bioprospecting. In the extensive domain of megadiverse Asian nations, ABS concerning the utilization of biological resources, associated TK, and bioprospecting is undergoing dynamic evolution. Achieving successful ABS objectives and effectively integrating principles find their grounding in the global legal framework, exemplified by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Nagoya Protocol (NP). Progress within Asian megadiverse countries involves the development of ABS legislation including challenges of Digital Sequence Information, spanning various stages of conception and implementation, while ensuring alignment with international regulations. This chapter explores dimensions intertwined with unique constraints, challenges, and opportunities specific to India and its Asian counterparts. It examines aspects of accessing biological resources, applying TK, bioprospecting, and equitably distributing benefits from resource utilization.