The facts, the fights, the figures and the fora

Nowadays everybody talks about biodiversity (see cover article) but the term did not exist until 1988 when it was abbreviated from biological diversity . It is the focus of topics on which there is much heated debate and controversy, such as intellectual property rights, genetic conservation, the role of industry, farmers rights and civil society participation. All these issues are covered in Seeding Solutions which pulls together the lively discussions of a group of 45 committed people (academic, private and public sectors and civil society organisations) from 25 countries. It brings readers up-to-date on what has changed, scientifically, politically and environmentally, since the publication in 1994 of its predecessor People, Plants and Patents. Where the discussions led to consensus, they are presented as clear policy recommendations, and controversies are reported honestly as such. It is an animated book, with hints of voyeurism at watching other people discuss, but it is a good way to cover a complex set of issues. Seeding Solutions Volume 1. Policy options for genetic resources: People, Plants and Patents revisited By the Crucible II Group, DHF (Dag Hammarskjöld Foundation), IDRC (International Development Research Center) & IPGRI (International Plant Genetic Resources Institute). 2000. 121 pp. ISBN: 92 9043 443 0 Available free on request IPGRI Via delle Sette Chiese, 142 Rome 00145, Italy Fax: +39 06 57 50 309 Email: ipgri-publications@cgiar.orSeeding Solutions Volume 1. Policy options for genetic resources: People, Plants and Patents revisited By the Crucible II Group, DHF (Dag Hammarskjöld Foundation), IDRC (International Development Research Center) & IPGRI (International Plant Genetic