Biotechnology and international law

As with any rapid technological development, the biotechnology revolution is putting great strains on the ability of law to adapt to new challenges and threats. Although there is general agreement on the need to regulate biotechnology in many different fields of human activity (agriculture, life sciences, forensic science) domestic law remains deeply divided over the best approach to take. This book is the first attempt at covering the most pressing legal issues raised by the impact of biotechnologies on different categories of international norms. Through the contribution of a selected group of international scholars and experts from international organizations, the book addresses 1) the international status of genetic resources, both in areas of national jurisdiction and in common spaces such as the international sea bed area and Antarctica; 2) the relevance of environmental principles in the governance of modern biotechnologies; 3) the impact of biotechnologies on trade rules, including intellectual property law; 4) the human rights implications, especially in the field of human genetics; and 5) the intersection between general international law and regional systems, especially those developed in Europe and Latin America. The overall objective of the book is to provide an up-to-date picture of international law as it stands today and to stimulate critical reflection and further research on the solutions that will be required in years to comePart I. The international legal regime of biotechnology : general aspects. -- 1. International law for biotechnology : basic principles / F. Francioni. -- 2. Biodiversity and biotechnology : consolidation and strains in the emerging international legal regimes / R. Pavoni. -- Part II. Biotechnology and the protection of the environment. -- 3. Biotechnology, biodiversity and sustainable development : conflict and congruence? / C. Redgwell. -- 4. Bioprospecting on the deep seabed : a legal gap requiring to be filled / T. Scovazzi. -- 5. Biotechnology and marine biogenetic resources : the interplay between UNCLOS and the CBD / G. Cataldi. -- 6. Antartic bioprospecting : is it compatible with the value of Antarctica as a natural reserve? / P. Vigni. -- 7. Bioprospecting in Antarctica : a new challenge for the Antarctic treaty system / A. Guyomard. -- Part III. Biotechnology and international trade issues. -- 8. The WTO dispute over genetically modified organisms : interface problems of international trade law, environmental law and biotechnology law / E.-U. Petersmann. -- 9. Traditional knowledge, biodiversity, benefit-sharing and the patent system : romantics v. economics? / H. Ullrich -- 10. International trade in GMOs : legal frameworks and developing country concerns / S. Zarrilli. -- Part IV. Biotechnology and human rights. -- 11. Agricultural biotechnology, food security and human rights / M. E. Footer. -- 12. Biotechnology, human dignity and the human genome / F. Lenzerini. -- 13. Indigenous peoples' rights, biogenetic resources and traditional knowledge : the case of the Sateré-Mawé people / M. Fraboni and F. Lenzerini. -- Part V. Biotechnology and regional economic integration systems. -- 14. The EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and the governance of biotechnology in the European Union / P. Šturma. -- 15. The EU risk management of genetically modified organisms and the Comission's defence strategy in the biotech dispute : are they inconsistent? / S. Poli. -- 16. Biotechnology and regional integration systems; legislation and practices in the Andean community countries / F. Nova