If you have a relevant resource (books, papers, bulletins, etc.) you would like to see announced in this section, please forward a copy or review by the BRIDGES staff to Heike Baumüller.
"The precautionary principle and ecological hazards of genetically modified organisms" by Mario Giampietro in AMBIO 31 (6, 2002). This paper makes three points relevant to the application of the precautionary principle to the regulation of GMOs. The unavoidable arbitrariness in the application of the precautionary principle reflects deeper epistemological problem affecting scientific analyses of sustainability. This requires understanding the difference between the concepts of "risk", "uncertainty" and "ignorance". When dealing with evolutionary processes it is impossible to ban uncertainty and ignorance from scientific models. The existence of ecological hazards per se should not be used as a reason to stop innovations altogether. However, the precautionary principle entails that scientists move away from the concept of "substantive rationality" (trying to indicate to society optimal solutions) to that of "procedural rationality" (trying to help society to find "satisficing" solutions).
"Biodiversity and optimal policies towards R&D and the growth of genetically modified crops" by Alistair Ulph and Lucy O’Shea in ENVIRONMENTAL AND RESOURCE ECONOMICS 22 (4, 2002). This paper provide a simple model illustrating the possible nature of government policy with regards to genetic modification, taking into account its impact on the environment. It attempts to show that it is necessary not only to intervene in the growing of crops, but also to intervene in R&D through a tax on the adoption of new GM technology. Without intervention at both levels, both the cultivation of GM crops and the rate of innovation in GM will exceed their socially optimal levels.
"The Effects Of Intellectual Property Rights On Foreign Direct Investment And Imports Into Developing Countries" by William Lesser in IP STRATEGY TODAY 5 (2002). This article analyzes the effects of improved intellectual property rights (IPR) protection in a sample of 44 developing countries. According to the article, the results of the analysis suggest that both imports and FDI "are positively and significantly associated with the IPR strength index." The piece concludes that "overall, the results indicate that governments interested in enhancing FDI as means of generating employment and advancing technology use are advised to strengthen IPR along the lines and schedules of TRIPS."
INITIAL REPORT ON THE TECHNICAL STUDY ON DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS RELATED TO GENETIC RESOURCES AND TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE. By the Secretariat of the WIPO IGC on Intellectual Property and Genetic , Traditional Knowledge, and Folklore, 2002. This report is one of several background documents prepared for the Fourth Session (December 9-17, 2002) of the Intergovernmental Committee (IGC) on Intellectual Property (IP) and Genetic , Traditional Knowledge (TK), and Folklore, which is a function of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). As background to a forthcoming technical study, the report "gives an overview of salient aspects of the patent system and of legal mechanisms concerning access to genetic resources and associated TK." It also summarizes the consideration given to these issues at previous WIPO forums, and it reviews the responses to a questionnaire circulated to WIPO Member States.
"Socio-institutional dynamics and the political ecology of mangrove forest conservation in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia" by Derek Armitage in GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE: HUMAN AND POLICY DIMENSIONS 12 (3, 2002). Mangrove forests provide a range of ecological and socio-economic benefits in coastal zones throughout the world’s tropical regions. Yet the conversion of mangrove forest, due in particular to aquaculture development, is occurring at a dramatic rate. Drawing on insights and concepts offered by political ecology and complex systems, processes of mangrove forest conversion and aquaculture development in the coastal zone of Banawa District, Central Sulawesi, are analyzed.
CANADA’S FORGOTTEN WILD SPACES. By the Canadian Nature Federation, 2002. This report outlines the critical conservation threats facing Canada’s National Wildlife Areas and Migratory Bird Sanctuaries. For further information, contact: Deborah Smith; tel. (1 613) 562-3447 ext. 225; email: dsmith@cnf.ca.
UNEP FI GLOBAL CONSULTATION ON FINANCE AND SUSTAINBILITY. By UNEP Finance Initiatives, 2003. This summary report covers the Global Consultation on Finance and Sustainability that took place over twenty-one months in Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America and North America. The purpose of these events was to explore - with governments, financial institutions and broader civil society - the challenges and opportunities arising as banks, insurers and investors, as well as capital markets, move from words to action in support of sustainability. For further information, contact: Robert Reid, UNEP FI; email: robert.reid@unep.ch; Intenet: www.unepfi.net