Objectives

Creating scientific literacy among backward, rural and tribal communities.

Creating easily comprehensible educational materials on the international framework and national laws pertaining to bioresources.

 Generating widespread awareness about the rights of local communities among the local communities themselves, among policy makers and the legal fraternity.

Creating a well-informed society that is vigilant and protective of its bioresources.

Facilitating communities to benefit from their rights.

Achievements:

Analysis of the legal texts of

The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmer's Rights Act , 2001

The Patents Act, 1970

The Biological Diversity Act, 2002

The Geographical Indication of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act,1999

Analysis of International Instruments 

Convention on Biological Diversity

International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and agriculture

Agreement on Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights

Identified features in the legislation that aim to emphasis on the rights of farmers and communities and protect their rights over their bioresources like seeds, medicinal plants and other economically important bioresources.  Also analysed the provisions that are ambiguous or contrary to the interests of communities.

Consultation with legal, scientific and trade experts to discuss the Indian legislation relating to bioresources and agriculture. Reviewed the provisions that are protective of the interest of local communities and such provisions that are ambiguous or contrary to the interests of communities.

Interaction with the local communities to assess their awareness levels and their level of interest.

Paraphrased the legislation text into simple language for laypersons

Conducted periodic tests to check the comprehensibility of the paraphrased texts on students and in family situations.

Translated the paraphrased English text into Hindi  

Developed a Wallpaper series titled "Bioresources Review". They are in English and Hindi.  This has been developed with the help of experts in communication.  These are related to subjects like Intellectual Property Rights, Indigenous Knowledge, Biodiversity and International Agreements.

Produced information materials like pamphlets, booklets in both Hindi and Urdu.

Produced a CD titled

"Whose seed is it anyway? Emerging issues in biodiversity and IPR"

It examines biodiversity and agricultural concerns in the context of emerging issues at both national and International level.

Produced a handbook titled "National and International developments on handling bioresources."