Species, sub-species or genetic varieties of plants, animals and micro-organisms that have actual or potential value.
Creations and innovations that are tradition-based have economic and cultural significance when used in entertainment, cultural tourism, architecture, fashion and cuisine. In addition, TK, TCE’s and Genetic Resources (GR’s) have great commercial potential and their exploitation can help establish community enterprises, improve livelihoods and alleviate poverty as well as be valuable inputs to cultural and other industries, such as agricultural, biotechnological, pharmaceutical and healthcare industries.
Unfortunately, there are instances where third parties misappropriate or use TK, TCE’s and GR’s without adequately sharing the benefits or even acknowledging the communities and countries of origin.
Efforts are underway at the regional and international level to identify and create measures that can be used to exert some form of control over the use by third parties of intangible property which is associated with TK, TC and GR subject-matter.