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Vocabulary Builder — Essay & Answer Writing

Biopiracy

noun / BYE-oh-PIE-ruh-see / Medium
Meaning

The unauthorised appropriation of traditional knowledge or genetic resources from developing countries by corporations or researchers without fair benefit-sharing

Origin / Etymology

English bio- (life) + piracy (theft) — coined by Pat Mooney (1993)

Synonyms
Bioprospecting abuse Genetic theft Knowledge appropriation
Antonyms
Benefit-sharing Access and benefit sharing (ABS) Fair trade in genetic resources
Example Sentence
"India successfully challenged the US patent on turmeric's wound-healing properties in 1997, marking one of the earliest victories against biopiracy and leading to the creation of the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library."
🎯 UPSC Usage

Core concept for GS3 Environment and GS2 International Relations. Know the three landmark cases — turmeric (US, 1997), neem (EU, 2005), basmati (US, 1997). Link to Nagoya Protocol, Biological Diversity Act 2002, NBA, TKDL (3.4 lakh formulations), and IRCCs. India leads global IRCC issuance (56%).

Relevant Subjects
Environment
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