BIOPROSPECTING NOTIFICATIONS AND PERMITS

All UWC researchers who are involved in or work with indigenous biological resources need to familiarise themselves with the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act 10 of 2004 (NEMBA). NEMBA involves the regulation of Indigenous Biological Resources.

Bioprospecting is divided into two phases:

1. The Discovery Phase: early stage research involving biodiversity

A Bioprospecting Discovery Phase Notification Form needs to be submitted to the Department of Environmental Affairs.

2. The Commercialisation Phase: Includes registering of IP rights, clinical trials, market research, etc.

A Bioprospecting Permit Application is a requisite submission to the Department of Environmental Affairs. The application requires identification of all stakeholders involved in giving access to the indigenous bio-resource/material, as well as any Traditional Knowledge holders.

For more information, contact a member of our team or email tto@uwc.ac.za