What is biopiracy and how is it prevented?

Biopiracy refers to the unauthorized extraction, use, or commercialization of biological resources and associated traditional knowledge without permission or fair compensation to the country or communities where these resources originate. It often involves obtaining patents or intellectual property rights over natural resources or indigenous knowledge without proper acknowledgment. Biopiracy is prevented through legal frameworks such as the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, which regulates access to biological materials and enforces Access and Benefit Sharing. International agreements like the Convention on Biological Diversity also promote fair use and protection of genetic resources. Documentation through People’s Biodiversity Registers and strict approval mechanisms further help in preventing misuse and ensuring that benefits are shared with rightful stakeholders.