Traditional Knowledge and Biodiversity Acts in Action in the Eastern Cape

The appeal started in 2007 and the community have been assisted by the African Centre for Biosafety as well as Swiss-based "Bern Declaration" who have funded the travel to Europe and legal expenses required to contest the patent grant.

In their defence Schwabe have said that their method is novel and differs from that used by traditional healers and furthermore its widespread in its use and not specific to a particular community. They are appealing against this decision.

The identification of the appropriate community remains a key challenge of the implementation of the benefit share agreements that are required as part of bioprospecting permit applications in terms of the Biodiversity Act.

Schwabe are reported by the Dispatch to have become aware of the medical application of the pelargonium extract when it was taken back from Africa in the late 1800s.

Read the articles in the Daily Dispatch here and here.