Biopiracy in the Amazon

Biopiracy in the Amazon

Case studies of Biopiracy in the Amazon

This collection of short case studies is produced by Amazon Link with the objective of highlighting the obstacles posed by biopiracy to the development of a sustainable trade in Amazon forest products.

Each case study outlines the indigenous use of each forest product, it's perceived economic potential and the patents applied to that product and/or its derivatives. Case studies cover the following products:

  • Cupuacu (Theobroma Grandiflorum)
  • Açaí (Euterpe precatoria)
  • Copaiba oil or balm from the Copaiba tree (Copaifera sp)
  • The Andiroba tree (Carapa guianensis Aubl.)
  • Ayahuasca derived from the plant Banisteriopsis caapi
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