Ecologic Institute

Technology transfer is one of the central issues in the international climate negotiations, reflecting a general consensus that effectively mitigating climate change and adapting to it will require the wide-spread use of climate-friendly technologies. Despite this consensus, many of the details – such as funding, institutional mechanisms and the role of intellectual property – remain controversial. Through this project, the Ecologic Institute examined national and international proposals made in the context of recent UNFCCC technology negotiations. Prospective rules and mechanisms incorporated in existing drafts were also analyzed. The final study is available for download. Read more ...

Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) can be an important source of income for rural inhabitants of Laos. One such NTFP, which has been promoted by the government of Laos, is the paper mulberry tree (Broussonetia papyrifera (L) Vent). This study was performed to understand the factors influencing the commercialisation of paper mulberry bark in Oudomxay province (Northern Laos) and to investigate the potential of the paper mulberry tree as a source of steady income. Read more ...

The sharing of benefits from the use of genetic resources between the traditional users and cultivators of such resources and those that wish to use them for commercial or research purposes is a major issue under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The debate has a clear North-South dimension as most institutions interested in using genetic resources are based in the developed countries, whereas the biodiversity hotspots are mostly located in the global South where biodiversity has been cultivated and preserved by indigenous and small farmers’ communities. In this book chapter Christiane Gerstetter of Ecologic Legal develops recommendations for provider countries on how to implement the CBD requirement that benefits should be shared fairly and equitably. Read more ...

6 February 2006, London - R. Andreas Kraemer
The ongoing world trade negotiations are expected to have significant impact on sustainable development and the production and consumption patterns world-wide.  After the Meeting of Trade Ministers in Hong Kong at the end of 2005, Chatham House convened a conference on 6-7 February 2006 to look at the WTO as well as the Sustainable Development Agenda and its prospects after Hong Kong.  R. Andreas Kraemer of Ecologic chaired a key session on NAMA, IPRs, and Services. Read more ...