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A. MONGE Y COLS. ANAL. REAL ACAD. FARM.

Irrespective of administrative or political considerations, compa-
nies and centers having high levels of development need to be brought
together with those which lack it by means of joint projects within the
broad field of chemistry and, especially, within the distinct area of bio-
logically active compounds. Various modes of interaction can be pro-
posed: the most often used is one wherein samples of materials from de-
veloping countries with biodiversity are extracted and transported for
study in developed societies. We make a case for an inversion of this
traditional model, namely that of offering technology to the countries
with biodiversity so that they themselves may carry out the necessary
developmental work. Chemical research conducted in the country where
samples originate would enhance the country’s scientific development.
Competitive capacity, research methodology and the infrastructure could
be the focus of negotiation and agreement. The contributions to chemical
research on bioactive molecules that biodiversity-rich, developing coun-
tries may be able to then return can be ascertained on the basis of:

¾ Strengths:

- Biological material, both of animal and vegetable origin, with
demonstrated or potential activity.

- Traditional knowledge concerning biological activities, linked
to plants or animals.

¾ Weaknesses:

- Infrastructure deficiencies which cause difficulties for con-
ducting scientific research.

Importantly, the salient features of such programs should provide
for: conservation of biodiversity; equitable intellectual property
rights/duties; and, development of scientific re-
sources/facilities/infrastructure.

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