EcoProducts is Awarded Bioprospecting Permit

Written by on November 18, 2013. Posted in ECOPRODUCTS: HOW WE WORK

During an impressive ceremony hosted by the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs in Polokwane last week, EcoProducts was one of three companies who were awarded a bioprospecting permit.  The permit was handed over to Dr Sarah Venter and two community representatives, Ms Sophiah Nemutshenzheni and Ms Livhuwani Tshivhiyahuvhi by the MEC for Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, Limpopo Province, Mr Moloto.

The permit means that Sarah and her communities have the blessing of the Department of Water and Environmental Affairs for their activities.  They are only one of 11 companies who are now compliant with the new legislation on bioprospecting and the utilization of our indigenous biological resources.

The Biodiversity Act which promotes the "fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilisation of genetic resources".  In this way the act is founded on the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing which arose from the Convention on Biological Diversity.   

Continue reading....

Find more interesting articles below

2016 Jun: World Desertification Day

2016 Jun: World Desertification Day

Baobabs live in savannah ecosystems many of which are threatened by desertification. Although baobabs have an incredible ability to survive dry conditions they too are affected by desertification. What can we do?

Read more
How do I measure the height of a baobab?

How do I measure the height of a baobab?

Have just returned from a truly inspiring research trip on Quilalea Island where I studied and reported on 56 Baobab trees. One of the many measurements I do is to measure the height of a baobab. It's a question I'm often asked: how does a short person like me manage this?  Well, I don't climb the […]

Read more
Baobab Harvesters visit EcoProducts Factory

Baobab Harvesters visit EcoProducts Factory

EcoProducts invited 30 baobab harvesters from across the Venda area to visit the new EcoProducts Baobab Processing Facility in Makhado. The purpose of the visit was to show the harvesters where the fruit goes and what happens to the fruit once it arrives at the factory.  We also wanted the harvesters and the factory staff to meet and to discuss the collection and processing challenges, and how these can be overcome through better understanding of the process.

Read more