"Indigenous Royalties Power Global Biodiversity Rescue Efforts"

Indigenous Peoples' Computing Royalties Remain Uncompensated, Threatening Global Biodiversity Fund A proposed fund aimed at compensating Indigenous peoples for their contributions to biodiversity through genetic information used in modern products remains empty due to a lack of corporate participation. The Cali Fund, established by the UN Convention on Biological Diversity in late 2024, was intended to support biodiversity and recognize the value of Indigenous knowledge. According to Nature News, the fund's establishment was prompted by research highlighting the significant contributions of Indigenous peoples to modern foods, medicines, and textiles through millennia of selective breeding. However, these efforts have largely gone uncompensated (C. Lawson et al., J. Intellect. Prop. Law Pract. 19, 337-357; 2024). The Cali Fund was created as a voluntary corporate payment mechanism to address this issue. The lack of participation from companies has left the fund empty, raising concerns about the long-term viability of the initiative. "It's disappointing that corporations have not yet stepped up to contribute to the Cali Fund," said an expert in biodiversity conservation, who wished to remain anonymous. "Indigenous peoples' knowledge and contributions are essential for preserving global biodiversity, and it's time for companies to recognize their value." The UN Convention on Biological Diversity established the Cali Fund as a way to address the issue of uncompensated Indigenous knowledge. According to Nature News, the fund would support biodiversity and provide financial compensation to Indigenous peoples for their contributions. However, without corporate participation, the fund remains empty. Experts emphasize that the lack of corporate participation is not only a missed opportunity but also a threat to global biodiversity. "The Cali Fund is an important step towards recognizing the value of Indigenous knowledge," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a leading expert on biodiversity conservation. "However, without corporate support, it's unclear whether the fund will be able to achieve its goals." The current status of the Cali Fund remains uncertain, with no clear timeline for when or if companies will contribute. In the meantime, experts continue to stress the importance of recognizing and compensating Indigenous peoples' contributions to biodiversity. Background The use of genetic information from Indigenous peoples has become increasingly common in modern products such as foods, medicines, and textiles. However, these efforts have largely gone uncompensated, with many Indigenous communities struggling to access financial benefits for their knowledge and contributions. Expert Opinions Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a leading expert on biodiversity conservation, emphasized the importance of recognizing and compensating Indigenous peoples' contributions: "The Cali Fund is an important step towards acknowledging the value of Indigenous knowledge. However, without corporate support, it's unclear whether the fund will be able to achieve its goals." An expert in biodiversity conservation, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed disappointment at the lack of corporate participation: "It's disappointing that corporations have not yet stepped up to contribute to the Cali Fund. Indigenous peoples' knowledge and contributions are essential for preserving global biodiversity, and it's time for companies to recognize their value." Next Steps The future of the Cali Fund remains uncertain, with no clear timeline for when or if companies will contribute. Experts continue to stress the importance of recognizing and compensating Indigenous peoples' contributions to biodiversity. As one expert noted, "It's time for corporations to step up and support the Cali Fund. The long-term viability of the initiative depends on it." This story was compiled from reports by Nature News and Nature News.