This report starts with a brief account of different types of IPRs, including a brief overview of the WTO TRIPs agreement. It focuses on biodiversity and relationship with the IPR regime. The benefits of biodiversity and the Convention on Biological Diversity have been explained. The relationship between the CBD and the WTO TRIPs agreement has been analysed, including comparing the relevant provisions of these two regulatory regimes.

The aim of this study is simply to take stock of the existing knowledge that could be useful in the formulation of adaptation strategies geared at improving the resilience of the rural communities in southern Africa, who depend heavily on agriculture for their livelihood.

This paper summarises the salient conclusions of the three STAP studies and draws lessons and recommendations for Global Environment Facility(GEF) in further developing its strategic approach to the Land Degradation Focal Area(LD FA) and guiding future investments in sustainable land management (SLM) in order to address gaps in the scientific knowledge and areas where investments will achieve greatest global environmental benefit.

This study is intended to be the first step of a longer, multi-staged process. The ultimate intention is to propose further work at both national and international levels to fill in the gaps in knowledge and develop sound policy recommendations.

The study concerns disclosure requirements in patent law that are relevant to genetic resources (GR) and traditional knowledge (TK) that are used in inventions for which patent protection is claimed.

The purpose of the Report is to provide information to WIPO Member States, holders of TK, including indigenous peoples, the private sector, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, academic and research institutions and other interested parties, on the IP needs and expectations of TK holders expressed to WIPO during the FFMs.

This report is intended for development practitioners, extensionists and leaders or pioneers in farming communities, to inform them about the experiences and initiatives of farming communities in conservation agriculture in Santa Catarina State, Brazil.