Share Ownership of Intellectual Property Right for Maruline

Joyce Katjirua Directorate of Environmental Affair, Ministry of Environment and Tourism Namibia

Structure

The presentation will follow the structure of the summary sheet which was provided:

Name and type of genetic resource

Maruline, which is derived from marula (Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra) fruit seeds.

Maruline is an active ingredient from the marula oil with enhanced antioxidant properties.

Actors involve

Eudafano Woman's Cooperative - the marula fruit seed harvesters

CRIAA SA-DC - Developers of marula oil for use in cosmetic sector

Phytotrade Africa -- Development partners

Aldivia S.A. of France – lipid science

Use of the resource

Tree: prominent role in culture

can be pre-determined the sex of a child the marriage tree (cleansing & gifts)

Wood: makes good kitchen utensils Bark:

treat a number of ailments such as diarrhoea, diabetics, fever and malaria.

Use of the resource (continue)

Kernels: Testy & used to prepare butter similar to

peanut butter. The pressed oil is used to preserve meat and

for cooking For centuries, woman pressed marula oil

for skin care qualities Oil properties:

preventing and healing scar tissues preventing stretch marks during pregnancy

Type/kind of ABS agreement

Interllectual property formally co-owend by primary produces from developing countries (represented by PhytoTrade Africa ) and a commercial company (Aldivia SA) from a developed country

Agreed benefits

preferential access to the opportunities for the supply

issued with the first licence by the patent-holders for production of Maruline

Benefit realized to date

launched in 2005 and it is an income opportunity for local farmers.

This market opportunity has renewed the local community sense of pride and built a new cohesion within the community.

Marula products has sparked cultural new start

Direct contribution to poverty alleviation

This is a market opportunity for the local farmers.

Since they have preferential supply of the marula oil to Aldivia, their income is secure

Lessons learned

poverty can be alleviated through partnership based on indigenous resources, modern technology and collaborative commercial strategy

Changes regarding benefits and poverty alleviation

The Maruline example represent a vision of how to develop new ingredients that impact on peoples lives, offering traditional resource custodians in Africa a genuine partnership to develop better products for a better world.

Conclusion

Good ABS outcomes are possible, even in the absence of ABS legislation.

Need commercially realistic strategies