Bioprospecting in the Arctic - UNU-IAS - United Nations University

Executive Summary
This report examines the extent and nature of
bioprospecting in the Arctic. It argues that there is
significant interest in the biotechnology potential of
Arctic biodiversity. In many cases this potential has
moved beyond the research of the academic community
to commercialisation by industry. In fact, given the
number of companies involved in research on or the
actual exploitation of biotechnology based on Arctic
genetic resources (fourty three companies in total) one
clear conclusion is that this industry, in various forms,
is well established. This conclusion is supported by
the existence of more than thirty one patents or patent
applications based on Arctic genetic resources.
Biotechnology based on Arctic genetic resources
covers several key areas including enzymes (including
those used in life science research and a range
of industrial applications), anti-freeze proteins,
bioremediation, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals and
dietary supplements, cosmetics and other health care
applications. There is also a significant focus of marine
biotechnology research and development (R&D).
One of the outstanding questions in the debate on
bioprospecting in Antarctica is whether commercial
interest in Antarctic genetic resources is more than just
a momentary diversion from the “pure science” [sic]
upon which the framework of Antarctic governance
is built? The findings presented in this report lend
considerable support to the argument that it is not.
The overwhelming conclusion of this report is that R
&D in relation to the biotechnology potential of Arctic
genetic resources and the actual commercialisation
of such research is occurring on a significant and
ongoing basis. Arguably this might suggest that one
could expect to see similar developments in relation to
biotechnology based on the genetic resources of the
Antarctic. Although this is by no means certain. Whether
bioprospecting and development of biotechnology from
Antarctica will ever match that of the Arctic remains to
be seen. Nonetheless the existence of established R&D
programs and considerable commercial activity based
on Arctic genetic resources should not go unnoticed
as the international community further considers the
implications of the emergence of bioprospecting as a
new commercial activity in Antarctica and beyond.
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