Answer :
Final answer:
The Indian Neem tree is an example used by Vandana Shiva to highlight the issue of patenting indigenous knowledge, which is a form of biopiracy. Indigenous knowledge includes the use of the neem tree for medicinal purposes and as an insecticide, along with other plant-based solutions such as the traditional basmati rice, that have faced intellectual property battles.
Explanation:
The example of SHIVA's work for patenting indigenous knowledge that you are referring to is the Indian Neem tree. Vandana Shiva has been an outspoken advocate against biopiracy, which includes the patenting of indigenous knowledge without permission from or benefit to the indigenous peoples. In the case of the neem tree, Western companies attempted to patent various uses of neem, which had already been used for millennia in India for medicinal purposes, as well as a biodegradable insecticide. This led to legal battles and heightened awareness of the issue of intellectual property rights when it comes to traditional knowledge.
Foragers and indigenous peoples have long used their extensive knowledge of the environment to find solutions to everyday problems, including medical issues. The protection of this intellectual property is crucial as it extends to the indigenous knowledge of plants, which can be used in various products such as medicines, pesticides, and food items. There have been instances where 'gene hunters' subcontracted by large firms have acquired knowledge from traditional societies to patent the gene or chemical and make a profit, often without fair compensation to the indigenous communities that hold the original knowledge.
One notable public reaction to such activities was the fight against the patenting of basmati rice. The Indian government opposed the patent granted to Rice Tec Inc., eventually leading to the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) rejecting most of the company's claims. This highlighted the global concern for protecting the rights of indigenous peoples over their traditional knowledge and preventing biopiracy.
