Remote Australia Online

This aim of this project was to evaluate the performance in cultivation of key native food species across a range of climates and soil types in South-eastern Australia. A series of field trials has been established in and this report presents the results of the plant establishment phase since planting in 2001-2003.

The modern native foods industry in Australia, excluding Macadamia, is still in its infancy. The research presented here is aimed at improving our capacity to grow and market quality native food produce. Aspects covered include cultivation of key native food species in different locations, pests and diseases, harvest and yield of produce and information about produce quality. The information should be of interest to existing and potential growers of native food crops and to buyers and sellers of native food produce. The produce quality information sheets may also be a useful guide for consumers. The aims of this publication are as follows 1. Maintain native foods trials established in RIRDC project CSL-11A (Evaluating performance of cultivated bushfood plants in south Australian environments), monitor survival and growth, harvest produce and record yield. 2. Identify the main quality criteria for produce (fruits, seeds, leaves) of key native food species and provide information for industry development. 3. Investigate major soil borne diseases of quandong.

This report canvasses the meaning of the term ‘Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge’, variously expressed elsewhere as Indigenous Knowledge, Indigenous Traditional Knowledge or Cultural Knowledge. It aims to raise awareness of the role of this knowledge in research, policy and programs concerning desert peoples. It proposes that the use of the term ‘Desert Knowledge’ in the name of the DKCRC underlines a need for the CRC to consider seriously the importance of Aboriginal Knowledge in planning and conducting research that aims to improve desert livelihoods. The first part of the paper is devoted to a discussion of aspects of Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge. It concludes that DKCRC has an opportunity to take a leading role in working with Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge in ethical ways and urges DKCRC to develop benefit-sharing arrangements with Aboriginal people that are based on international standards. The second part of the paper is a closer examination of measures for supporting the rights and interests of Aboriginal knowledge holders. With respect for customary law as its starting point, it explores what Aboriginal people and other Indigenous peoples have been doing to maintain their cultures and control the use of cultural knowledge. Acknowledging the misappropriation of this knowledge as a major threat and noting the pressure on Indigenous knowledges from growing international interest in developing biological resources, this part canvasses local, regional and international protocols, case studies and guidelines for research engagement with Indigenous peoples, including sui generis legislation and defensive protective measures. It also details existing regional and national legislation which may be applied to protecting the rights of the holders of Aboriginal knowledge and outlines international conventions which may apply, or on which Australian policy and practice may be modelled. In the absence of Australian legislation protecting the rights and interests of Aboriginal knowledge holders, intellectual property rights may provide some protection. There is, however, tension between IP rights and uses according to customary law and they are, in any case, drafted primarily to protect economic interests, which does not always serve the needs of Aboriginal knowledge holders. Clearly, free prior informed consent is an emerging international norm which can empower Indigenous peoples to make the best decisions possible over research and development involving their Traditional Knowledge. The third part of the paper outlines requirements for closer engagement with Aboriginal peoples in the region, starting from a long history of poor research practice, and finishing with emerging models for engagement. It suggests an information strategy for DKCRC, but proposes this be done within the context of more through organisational change that will give engagement of Aboriginal peoples in the region the highest priority, the appropriate resources and an appropriate commitment to the long-term.

This RIRDC report is interested in whether fair trade could be useful to Indigenous Australians who are developing businesses, based on their knowledge and ‘country’; enterprises that could strengthen their confidence, economy and culture. It is also interested in whether such certification could be linked to or be part of the broader global fair trade movement. This study focused on three potential industries for certification: bush foods, Aboriginal tourism, and handicrafts and art in three regional centres in Broom (WA), Darwin (NT) and Alice Springs (NT). Although people have been working with bush foods for 20 years, it is still a relatively immature industry but there is considerable interest in Aboriginal participation. Cultural tourism related to Aboriginal culture and legends is seen as an important and growing segment in northern Australia, particularly the Northern Territory.

The fledgling Australian Bushfood Industry is valued at $14 million and is growing at c . 75% per annum. Eleven species have been identified which currently comprise the core of the industry; these are utilised in a wide range of foods, with the major portion as chutneys, jams and other condiments. The industry is currently focussing on the top end of the culinary market. Bushfoods include material which is wildcollected or nursery-grown. Little or no effort has been put into selecting improved genotypes. Conservation of genetic diversity is through the activities of rural communities and individual enthusiasts. It is likely that there is scope for genetic improvement through selection of bushfood species. Although the industry sees enhanced value in bushfood which has been collected from the wild, there would appear to be opportunities for selecting improved genotypes for larger-scale production.

This book contains a unique collection of perspectives and national experiences from around the world regarding the protection of traditional knowledge, innovations and practices (TK). It takes a broad view of the subject, addressing issues ranging from the importance of TK for communities, countries and the global economy to means of preserving and protecting it as well as harnessing its potential for development and ensuring equitable distribution of economic benefits derived from TK. The Tansey paper provides an overview of developments in the food system of the industrialized world, which is being globalized today.1 The food system is a complex web that connects the following components: • Biological: the living processes used to produce food and their ecological sustainability • Economic and political: the power and control that different groups exert over the various parts of the system • Social and cultural: the personal relations, community values and cultural traditions affecting people’s approach to food and its use

Nila.Ngany – Possessing/Belonging to Knowledge: Indigenous Knowledge Systems in Yawuru Aboriginal Australia

The preservation, protection and promotion of the traditional knowledge, innovations and practices of local and indigenous communities (TK) is of key importance for developing countries. Their rich endowment of TK and biodiversity plays a critical role in their health care, food security, culture, religion, identity, environment, sustainable development and trade. It is particularly crucial for the most vulnerable segments of their societies, and for indigenous peoples worldwide. This book, a collection of papers prepared in conjunction with an UNCTAD expert meeting on TK, attempts to advance discussion and understanding of the issues by focusing on three key questions: • What are the importance and scope of TK, particularly in the areas of agriculture and medicine? • How can TK be preserved and protected? • How can this valuable resource be harnessed for development and trade to benefit the TK-holding communities and countries?

It is our task to consider whether and how intellectual property rights (IPRs) could play a role in helping the world meet the Millennium Development Goals targets – in particular by reducing poverty, helping to combat disease, improving the health of mothers and children, enhancing access to education and contributing to sustainable development. It is also our task to consider whether and how they present obstacles to meeting those targets and, if so, how those obstacles can be removed.

PREAMBLE The Contracting Parties, Conscious of the intrinsic value of biological diversity and of the ecological, genetic, social, economic, scientific, educational, cultural, recreational and aesthetic values of biological diversity and its components, Conscious also of the importance of biological diversity for evolution and for maintaining life sustaining systems of the biosphere, Affirming that the conservation of biological diversity is a common concern of humankind, Reaffirming that States have sovereign rights over their own biological resources, Reaffirming also that States are responsible for conserving their biological diversity and for using their biological resources in a sustainable manner, Concerned that biological diversity is being significantly reduced by certain human activities, Aware of the general lack of information and knowledge regarding biological diversity and of the urgent need to develop scientific, technical and institutional capacities to provide the basic understanding upon which to plan and implement appropriate measures, Noting that it is vital to anticipate, prevent and attack the causes of significant reduction or loss of biological diversity at source, Noting also that where there is a threat of significant reduction or loss of biological diversity, lack of full scientific certainty should not be used as a reason for postponing measures to avoid or minimize such a threat, Noting further that the fundamental requirement for the conservation of biological diversity is the in-situ conservation of ecosystems and natural habitats and the maintenance and recovery of viable populations of species in their natural surroundings, Noting further that ex-situ measures, preferably in the country of origin, also have an important role to play, Recognizing the close and traditional dependence of many indigenous and local communities embodying traditional lifestyles on biological resources, and the desirability of sharing equitably benefits arising from the use of traditional knowledge, innovations and practices relevant to the conservation of biological diversity and the sustainable use of its components, Recognizing also the vital role that women play in the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity and affirming the need for the full participation of women at all levels of policy-making and implementation for biological diversity conservation, Stressing the importance of, and the need to promote, international, regional and global cooperation among States and intergovernmental organizations and the non-governmental sector for the conservation of biological diversity and the sustainable use of its components, Acknowledging that the provision of new and additional financial resources and appropriate access to relevant technologies can be expected to make a substantial difference in the world's ability to address the loss of biological diversity, Acknowledging further that special provision is required to meet the needs of developing countries, including the provision of new and additional financial resources and appropriate access to relevant technologies, Noting in this regard the special conditions of the least developed countries and small island States, Acknowledging that substantial investments are required to conserve biological diversity and that there is the expectation of a broad range of environmental, economic and social benefits from those investments, Recognizing that economic and social development and poverty eradication are the first and overriding priorities of developing countries, Aware that conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity is of critical importance for meeting the food, health and other needs of the growing world population, for which purpose access to and sharing of both genetic resources and technologies are essential, Noting that, ultimately, the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity will strengthen friendly relations among States and contribute to peace for humankind, Desiring to enhance and complement existing international arrangements for the conservation of biological diversity and sustainable use of its components, and Determined to conserve and sustainably use biological diversity for the benefit of present and future generations, Have agreed as follows……..: [refer to sections in the Download site URL]

ISSUES In-depth review of the programme of work on agricultural biodiversity Agricultural biodiversity: biofuels and biodiversity Global Strategy for Plant Conservation In-depth review of ongoing work on alien species that threaten ecosystems, habitats or species Forest biodiversity Incentive measures Ecosystem approach Review of implementation of goals 2 and 3 of the Strategic Plan Process for the revision of the Strategic Plan Preparation of the third edition of the Global Biodiversity Outlook Review of implementation of Articles 20 and 21 Access and benefit-sharing Article 8(j) and related provisions Technology transfer and cooperation Follow-up to the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Biodiversity and climate change Biodiversity of dry and sub-humid lands Protected areas Biological diversity of inland water ecosystems Marine and coastal biodiversity Island biodiversity The Global Taxonomy Initiative: matters arising from decision VIII/3, including the development of outcome-oriented deliverables Liability and redress Gender Plan of Action South-South cooperation on biodiversity for development Promoting business engagement Cooperation among multilateral environmental agreements and other organizations Promoting engagement of cities and local authorities Operations of the Convention Scientific and technical cooperation and the clearing-house mechanism Financial mechanism Communication, education and public awareness (CEPA) International Year of Biodiversity Administration of the Convention and Budget for the programme of work for the biennium 2009-2010

The Convention on Biological Diversity was opened for signature on 5 June 1992 at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (the Rio “Earth Summit”) and entered into force on 29 December 1993. The Convention is the only international instrument comprehensively addressing biological diversity. The Convention’s three objectives are the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilisation of genetic resources. To further advance the implementation of the third objective, the World Summit on Sustainable Development (Johannesburg, September 2002) called for the negotiation of an international regime, within the framework of the Convention, to promote and safeguard the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilisation of genetic resources. The Convention’s Conference of the Parties responded at its seventh meeting, in 2004, by mandating its Ad Hoc Open-ended Working Group on Access and Benefit-sharing to elaborate and negotiate an international regime on access to genetic resources and benefit-sharing in order to effectively implement Articles 15 (Access to Genetic Resources) and 8(j) (Traditional Knowledge) of the Convention and its three objectives. After six years of negotiation, the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization to the Convention on Biological Diversity was adopted at the tenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties on 29 October 2010, in Nagoya, Japan. The Protocol significantly advances the Convention’s third objective by providing a strong basis for greater legal certainty and transparency for both providers and users of genetic resources. Specific obligations to support compliance with domestic legislation or regulatory requirements of the Party providing genetic resources and contractual obligations reflected in mutually agreed terms are a significant innovation of the Protocol. These compliance provisions as well as provisions establishing more predictable conditions for access to genetic resources will contribute to ensuring the sharing of benefits when genetic resources leave a Party providing genetic resources. In addition, the Protocol’s provisions on access to traditional knowledge held by indigenous and local communities when it is associated with genetic resources will strengthen the ability of these communities to benefit from the use of their knowledge, innovations and practices. By promoting the use of genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge, and by strengthening the opportunities for fair and equitable sharing of benefits from their use, the Protocol will create incentives to conserve biological diversity, sustainably use its components, and further enhance the contribution of biological diversity to sustainable development and human well-being.

The General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization hereinafter referred to as UNESCO, meeting in Paris, from 29 September to 17 October 2003, at its 32nd session, Referring to existing international human rights instruments, in particular to the Universal Declaration on Human Rights of 1948, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights of 1966, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights of 1966, Considering the importance of the intangible cultural heritage as a mainspring of cultural diversity and a guarantee of sustainable development, as underscored in the UNESCO Recommendation on the Safeguarding of Traditional Culture and Folklore of 1989, in the UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity of 2001, and in the Istanbul Declaration of 2002 adopted by the Third Round Table of Ministers of Culture, Considering the deep-seated interdependence between the intangible cultural heritage and the tangible cultural and natural heritage, Recognizing that the processes of globalization and social transformation, alongside the conditions they create for renewed dialogue among communities, also give rise, as does the phenomenon of intolerance, to grave threats of deterioration, disappearance and destruction of the intangible cultural heritage, in particular owing to a lack of resources for safeguarding such heritage, Being aware of the universal will and the common concern to safeguard the intangible cultural heritage of humanity, Recognizing that communities, in particular indigenous communities, groups and, in some cases, individuals, play an important role in the production, safeguarding, maintenance and recreation of the intangible cultural heritage, thus helping to enrich cultural diversity and human creativity, Noting the far-reaching impact of the activities of UNESCO in establishing normative instruments for the protection of the cultural heritage, in particular the Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage of 1972, Noting further that no binding multilateral instrument as yet exists for the safeguarding of the intangible cultural heritage, Considering that existing international agreements, recommendations and resolutions concerning the cultural and natural heritage need to be effectively enriched and supplemented by means of new provisions relating to the intangible cultural heritage, Considering the need to build greater awareness, especially among the younger generations, of the importance of the intangible cultural heritage and of its safeguarding, Considering that the international community should contribute, together with the States Parties to this Convention, to the safeguarding of such heritage in a spirit of cooperation and mutual assistance, Recalling UNESCO’s programmes relating to the intangible cultural heritage, in particular the Proclamation of Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, Considering the invaluable role of the intangible cultural heritage as a factor in bringing human beings closer together and ensuring exchange and understanding among them, Adopts this Convention on this seventeenth day of October 2003.

Affirming that indigenous peoples are equal to all other peoples, while recognizing the right of all peoples to be different, to consider themselves different, and to be respected as such, Affirming also that all peoples contribute to the diversity and richness of civilizations and cultures, which constitute the common heritage of humankind, Affirming further that all doctrines, policies and practices based on or advocating superiority of peoples or individuals on the basis of national origin or racial, religious, ethnic or cultural differences are racist, scientifically false, legally invalid, morally condemnable and socially unjust, Reaffirming that indigenous peoples, in the exercise of their rights, should be free from discrimination of any kind, Concerned that indigenous peoples have suffered from historic injustices as a result of, inter alia, their colonization and dispossession of their lands, territories and resources, thus preventing them from exercising, in particular, their right to development in accordance with their own needs and interests, Recognizing the urgent need to respect and promote the inherent rights of indigenous peoples which derive from their political, economic and social structures and from their cultures, spiritual traditions, histories and philosophies, especially their rights to their lands, territories and resources, Recognizing also the urgent need to respect and promote the rights of indigenous peoples affirmed in treaties, agreements and other constructive arrangements with States, Welcoming the fact that indigenous peoples are organizing themselves for political, economic, social and cultural enhancement and in order to bring to an end all forms of discrimination and oppression wherever they occur, Convinced that control by indigenous peoples over developments affecting them and their lands, territories and resources will enable them to maintain and strengthen their institutions, cultures and traditions, and to promote their development in accordance with their aspirations and needs, Recognizing that respect for indigenous knowledge, cultures and traditional practices contributes to sustainable and equitable development and proper management of the environment, Emphasizing the contribution of the demilitarization of the lands and territories of indigenous peoples to peace, economic and social progress and development, understanding and friendly relations among nations and peoples of the world, Recognizing in particular the right of indigenous families and communities to retain shared responsibility for the upbringing, training, education and well-being of their children, consistent with the rights of the child, Considering that the rights affirmed in treaties, agreements and other constructive arrangements between States and indigenous peoples are, in some situations, matters of international concern, interest, responsibility and character, Considering also that treaties, agreements and other constructive arrangements, and the relationship they represent, are the basis for a strengthened partnership between indigenous peoples and States, Acknowledging that the Charter of the United Nations, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,2 as well as the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action,3 affirm the fundamental importance of the right to self-determination of all peoples, by virtue of which they freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development, Bearing in mind that nothing in this Declaration may be used to deny any peoples their right to self-determination, exercised in conformity with international law, Convinced that the recognition of the rights of indigenous peoples in this Declaration will enhance harmonious and cooperative relations between the State and indigenous peoples, based on principles of justice, democracy, respect for human rights, non-discrimination and good faith, Encouraging States to comply with and effectively implement all their obligations as they apply to indigenous peoples under international instruments, in particular those related to human rights, in consultation and cooperation with the peoples concerned, Emphasizing that the United Nations has an important and continuing role to play in promoting and protecting the rights of indigenous peoples, Believing that this Declaration is a further important step forward for the recognition, promotion and protection of the rights and freedoms of indigenous peoples and in the development of relevant activities of the United Nations system in this field, Recognizing and reaffirming that indigenous individuals are entitled without discrimination to all human rights recognized in international law, and that indigenous peoples possess collective rights which are indispensable for their existence, well-being and integral development as peoples, Recognizing that the situation of indigenous peoples varies from region to region and from country to country and that the significance of national and regional particularities and various historical and cultural backgrounds should be taken into consideration, Solemnly proclaims the following United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as a standard of achievement to be pursued in a spirit of partnership and mutual respect…..: [refer to full text at URL]

The Treaty aims at: • recognizing the enormous contribution of farmers to the diversity of crops that feed the world; • establishing a global system to provide farmers, plant breeders and scientists with access to plant genetic materials; • ensuring that recipients share benefits they derive from the use of these genetic materials with the countries where they have been originated.

The emerging bush tomato industry faces many challenges. These include regularity of supply, food safety, appropriate nomenclature, correct identification of species, domestication, cultivation, quality assurance and traceability. The Bush Tomato Handbook is an effort to identify, collect, synthesise and present all of the information relevant to the horticultural production of Solanum centrale (bush tomato) that includes our own experience and the work of others who grow, harvest and/or study this plant. Our purpose is to support the establishment of bush food enterprises across desert Australia.

Improvement in Aboriginal people’s livelihoods and economic opportunities has been a major aim of increased research and development on bush foods over the past decade. But worldwide the development of trade in non-timber forest products from natural populations has raised questions about the ecological sustainability of harvest. Trade-offs and tensions between commercialisation and cultural values have also been found. We investigated the sustainability of the small-scale commercial harvest and trade in native plant products sourced from central Australian rangelands (including Solanum centrale J.M. Black, Acacia Mill. spp.). We used semi-structured interviews with traders and Aboriginal harvesters, participant observation of trading and harvesting trips, and analysis of species and trader records. An expert Aboriginal reference group guided the project. We found no evidence of either taxa being vulnerable to over-harvest. S. centrale production is enhanced by harvesting when it co-occurs with patch-burning. Extreme fluctuations in productivity of both taxa, due to inter-annual rainfall variability, have a much greater impact on supply than harvest effects. Landscape-scale degradation (including cattle grazing and wildfire) affected ecological sustainability according to participants. By contrast, we found that sustainability of bush food trade is more strongly impacted by social and economic factors. The relationship-based links between harvesters and traders are critical to monetary trade. Harvesters and traders identified access to productive lands and narrow economic margins between costs and returns as issues for the future sustainability of harvest and trade. Harvesters and the reference group emphasised that sustaining bush harvest relies on future generations having necessary knowledge and skills; these are extremely vulnerable to loss. Aboriginal people derive multiple livelihood benefits from harvest and trade. Aboriginal custodians and harvester groups involved in recent trade are more likely to benefit from research and development investment to inter-generational knowledge and skill transfer than from investments in plant breeding and commercial horticultural development. In an inductive comparison, our study found there to be strong alignment between key findings about the strategies used by harvesters and traders in bush produce and the ‘desert system’..

Fundamental to the development of novel food products with a distinctly Australian flavour is the identification and utilisation of the diversity that occurs in wild populations. In desert environments plants must survive extreme ecological stressors and it is not uncommon for the exposed portions of desert plants to be highly ephemeral and respond rapidly to environmental change. As a result desert plant life histories commonly show rapid responses to changing moisture availability, tolerance to extremes such as fire and prolonged drought, and biological mechanisms to persist until viable growth conditions occur, typically through seed banks, clonality or longevity. Thus, the standing stock (or population) of a particular plant in the field at any one time may be highly variable depending upon the history of local environmental conditions. As a result, the quantity of a particular plant, in the case of species such as Solanum centrale, known by a number of names, desert raisin, bush tomato or Akatyerr, will be highly variable for traits such as fruit production at any one time. The consequences to product supply will be high variability year to year reducing reliability of product availability at any one time. New product development and market acceptance requires reliable sources of marketable product preferably with highly valued palatability. At present, many desert bush foods are primarily obtained for market through wild-harvest activities, with some efforts to establish plantations and horticultural plots except for older products such as Macadamia. The wild harvest plant material collected is highly variable both in availability and palatability. Thus, for the benefit of industry development, we need to understand the basis of variability in plant characteristics, both desirable and undesirable. In addition, the use of wild collected material and subsequent In this report, I summarise the results of investigations into the genetic resources, variability and factors affecting selections of plants for use in horticultural development. The final section of the report contains a set of recommendations and issues in the establishment of horticultural plantings of Solanum centrale for commercial production in Australia.

• Premise of the study: The first microsatellite primers were developed for Solanum centrale, a native Australian species used in the bush foods industry. Existing markers developed for other Solanum species were also amplified. • Methods and Results: Using an enrichment cloning protocol, seven novel markers were developed, and 48 existing markers from other Solanum species were tested, resulting in the characterization of a set of six highly polymorphic co-dominant loci for use in S. centrale. Microsatellite screening revealed polyploidy. Among the six highly polymorphic loci, allelic diversity ranged from 7 to 14. • Conclusions: These markers will be useful for investigating genetic diversity and as a simple way of estimating ploidy of wild populations.

Geology and Geomorphology The area comprises three geological structural units. The major unit is the eastern Amadeus Basin which is bounded on the north by the Arunta (geological) Block and in the south and south-east by the Musgrave (geological) Block.

Indigenous people in remote Australia face many challenges in developing viable resource-based industries. Transplanting industries and practices from elsewhere will not necessarily provide workable solutions for these communities, which confront the hurdles of distance and scarce access to infrastructure, capital, land and training for new skills. This research worked with Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory to explore the feasibility of developing small-scale enterprises based on harvesting of plant material in remote Aboriginal communities. The project investigated the basis for selection of plant products and undertook case studies on selective harvests, including evaluation of transport and collection costs, and potential markets. This report presents results of the consultations with communities, and outcomes of the case studies. It provides recommendations for enterprise development to address ecological, social, economic and marketing issues, training and education, as well as recommendations and concerns raised by the aboriginal peoples consulted and involved in the case studies. Specific objectives of the project were to: • identify potential market opportunities for plant products suited to harvest in remote communities with limited infrastructure • examine cultural appropriateness of commercial harvesting of a range of native plants • assess ecological and other land management implications of potential and existing harvests • develop community-based strategies for improved realisation of commercial opportunities.

PREAMBLE Members, - Desiring to reduce distortions and impediments to international trade, and taking into account the need to promote effective and adequate protection of intellectual property rights, and to ensure that measures and procedures to enforce intellectual property rights do not themselves become barriers to legitimate trade; - Recognizing, to this end, the need for new rules and disciplines concerning: (a) the applicability of the basic principles of GATT 1994 and of relevant international intellectual property agreements or conventions; (b) the provision of adequate standards and principles concerning the availability, scope and use of trade-related intellectual property rights; (c) the provision of effective and appropriate means for the enforcement of trade-related intellectual property rights, taking into account differences in national legal systems; (d) the provision of effective and expeditious procedures for the multilateral prevention and settlement of disputes between governments; and (e) transitional arrangements aiming at the fullest participation in the results of the negotiations; - Recognizing the need for a multilateral framework of principles, rules and disciplines dealing with international trade in counterfeit goods; - Recognizing that intellectual property rights are private rights; - Recognizing the underlying public policy objectives of national systems for the protection of intellectual property, including developmental and technological objectives; - Recognizing also the special needs of the least-developed country Members in respect of maximum flexibility in the domestic implementation of laws and regulations in order to enable them to create a sound and viable technological base; - Emphasizing the importance of reducing tensions by reaching strengthened commitments to resolve disputes on trade-related intellectual property issues through multilateral procedures; - Desiring to establish a mutually supportive relationship between the WTO and the World Intellectual Property Organization (referred to in this Agreement as “WIPO”) as well as other relevant international organizations; Hereby agree as follows:…… [refer full document at URL]

The commercialisation of native species has some potential to contribute to the reduction of income poverty levels in remote Aboriginal communities in Central Australia. Aboriginal people hold significant knowledge, skill and land resources that if brought together in the commercialisation of one or more species, could contribute to more secure and sustainable livelihoods. Despite this potential, there are also very serious obstacles to Aboriginal people successfully participating at any level of the commercial marketplace, whether as producers, processors or retailers. Remote Aboriginal communities typically lack infrastructure, management skills, and understanding of business, and even given access to appropriate infrastructure, few individuals could be expected to meet the rigorous health and safety regulations that control the food and pharmaceutical industries. In addition, significant elements of Aboriginal knowledge have been placed in the public domain over the past century, so that much of the potential advantage has been nullified or reversed. There is, furthermore, a disconnection between the understandings that Aboriginal people in remote areas hold with regards to many traditional foods and medicines, and the imperatives of successful commercialisation. In this paper, I will reflect on my experiences working in a loose partnership with Aboriginal people to trade two ‘bushfoods’: the ‘bush tomato’ (Solanum centrale), 1 and ‘wattleseed’ (various Acacia species, particularly A victoriae, A colei and A coriacea). I will also explore the structural and cultural nature of poverty in remote Aboriginal settlements, with a view to showing how natural resource commercialisation may contribute to poverty alleviation, and how it may not.

This report examines the functional properties of Australian bushfoods and provides detailed information on the antimicrobial, antioxidant and emulsifying properties of 19 Australian bushfoods and their products. Several bushfoods were found to possess strong antimicrobial activity against a number of common foodborne human pathogens and food spoilage microorganisms. A number of native plants have relatively strong antioxidant properties. Extracts from wattle seeds (Acacia victoriae) were found to have strong emulsifying capacities. These findings should provide a foundation for better marketing of bushfood products and expanding their areas of application.

The accurate monitoring of vegetation cover of globally extensive arid and semi-arid environments is important and challenging. This study examined the capacity of five Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) spectral bands and 17 vegetation indices (VIs) in estimating saltbush and total vegetation cover in semi-arid rangeland environments. It investigated the relationships between ground-surveyed vegetation cover and VIs derived from Landsat TM images and coincident ground reflectance measurements at Lake Mungo and Fowlers Gap, New South Wales, Australia, both vegetated by perennial chenopod shrublands, principally saltbush. In comparison with spectral measures that rely only on visible and near-infrared wavebands, mid-infrared wavelengths and VIs derived from them were better at characterizing vegetation cover. TM5, TM7, SRVI-1, SRVI-2, and SRVI-3 were identified as generally suitable for large-scale surveys in semi-arid rangelands, where a cost-effective evaluation of vegetation cover is required.