Africa's Bushmen May Get Rich From
Diet-Drug Secret - Part IV
Leon Marshall in Johannesburg
for National Geographic News
April 16, 2003
Fortuituous
Confluence
To Crawhall, the
Hoodia deal forms part of a fortuitous confluence of factors
which could spell a better future for the San. It fits well with the
consciousness of human rights that has come with South Africa's new
democratic constitution and which has already resulted in important
land-restitution breakthroughs for the San. It also fits well with
the growing international awareness of indigenous minorities and
their rights.
Chennels, who has
also been fighting the San's legal battle for restitution of their
traditional land, says he believes the deal represents notable
recognition and acknowledgement of the importance of the traditional
knowledge and heritage of the San peoples.
"This groundbreaking,
benefit-sharing agreement between a local research council and the
San represents enormous potential for future bioprospecting
successes based on the San's extensive knowledge of the traditional
uses of indigenous plants of the area.
"We are optimistic
that this case will serve as a sound foundation for future
collaboration, not only for the San but also for other holders of
traditional knowledge," he said. |
