Protection of traditional knowledge

Mark Schultz, who has been in the country since Monday, said that there are concerns that people in developing countries have not benefited from their traditional knowledge and inventions resulting in companies from developed countries commercialising those.

He gave examples of traditional knowledge as handicrafts like weaves and art works that are highly valued, traditional stories, ceremonies, dances and symbols. "The unfortunate part is that the society in the developing countries end up not benefiting from their own traditional knowledge and developments. They can have businesses to sell their inventions," he said giving an example of the controversial Hoodia.