An Introduction of Management and Policy of Biological Resources

생물자원의 관리와 정책

This paper aims to suggest a policy for biological resource based on a comprehensive understanding on biological resources. Biological resources are different from traditionally recognized viable organisms (Biodiversity) in ecosystems. Biological resources are culturable and replicable resources of living organisms such as tissues, cells and genes. Moreover, biological resources include human-derived biological materials. Biological resources is not simply a matter of science and technology. Biological resources should be dealt with as national resources. There are many international issues regarding biological resources, such as intellectual property rights (IPRs), safety on handling and distribution, material transfer agreements (MTAs) for mutual benefits and biological standards. Ethical debates are also being raised because biological resources are related with human-derived biological materials. Every nation has tendency to adopt its government policies to strengthen its sovereignty on biological resources and international cooperation. In addition, international linkages are essential for providing enhanced worldwide accessibility to biological resources. Japan has shown several international initiatives in the field of biological resources. Korea has just begun to design appropriate policies for the use and R&D of biological resources. Therefore, this paper suggests the following needs: 1) policy at the national level beyond the interests of researchers, 2) inter-ministerial coordination across government ministries, 3) expansion of scope and size of each BRC (Biological Resource Centers), and 4) building networks and systems such as national information center, representative centers by field, and each BRC.

본 연구는 새로운 국가자원인 생물자원에 대한 최근의 국제적인 이슈와 주요국의 정책의지 및 관리 체계 등을 살펴 본 것이다. 그렇지만 논의의 전개를 위해 생물자원과 관련된 이론적인 논의, 역사 등을 먼저 검토하였다. 생물자원과 관련된 최근의 이슈는 지적재산권, 보관과 배송의 안전과 관련된 국제규약의 강화, 생물자원의 생물학적 표준강화, 생물자원센터의 윤리문제 등으로 특징지어진다. 이러한 논의를 바탕으로 본고는 생물자원정책의 방향, 체계 및 내용을 간단히 권고하였다. 특히 범부처적 차원에서의 생물자원의 관리와 확보를 위한 종합 조정과 시스템 구축의 필요성을 강조하였다.