Biodiscovery In Victoria

Background Biodiscovery or ‘bioprospecting’ involves research into biological resources for commercial or industrial purposes. Products arising from biodiscovery may include the development of valuable bioproducts, including pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, disease control agents and bioremediation products. Victoria's natural habitats range from alpine to semi-arid, from coastal environments to temperate rainforests and rolling grasslands. As such, there is quite a variety of biological resources unique to Victoria which may be of interest for research into possible biodiscovery applications. Victorian Biodiscovery Policy The Victorian Government supports the sustainable use of its biological resources including for biodiscovery purposes. The framework for managing biodiscovery in Victoria is outlined in the attached policy document Biodiscovery in Victoria A framework for managing access to and use of our native biological resources October 2008 [PDF File - 1006.8 KB] which was launched by the Government on 27 October 2008. More information about why this policy is in place and the requirements under the policy are provided in the Biodiscovery in Victoria - Information Sheet [PDF File - 285.9 KB].

Mycena interrupta, Photo: Paul George ©

Interim Arrangements

If you want to undertake research into possible biodiscovery applications for Victorian biological resources you must complete the Expression of Interest form [PDF File - 108.1 KB] to collect biological, genetic, and/or biochemical resources in plants, animals and / or micro-organisms for biodiscovery purposes in Victoria and have a benefit sharing agreement with the access provider. See the Biodiscovery in Victoria - Information Sheet for information on who the access provider will be where access is to public or private lands or where traditional Indigenous ecological knowledge is involved.

Further Information

For further information please contact the Customer Service Centre on 136 186.

Victorian Biotechnology Strategic Development Plan

This policy is part of the broader biotechnology industry which the Government is committed to support through the Victorian Biotechnology Strategic Development Plan.

Commonwealth

The Commonwealth has developed a Model Benefit-Sharing Agreement as a guide to inform negotiation of agreements where the Commonwealth is not the access provider. This may be of use for access providers when negotiating with resource users over access to biological resources.