LIPI Holds Symposium On Protection Of Genetic Resources

Bogor, W Java, Dec 5 (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) and the Research and Technology Ministry held a symposium on the protection of genetic resources in Cibinong, Bogor District, on Wednesday. "Indonesia should protect and manage its genetic resources and its traditional knowledge," said Dr Siti Nuramaliati Prijono, who works at LIPI. Indonesia is rich in genetic resources. In fact, Indonesia is the second largest country in the world (after Brazil), in terms of the magnitude of genetic resources. The country is also rich in traditional knowledge, related to genetic resources. We are finding it difficult to manage the knowledge for the welfare of the people, she said. Many foreign researchers are keen on coming to Indonesia to study our genetic resources. Research on genetic resources is conducted by local and foreign scientists. "However, the results of the research are not recorded properly, in a systematic manner. This is the challenge that we are facing,� she said.