Environmental Politics Ocean Governance Questions
Marine genetic resources are used in pharmaceutical research and development due to their potential for discovering new bioactive compounds with therapeutic properties. These resources, which include organisms such as marine plants, animals, and microorganisms, possess unique genetic material that can produce novel chemical compounds not found in terrestrial organisms. Scientists extract and study these genetic resources to identify and isolate bioactive compounds that can be used in the development of new drugs and treatments for various diseases and medical conditions. The exploration of marine genetic resources has led to the discovery of compounds with anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and antibiotic properties, among others. Additionally, these resources also contribute to the development of biotechnological applications, such as the production of enzymes and other bioactive molecules used in various industries. However, it is important to ensure that the utilization of marine genetic resources is done in a sustainable and equitable manner, considering the conservation of biodiversity and the fair sharing of benefits with the countries and communities that provide these resources.