Ans: Biopiracy refers to the unauthorized use of biological resources, such as plants, animals, and microorganisms, by individuals or companies, often for commercial gain, without compensating or recognizing the rights of indigenous communities or countries of origin.

Biopiracy involves:

1. Unauthorized access: Companies or individuals access genetic resources without permission.

2. Misappropriation: They use these resources for commercial purposes without sharing benefits or recognizing traditional knowledge.

3. Patenting: Bio pirates may patent genetic resources or traditional knowledge, restricting access and benefiting financially.

Examples:

1. Neem patent: In the 1990s, a US company patented the use of neem oil as a pesticide, despite its traditional use in India.

2. Basmati rice: A US company patented a strain of basmati rice, sparking controversy over biopiracy.

Consequences:

1. Loss of traditional knowledge: Biopiracy erodes the cultural heritage of indigenous communities.

2. Economic exploitation: Companies profit from biological resources without compensating countries of origin.

3. Environmental concerns: Biopiracy can lead to the over-exploitation of genetic resources, threatening biodiversity.

To combat biopiracy, countries have established laws and international agreements, such as the Nagoya Protocol, to regulate access to genetic resources and ensure fair benefit-sharing.