The Renaissance of African Culture - WIPO International Forum

"There is both considerable concern and interest in our continent over the development of harmonious linkages between our traditional knowledge as it has been harnessed throughout our history and the evolving regime of Intellectual Property Rights. The current situation of legal uncertainty of protecting traditional knowledge and the rights of its holders in most of the developing countries and especially in Africa calls for new thinking and approach. Lack of national legislation and clear policies on utilization of traditional knowledge has placed Africa at a disadvantage." - Dr. Salim, January 21, 2002