TBGRI- KANI MODEL OF BENEFIT SHARING PROF G

TBGRI- KANI MODEL OF BENEFIT SHARING PROF. G. M. NAIR, DIRECTOR Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute Pacha-Palode, Thiruvananthapuram 695562, Kerala, India

TBGRI MODEL FOR BENEFIT SHARING Abstract Trichopus zeylanicus ssp. travancoricus Burkill. ex Narayanan Documentation of ethno medical knowledge of Kani tribes, research, product development, patenting, licensing, technology transfer and benefit sharing

TBGRI MODEL FOR BENEFIT SHARING The Discovery It was an accidental discovery made a team lead by Scientists of TBGRI during the Ethnomedico. Botanical exploration to the Agastyar valley areas of Thiruvananthapyram Dist, Kerala, India, which is located in the southern most part of the Western Ghats that the plant, Trychopus sp. , abundant in that area, has restorative and anti-fatigue properties. The discovery of the unique property of the plant was based on the leads obtained from disclosures by the Kani tribe people who accompanied the group as Porters and Guides

TBGRI MODEL FOR BENEFIT SHARING The Tribe The Kanis mainly inhabit the forests of Thiruvananthapuram Districts of Kerala. According to the Census of Govt. of India 1991, their population is 16, 181 which is approximately 1. 85 of the total population of the districts. Kanis are traditionally a nomadic community, but most of them are settled now for long time

TBGRI MODEL FOR BENEFIT SHARING The Claim The unripe fruits of ‘Arogyapacha’ are eaten fresh to remain healthy and agile by Kanis during their long trekking trips in the forest for procuring their livelihood requirements.

TBGRI MODEL FOR TRIBAL IDENTITY BENEFIT SHARING ‘Arogyapacha’ Arogya = Health ; Pacha = Green Hence the term ‘Arogyapacha’ denotes that, the plant is helpful for maintaining health always in a green state. BOTANICAL IDENTITY Trichopus zeylanicus ssp. travancoricus Burkill. ex Narayanan Belonging to the family Trichopodaceae. It is a herbaceous, perennial, rhoizomatous plant found in the Agastyar Hills of Western Ghats, one of the “Hot Spots” of the Country (Kerala and Tamil Nadu region). AYURVEDIC IDENTITY Varahi – One of the 18 divine herbs mentioned in the ancient Ayurvedic treatises, Charaka Samhita and Susruta Samhita.

TBGRI MODEL FOR BENEFIT SHARING RESEARCH Pharmacognosical studies, Phytochemical and Ethnopharmacological screening, toxicity studies, study of ‘Arogyapacha’ including the clinical pharmacology of herbal formulations developed from ‘Arogyapacha’ (Jeevani). Ethnopharmacological screening of Arogyapacha reveled various activities such as anti-fatigue, anti-tumour, antigastric ulcer, anti-stress, anti-allergic, anti-oxidant, adaptogenic, aphrodisiac, immuno-modulatory and hepatoprotective.

TBGRI MODEL FOR BENEFIT SHARING Product Development Based on Ayurvedic fundamental principles, formulated a new, poly-herbal Ayurvedic drug named Jeevani. Number of patents filed (Process patent) Four Number of patents awarded (Process patent) Two

TBGRI MODEL FOR BENEFIT SHARING Technology Transfer Technology for production of the drug ‘Jeevani’ has been transferred to a reputed Ayurvedic drug manufacturing company located in Kerala since 1948, for a period of 7 years. Through this TBGRI received 10 lakhs rupees as license fee and 2% royalty on ex-factory sales price. Benefit Sharing (decision taking) Based on the technology transfer of ‘Jeevani’ TBGRI has decided to part with 50% of the licence fee and royalty with the Kani tribes who provided the original lead for the development of the drug.

TBGRI MODEL FOR BENEFIT SHARING Recognition of IPR and implementation of article 8(j. ) of CBD Through this equitable benefit sharing, TBGRI has implemented article 8(j. ) of the Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD) and recognised the IPR of Kani tribes. Benefit sharing (mechanism worked out) Kani tribes registered a Trust called ‘Kerala Kani Samudaya Kshema Trust’, with the guidance of TBGRI and the benefits received by the technology transfer and royalty were remitted to the Trust’s account.

TBGRI MODEL FOR BENEFIT SHARING Benefit sharing (Mechanism implemented) Later, in consultation with TBGRI, the Executive Committee of the Trust had decided to felicitate three Kani tribes who provided the information about Arogyapacha. Accordingly, they were felicitated by the trust and a prize money of Rs. 20, 000/- each was given to Sri. Mallan Kani and Sri. Kuttimathan Kani (Rs. 40, 000) and Rs. 10, 000/- to Eachan Kani (Grand total Rs. 50, 000/ -). This amount has been taken from the first year’s interest of the 5 Lakhs remitted to the trust account. The EC also decided to keep Rs. 5 Lakhs as the permanent asset of the trust, in the bank and only the interest of that money will be utilised for the welfare activities of the Kani tribes.

TBGRI MODEL FOR BENEFIT SHARING Benefit sharing (Conclusion) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. A novel model developed by TBGRI for benefit sharing - which Implemented Article 8(j). of CBD Recognised IPR of Kani tribes Protected traditional knowledge of Kani tribes Extended short term benefits to the informants (3 Kani tribes men) Extended long term benefit to the Kani community

Recognition of TBGRI model of Benefit sharing – UN Equator Initiative Award • TBGRI model of Benefit sharing was acclaimed world over and in the recently concluded World Summit on Sustainable Development held at Johannesburg, when TBGRI model of benefit sharing received UN Equator Initiative Award. This award was received by Dr. P. Pushpangadan under individual category. The secretary of the Kerala Kani Samudaya Kshema Trust, Sri. Kuttimathan Kani attended the World Summit and received the certificate of excellence on behalf of the Kerala Kani Samudaya Kshema Trust.

Post Benefit Sharing effect • Constructed a community hall cum office for the Kerala Kani Samudaya Kshema Trust at Chonampara tribal settlement, Kottoor, Thiruvananthapuram District of Kerala State. By utilising the interest of fixed deposit and the interest received from the amount of Equator Initiative Award. • Started a reading room at the community hall. • After a long debate and discussion, recently the cultivation of ‘Arogyapacha’ within the Tribal settlement area has been permitted by the Kerala Forest Department.

Current status Renewal of the technological transfer of Jeevani is spending and initiated certain measures for obtaining clarifications / clearance from the higher authorities.