Insects and ABS

Abstract

Most people are oblivious to the innumerable and indispensable roles played by insects in pollination, decomposition, dung burial, pest control and supporting animal and human life. Thus, considering the importance of insects and the fact that insect diversity faces the same ecological threats as all other biodiver-sity, the need to conserve insect diversity can never be over emphasised. Under the Convention on Biological Diversity and Nagoya Protocol, the concept of Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) was to ascertain a country’s sovereign right over its biological resources, to ensure that the endangered and vulnerable species are protected from being exploited and in the case of insects specifically prevent the “beetle mania”. Though insects constitute over 50% of all known species, less than 3% of all species listed in the IUCN red list as threatened or endangered are insect species. The lack of complete scientific data on insect species is considered to be a reason for this distor-tion. While insect taxonomy is undoubtedly one of the most important areas to support documentation and conservation of insect diversity, there are certain hurdles in the form of “taxonomic impediments”, the major one being the restrictions imposed on the free exchange of dead specimens between taxonomists in different countries based on the ABS regime. Internationally the accepted taxonomic practice involves the exchange of dead specimens between taxonomists for comparison, which is impera-tive not only to arrive at the correct identity of the insect species, but also for precise documentation and recommendation of ideal management/conservation strategies. The ABS regime is also seriously hampering the future of classical biological control (CBC) initiatives to manage alien invasive insect pests. CBC is applied world-wide and is dependent on exchange of exotic natural enemies. The main beneficiaries of CBC are the global farmers, as their pest problems can be managed through reduced use of pesticides, resulting in lower pesticide residues in food. Thus, the implemen-tation of ABS regulations, while safe-guarding our rich insect diversity from being illegally subjected to commercial exploitation, should ideally recognize and exempt non-commercial taxonomic research and biological control initiatives, where there are clear benefits for the society, environment and public health.