A Critical Examination of Breeders’ Monopoly Rights to the Detriment of Farmers’ Rights Under the Ethiopian Plant Breeders’ Rights Law

Ethiopia adopted plant breeders’ rights proclamation in 2006 to provide recognition and economic reward for breeders for their effort and investment so as to encourage their involvement in the sector. At the same time, the proclamation aims to ensure that the farming and pastoral communities of Ethiopia, who have been conserving and continue to do so in the future the agro-biodiversity resource used to develop new plant varieties, continue to their centuries old customary practice of use and exchange of seed. This article aims at investigating the extent to which the proclamation accommodates its stated objective by giving adequate recognition to farmers’ rights. The investigation adopts a qualitative method by analyzing both primary materials and secondary sources. The article concludes that the Ethiopian plant breeders’ rights proclamation fails to adequately incorporate farmers’ rights beyond its preamble.

An annotated checklist of the vascular flora of South and North Nandi Forests, Kenya

We compiled a checklist of the flora of South and North Nandi forests based on literature, online databases, herbarium collections and floristic field surveys. A combination of general walk-over surveys and plotless landscape sampling for plant collection and sight observation was used. We recorded 628 plant species representing 118 families and 392 genera, which almost double the latest results of the previous most recent survey. We found 61 species of ferns and fern allies and 567 species of seed plants, representing 9.98% of the total plant species in Kenya. Herbs were the majority (50.2%) of life forms followed by shrubs (16.5%). We report unique populations of three species out of 19 species that are widespread in Africa, but restricted to Nandi and Kakamega Forests in Kenya. Four of the recorded species are threatened globally and 16 exotic plant species were found. The recent description of one new species and two new records for Kenya from these forests, together with the comprehensive checklist is of crucial importance to the conservation of these unique ecosystems. Our results are essential to forest managers, community forest associations, conservationists, students and research scientists in Kenya and globally for implementing critical decisions for the conservation of this vital biodiversity resource.

Impact of Typha Grass on Biodiversity Loss of Hadejia-Nguru Wetland Located between Jigawa and Yobe States of Nigeria: A Review

Wetland - an interface between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems are the most precious life-sustaining water resources which play crucial roles as an ecosystem service provider. This paper reviewed the impact of Typha grass on biodiversity loss of Hadejia-Nguru wetland which is located between Jigawa and Yobe State of Nigeria. Impacts exerted by Typha grass on Hadejia-Nguru wetland includes that on biodiversity; impact on birdlife; creation of microhabitats that reduces habitat for wintering of migratory and resident birds likewise provision of harbour for large flocks of Quelea birds, another invasive bird species. Typha proliferation Impacts generally, by endangering some native species towards the brink of extinction in addition, acting as trigger to decline in human socio economic activities with a resultant amplification in unemployment, poverty and crime rate. It is important that the actual biodiversity resource content of the entire Hadejia-Nguru wetland be ascertain whilst government and other stakeholders’ investment of sincere commitment towards management of the menace of Typha grass be assured.Keywords: Wetland, Typha grass, Biodiversity, Hadejia-Nguru and Ramsar site

Aboriginal Biocultural Knowledge in South-eastern Australia

Indigenous Australians have long understood sustainable hunting and harvesting, seasonal changes in flora and fauna, predator–prey relationships and imbalances, and seasonal fire management. Yet the extent of their knowledge and expertise has been largely unknown and underappreciated by non-Aboriginal colonists, especially in the south-east of Australia where Aboriginal culture was severely fractured. Aboriginal Biocultural Knowledge in South-eastern Australia is the first book to examine historical records from early colonists who interacted with south-eastern Australian Aboriginal communities and documented their understanding of the environment, natural resources such as water and plant and animal foods, medicine and other aspects of their material world. This book provides a compelling case for the importance of understanding Indigenous knowledge, to inform discussions around climate change, biodiversity, resource management, health and education. It will be a valuable reference for natural resource management agencies, academics in Indigenous studies and anyone interested in Aboriginal culture and knowledge.

Ecological assessment of type, abundance and infestation status of invasive alien species (IAS) in eastern part of Ethiopia; suggestion of inventory and monitoring protocols–IAS

Background: The type and distribution of IAS in eastern part of Ethiopia become a very serious issue and infested with in a very high speed. The main aim of this assessment is in order to assess the type, current infestation rate, and to estimate the general abundance of IAS in the eastern part of Ethiopia and used to take or plan appropriate measurement methods as well as in the long run it is important for policy makers to take over an immediate action. Methods: Data collection was performed though interview, filed survey, group discussion, and from different formerly published prepares. Result: From this data we can understand that the infestation stage of IAS, its impact, majorly dominate spices and future projection of those IAS is clearly identified. Conclusion: The issues need an immediate and fast response before it becomes totally damage the whole native biodiversity resource and also the community leave on that area become both economically, socially and healthy dependence due to the effect of those IAS on the other body.