The consultation will focus on three key areas related to Indigenous Knowledge and Bioprospecting. 1. Respond to Indigenous Needs 2. Value Indigenous Knowledge 3. Enhance Biocultural Diversity

At the conference a consultation forum will be held on discussing issues associated with the development of positive resources and potential pathways of social and economic development for Indigenous communities and the potential of their own medical knowledge There are Professors from every continent addressing the issues from the perspectives of Law, Biology, Anthropology, Economics, Education, Philosophy and others, while the majority of the Keynote Speakers are Indigenous. (Aboriginal, Maori, Native American, Samoan, African, with others to confirm).

There will be a very significant presence of hundreds of Indigenous peoples from around Australia and the rest of the world. In early March Macquarie University approved a research grant of $90,000 that supports the aims of the conference. It will ensure the involvement of wide Indigenous participation in creating a national standard of excellence in ethics, protocols and benefit-sharing in relation to biodiversity related research with Indigenous communities. This conference is seen as integral to that process.

If you have any further need for information please feel free to contact me: chris.jones@law.mq.edu.au or on my mobile 0419 780 820