Policy for access to and use of biological resources in the Northern Territory

It is widely acknowledged that the genetic and biochemical makeup of these resources may have potential for use in scientific and technological research or to be developed into commercial products.

The Government of the Northern Territory considers investigation into biological resources for scientific, research or commercial purpose to be an appropriate use of wildlife, both aquatic and terrestrial. Accordingly, the Government has developed the Policy for Access to and Use of Biological Resources in the Northern Territory (the policy). The policy creates a framework for the management of biological resources in the Northern Territory while respecting existing property rights of Territorians.

The policy is consistent with the Northern Territory's obligations under the Native Title Act 1993.

The Government also recognises that it is essential that the Northern Territory's biological diversity be sustained. This principle is reflected in this policy and the Government's associated Strategy for Conservation through the Sustainable Use of Wildlife in the Northern Territory. To this end, where possible, benefits derived from access to and use of biological resources from publicly owned or managed areas should be used for biodiversity conservation in the area from which the resources were taken. The sustainable use and management of biological resources will ensure that potential benefits from their use can be obtained without detriment to the resource.

Recognising the importance of the issue of sustainable use and management to Indigenous people, the Government of the Northern Territory acknowledges the rights of Indigenous Territorians in regard to their traditional ecological knowledge and the potential benefits which may flow to them from the utilisation of such knowledge.