Biopiracy

Vandana Shiva s book shows how Western powers, following in the footsteps of Columbus, are using patenting and genetic engineering to re-colonize the Third World. Denying the value of indigenous knowledge developed over many generations, the West is attempting to colonize life itself. The author argues that we must struggle to protect biological and cultural diversity, and that this will best be brought about by our developing and supporting self-organized communities based on decentralization, local democratic control of resources, social justice and peace. Biopiracy brings a fresh perspective to the current debate on the patenting of life forms and genetic engineeering, from one of the Third World s most respected voices.