@article{Kumara_2017, title={Challenges of Biopiracy: Implementing Community Based Ecotourism (CBET) in the Sri Lankan context}, volume={6}, url={https://journals.sjp.ac.lk/index.php/JTFE/article/view/2941}, DOI={10.31357/jtfe.v6i2.2941}, abstractNote={<p>Abstract<br />Protecting the right of the local community/country to use their own genetic resources<br />available in a particular area is an important element of environmental and biodiversity<br />conservation. However, one of the biggest biodiversity conservation challenges faced by<br />southern peripheral countries is biopiracy and related issues. Community based ecotourism<br />(CBET) is a well-established concept and its implementation is an important component in many<br />regional development strategies. This research argues that though CBET which originated as a<br />western concept has been successfully applied in number of projects, it generates biopiracy<br />challenges in its implementation when CBET operates within different geo-political, economic<br />and cultural contexts. This research examines such challenges to CBET initiatives in the<br />Sinharaja world heritage site, Sri Lanka. A qualitative-inductive research methodology has<br />principally guided this research to examine the socio-cultural and socio-economic context of<br />biopiracy issues. A total of 293 participants have informed this research including 193<br />interviews. A critical discourse analysis (CDA) method is used to examine both primary<br />qualitative data collected through participant and direct observation, interviews and secondary<br />data. One of the main findings is that despite plans being developed at a community level, in<br />wider context, challenges of biopiracy related to superimposed capitalism contest CBET<br />ideologies. Superimposed capitalism results in individualistic and competitive behaviours that<br />undermine collaborative and responsible community approach. Presently, smuggling out of<br />Wallapatta plant (Gyrinops walla) and gathering of Spotted bowfinger gecko (Cyrtodactylus<br />triedra) which is an endemic nocturnal reptile species have become profitable in KudawaSinharaja<br />site and a growing number of biopirates venture into here. Local community of this site<br />takes risks in forest genetic resources smuggling because it provides them with the means of<br />earning much money within a short period. Regardless of all prevalent laws and regulations<br />against bioprospecting, biopiracy, biological resource and wildlife smuggling, authorities have<br />still failed to control these activities in this site because of the support given to bio-pirates by the<br />local community. The research concludes that CBET is an appropriate pathway for tourism<br />development in Sri Lanka but recognition of biopiracy issues associated with superimposed<br />capitalism is required and needed to be addressed. A well-defined monitoring system and an<br />effective legal framework to control adverse effects are important for achieving CBET goals<br />while confronting biopiracy.</p><p>Keywords: Biopiracy, Community Based Eco-tourism, Superimposed capitalism.</p>}, number={2}, journal={Journal of Tropical Forestry and Environment}, author={Kumara, H.I.G.C.}, year={2017}, month={Mar.} }