Facilitating access to biotechnology information

Increasing access to databases on molecular biology

Description

Facilitating access to biotechnology information involves systematically improving the availability, dissemination, and usability of scientific data, research findings, and technological developments in biotechnology. This strategy aims to overcome barriers such as restricted databases, lack of awareness, and technical complexity by promoting open-access platforms, multilingual resources, and user-friendly interfaces. The practical intent is to empower researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders to make informed decisions, foster innovation, and address global challenges in health, agriculture, and environmental sustainability.

Context

This strategy features in the framework of Agenda 21 as formulated at UNCED (Rio de Janeiro, 1992), now coordinated by the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development and implemented through national and local authorities.

Agenda 21 recommends: facilitation of access to existing information dissemination systems, especially among developing countries; improvement of such access where appropriate; considering development of a directory of information. It also recommends that steps should be taken to increase access both to existing information about biotechnology and to facilities based on global databases.