Briefing Paper

Assessment of Possible Intellectual Property Protection Options of Traditional Knowledge Systems in Ethiopia: Special Reference in Herbal Medicine for Livestock

“This research was initiated to exploit traditional knowledge on traditional herbal medicine with special reference to livestock. Healing with Ethiopian traditional medicine is not only
concerned with curing of diseases but also with the protection and promotion of human
physical, spiritual, social, mental and material wellbeing. Medicinal plants and knowledge of their use provide a vital contribution to human and livestock healthcare needs throughout the country. There are a number of traditional medicinal practices that reflect the diversity of Ethiopian cultures. The protection and exploitation of
community knowledge in a country with a rich biodiversity and cultural expressions such as Ethiopia is not only of great importance to the knowledge-owner communities and the country, but also a global concern where knowledge transfer for the good of the human race
has been a contemporary agenda.”