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1.1 AFRICAN GINGER RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Output 1.1 of the UNDP/GEF6 Project is implemented by the Council for Industrial Research (CSIR) and aims to overcome R&D barriers linked to clinical studies and registration of African ginger (Siphonochilus aethiopicus) as a bioresource to treat inflammatory and allergic diseases in an ABS-compliant manner. The output aims to achieve this through three key activities.

Firstly, to develop a benefit sharing agreement (BSA) in alignment with the South African Biodiversity Act. This will be achieved through the identification and engagement of relevant communities and traditional knowledge (TK) holders. The process will be guided by the national bioprospecting, access and benefit sharing regulatory framework – guidelines for provider, users and regulators. The process includes a research component whereby relevant communities and TK holders are identified as well as a large consultation process whereby stakeholders and IAPS are engaged towards ensuring appropriate inclusion in the BSA as well as negotiation with the relevant parties as to the development of a suitable BSA.

Secondly, the output will facilitate the conducting of phase 1 clinical studies (clinical trials, adsorption/metabolism studies and observation studies) of African ginger genetic material. The process will involve the identification of a suitable genetic material through chemical investigations, sourcing of suitable quantities of the appropriate genetic material, facilitation of processing of raw plant material towards producing capsules or tablets for the use in phase 1 clinical trials, facilitation of the phase 1 clinical trials through an appropriate clinical research organisation.

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