“Based on the database of the Directorate General of Intellectual Property (DJKI) at the Ministry of Law, nutmeg from Tidore has been classified as communal intellectual property that receives legal protection,” Budi Argap Situngkir, head of the North Maluku Regional Office of the Ministry of Law, said in Ternate on Thursday.
Genetic resources are genetic materials derived from plants, animals, or microorganisms that have concrete or potential value for use, he explained.
“These genetic materials contain units that function as carriers of hereditary traits and have the potential to be developed into innovative products,” he added.
According to DJKI data, Tidore’s nutmeg seeds are known to be superior in quality and are recognized nationally.
Tidore nutmeg can grow in both lowlands and highlands. The fruit’s flesh is protected by thin, velvet-like hairs. The production of nutmeg is greater at higher altitudes than at lower altitudes.
Situngkir said that North Maluku has a variety of genetic resources that have received legal protection, and there are still many others that need to be safeguarded.
He added that the protection of genetic resources is aimed at preserving biodiversity and ensuring the availability of the resources for the benefit of humans and the environment in a sustainable manner.
To promote communal intellectual property protection, he asked local governments, communities, universities, and all stakeholders to work together to register assets such as genetic resources, traditional knowledge, cultural expressions, potential geographical indications, and indications of origin.
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Translator: Abdul Fatah, Martha Herlinawati Simanjuntak
Editor: Arie Novarina
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