Why is Mexico, and particularly the state of Chiapas, so attractive to biopirates and prospectors?
Because of Mexico’s, and especially Chiapas’, mega-diverse character, it has become a frequent target for bioprospectors. Mexico owes part of its mega-diverse character to its geographic diversity, varying climates and geological complexity. Additionally, it’s role as a species bridge between North and South America also contributes to its biological wealth. Geographically, Mexico functions as a transition zone between two distinct regions: the neo-tropical (South and Central America) and the neo-arctic (North America). For example, Mexico contains 34 of 36 identifiable ecoclimates, while the continental 48 states of the US has only 4. Out of 28 categories of recognized soils, Mexico is home to 25. Though Mexico contains only 1.3% of the world’s landmass, it contains 14.4% of all living species in the world. Mexico has a large number of endemic species, and is the region of origin for some 118 plant species, including maize. 9. Legislation regarding bioprospecting and biopiracy Mexico
