Rules and regulations on the collection in Cameroon of biological materials for biological testing and drug discovery.

Regulations on the exploitation of Cameroon's rich biodiversity have tended to emphasize timber exploitation at the expense of non-timber uses. Materials for scientific research have been marginalized. However, in-service instructions usually provide practical guidelines such as specific charges that researchers must pay for the collection of samples. Even though the current law and text of application are silent on regulations addressing the scientific "prospecting' or exploitation of the forests, it is hoped that a particular text in conformity with the current regulations will provide more specific rules governing the collection, testing and exportation of biological materials for drug testing and discovery.