I recently published a book titled, Bush Medicine of the Bahamas (http;//www.bushmedicine.org) which documents primarily the bush medicine plants and practices, oral history, and pharmacology of bush medicine plants on San Salvador Island. Concerned about how this information would be used, I wrote the following in the introduction:

"An unintended consequence of the publication of this book is that others could use the information to identify plants that could be exploited for commercial purposes. This could result in serious consequences including plant scarcity, habitat destruction, and the erosion of cultural and genetic diversity. The intention of the authors is to preserve traditional knowledge and promote research and education, not to facilitate personal gain of any person, corporation, or governing body. The authors explicitly reject the idea of patenting life forms, and the exploitation of genetic material. All the information given to us by the interviewees was freely shared with the intent that it serve the public good. To do otherwise would be a betrayal of their trust. Often traditional healers have no idea of the scientific and political implications of their contributions. Any private or commercial endeavor that benefits from the information in this book should include a means for returning benefits both to the community and the habitat that supports that community. Interested parties should contact the principal author for suggestions regarding individuals and organizations in the Bahamas who can assist or advise in selecting an appropriate means of compensation. One such organization is the Bahamas National Trust...."