Brasília, 9/18/2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - Brazil has the world's largest reserve of biodiversity, but loses US$1 billion annually because of stolen genetic material, mainly in the Amazon, reports the Brazilian Environmental Protection Institute (Ibama).

The use of medicinal plants, also known as phytotherapy, as part of a regular health program through pharmacies would do two things, says the Ministry of Health. First, it would resolve the problem of piracy. Second, it would improve the health of some 80 million Brazilians who do not have regular access to medicine.

The idea of such a program is being discussed at the First National Conference on Medicine and Pharmaceutical Assistance which is taking place in Brasilia. (AB)