Problem: Merck, an American pharmaceutical company and INBio (National Biodiversity Institute), established by the Coast Rica's government had a deal in 1991.The deal was that INBio will provide Merck with the different samples of plants, micro-organisms, animals and soil from the areas of Coast Rica. These samples will be used by Merck for the research and development of new drugs. Merck will in turn, provide different monetary benefits and royalties to INBio. This deal was signed for a period of two years.
However, was it ethically justifiable? Who, if anyone, owns the many species found in nature?