Collect plant materials for scientific research

You must apply for a permit to collect plant materials for scientific research.

Collecting any kind of biological resource for scientific research or commercial use is called bioprospecting.

To find out more about bioprospecting, go to the Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade website.

Before you apply

You must enter into a benefit sharing agreement with the resource access provider.

A resource access provider could be:

To enter into a benefit-sharing agreement, you must negotiate a benefit-sharing deed.

If you enter into an agreement with a government access provider, follow these steps:

Step 2. Update the template as necessary. You can get legal help if needed.

Step 3. Check the deed meets all requirements listed in section 29 of the Biological Resources Act 2006.

Step 4. Email the draft deed for review to industry.strategy@nt.gou.au.

Step 5. Once the deed is finalised and agreed by all parties, you can apply for a permit.

If you enter into an agreement with a non-government access provider, follow these steps:

Step 2. Negotiate an agreement directly with the access provider.

Step 3. Update the template as necessary. You can add or remove clauses to suit both parties.

Step 4. Check the deed meets all requirements listed in section 29 of the Act.

Step 5. Once the deed is finalised and agreed by all parties, you can apply for a permit.

To apply for a permit, you must contact the relevant department below, depending on whether you want to access:

To access land resources, you must get approval from the Parks and Wildlife Commission of the NT.

Follow these steps:

Step 1. Fill in an application for a permit to undertake scientific research on wildlife.

Step 2. Attach one of the following with your application:

a signed benefit-sharing agreement (government)
certification showing:
- a benefit-sharing agreement that meets the requirements of the Act
- it's been signed by both parties (non-government).

Step 3. Submit your application and supporting document to the Parks and Wildlife permits and concession office.

To access marine resources, you must get approval from NT Fisheries.

Follow these steps:

Step 2. Attach one of the following with your form:

a signed benefit-sharing agreement (government)
certification showing:
- a benefit-sharing agreement that meets the requirements of the Act
- it's been signed by both parties (non-government).

Step 3. Submit your form and supporting document to NT Fisheries.

If your application is successful, you will be notified and issued with a valid permit.

For more information, call Industry Development on 08 8999 6888 or email industry.strategy@nt.gov.au.

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