Besides basic health information, the registry has collected about 45, 000 DNA samples of twins in its biobank freezers.

WSJ: Twins Health Registry Is Treasure Trove for Medical Research

But Biobank UK said there would be a separate, independent body or committee - responsible to the public, the research participants and other stakeholders - for ensuring that data collected were used responsibly.

BBC: Millions ploughed into 'gene bank'

The book also highlights new initiatives and alliances such as the, the Green Development Initiative which aims to establish an area-based certified biodiversity unit, the ISEAL Alliance which is exploring the biodiversity dimensions of environmental and social certification schemes, the Malua BioBank in Malaysia, and Mission Markets which has established an e-platform for biodiversity deals.

FORBES: Making the economic case for business and biodiversity