Regulating the Access to Genetic Resources in Brazil: Suggestions for a New Scenario

• Main Author: Nilo Luiz Saccaro-Junior
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Universidade de Brasília 2013-12-01
• Series: Sustentabilidade em Debate
• Subjects: biodiversidade – recursos genéticos – bioprospecção – conhecimento tradicional
• Online Access: http://periodicos.unb.br/index.php/sust/article/view/9167

The relationship between the use of genetic resources, social justice and biodiversity conservation has proved to be one of the main matters in current environmental issues. Brazil exercises a leadership role in international debates about genetic resources and is a pioneer in the creation of a specific internal regulation. This, however, has been strongly criticized by the stakeholders, as well as the lack of incentive for biodiversity research in this country. This paper discusses some of the main conflicting points and how a new scenario of control and promotion can overcome them, based on the regulatory experience since the creation of the current regulatory framework and national indicators available in research with Brazilian species. The suggestions are based on three pillars: a new relationship between government and bioprospectors, guided by encouraging legal activities; a diffuse distribution of benefits, with simple rules, being able to capture some profit from bioprospecting; and a synergy between the existence of traditional/indigenous communities and biodiversity maintenance.