The State University of Campinas (Unicamp) and the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MMA) have signed a Technical Cooperation Agreement to promote technical exchange and the joining of forces in support actions to comply with requirements regarding the feasibility of access to genetic heritage or associated traditional knowledge by legal entities based abroad, through association with a national scientific and technological research institution.
The agreement, signed on March 19, 2025, has as its primary objective the joint development and testing of a specific module within the National System for the Management of Genetic Heritage and Associated Traditional Knowledge (SisGen) for the registration and management of records performed by the State University of Campinas (Unicamp).
Specifically for the Brazilian Collection of Environmental and Industrial Microorganisms (CBMAI), which is part of CPQBA, and for CPQBA itself, the agreement represents an opportunity to optimize registration and management processes for research involving access to genetic heritage and associated traditional knowledge. The creation of a specific module in SisGen, adapted to Unicamp’s needs, will facilitate the formalization of partnerships with foreign institutions, streamlining bureaucratic procedures and allowing CBMAI and CPQBA researchers to focus on their scientific research activities and the development of microorganisms for environmental and industrial applications.
Furthermore, the agreement provides for the promotion of joint development activities for instruments for partnerships to be signed with legal entities based abroad, the preparation of diagnoses and reports, and the exchange of public servants for specific actions for a determined period. These actions aim to strengthen Unicamp’s capacity and, consequently, that of CBMAI and CPQBA, to conduct cutting-edge research in the field of bioeconomy, in collaboration with national and international partners, especially regarding the use of microorganisms.
This agreement is of great importance for the advancement of the bioeconomy in Brazil, as it seeks to facilitate access to genetic heritage and associated traditional knowledge for research and technological development, while ensuring compliance with Brazilian legislation and national sovereignty over these resources. The partnership between Unicamp, recognized for its expertise in scientific and technological research, and the MMA, responsible for managing the country’s genetic heritage, is essential for the success of this initiative.
It is expected that the agreement will result in the feasibility of associations between institutions based abroad and national research institutions, facilitating traceability mechanisms for access to genetic heritage or associated traditional knowledge performed by foreign institutions, and strengthening national sovereignty over biodiversity.
