Scientists who study biodiversity in Brazil will now have an easier time securing permission to conduct their research. The country adopted a new law that supersedes onerous regulations in place since 2001.
Under the new law, Brazilian researchers will have to register their work in a database, but will no longer have to seek permission from the Genetic Heritage Management Council. Foreign scientists are still not able to bioprospect, except if they partner with a Brazilian company or institution.
Another change is the rules regarding shipping of specimens abroad, which were previously banned unless the shipment was granted a permit. The new law simply requires a record of the shipment being entered in a registry.
Brazil Adopts New Law on Accessing Biodiversity