Manifesto
The challenge of rational access to the genetic heritage of the Amazon biome
The importance of Amazonian sociobiodiversity is undeniable, as it can be the inspiration for different sectors of the economy that seek innovation in their products. Examples of successful products on the market—and with “Amazonian DNA”—are well known; rubber, Chanel No5 fragrance, eyedrop for glaucoma treatment, among others. The two best-selling medicines in the world against hypertension and heart problems come from the Brazilian jararaca venom, generating a revenue of R$ 55 billion (BRL) a year. Concerning regulatory issues regarding access to genetic heritage, Brazil made significant progress with the approval of the 2015 biodiversity law. However, even with the abundance of possibilities for innovation using these genetic resources and the legal security provided by the law, many companies still face major challenges to access this heritage. Resources invested in the National Benefit Sharing Fund exceed R$ 2 million (BRL), and projects for the Non-Monetary Benefit Sharing are being evaluated by the Ministry of Environment. The challenge becomes greater when the premise for this access needs to take traditional knowledge and other perspectives into account. There is a need to generate income for improving the lives of traditional communities and smallholder farmers while preserving the ecosystem. At the centre of all this, lies the maintenance or restoration of a harmonious interrelation between man and nature. Some intrinsic characteristics of the biome also provide challenges, such as the hydrological regime, seasonal and small-scale production, and the great distances to reach extractive production areas. Variables linked to the supply chain that need to be considered are: complex transport logistics, instability of prices of the raw materials, low technological level of production, difficulty in accessing communication, and sustainable energy. Mainstream economic practices do not stimulate preservation of ecosystems as they do not direct resources towards activities that maintain or restore the forest. Effective policies that provide access to technical assistance aimed at non-timber forest products and that finance extractive communities are needed. These communities are the most vulnerable link of the value chain and, as such, must be the focus for an adequate access to the riches Amazon biome. Actions must promote respectful interrelations among the various stakeholders of the value chains—being the Amazon biome one such stakeholder—generating relationships of trust and harmony. For adequate access to the genetic heritage of the Amazon biome, society needs to evolve recognizing that the conservation of the Amazon sociobiodiversity is essential for the survival of everyone.
