The online platform of the National System for the Management of Genetic Heritage and Associated Traditional Knowledge – SisGen is now available

The long awaited system in the area of traditional knowledge – the National System for the Management of Genetic Heritage and Associated Traditional Knowledge – SisGen -, was finally launched on November 06, 2017, according to the Ordinance SECEX/CGEN #1 of October 03, 2017.The SisGen was set forth in article 5 of Decree #8.772/2015. This Decree was issued to implement Law #13.123/2015, that regulates access to components of the genetic heritage, protection of and access to associated traditional knowledge and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits for the conservation and sustainable use of Brazilian biodiversity.According to articles 36, 37 and 38 of Law #13.123/2015 and articles 103 and 104 of Decree #8772/2015, users will have one year from the launch of the SisGen to regularize their situation regarding the access to genetic heritage and associated traditional knowledge.This on-line system was created to enable the traceability of activities resulting from access to genetic heritage or associated traditional knowledge, including those related to economic exploitation. Its interface allows the user to: register for access to the genetic heritage or associated traditional knowledge; register to send abroad a sample containing genetic heritage; register the shipments of genetic heritage samples; notify finished products or reproductive material; request permission to access the genetic heritage or associated traditional knowledge and to send abroad with the consent of the National Defense Council and the Navy Command; register institutions that maintain ex situ collections containing genetic heritage samples; obtain access registration receipts, shipment registration and notifications; obtain administrative verification procedure certificates; and request access regularity certificates.The SisGEn can be accessed here.