Botanisches Museum / Botanical Museum
FAPESP-Biota
FAPESP-Biota is the third initiative presented in the exhibition Brazilian Nature: Mystery and Destiny. Known as the Virtual Institute of Biodiversity, because it integrates over the internet a network of laboratories where 1,200 scientists work on 80 projects, the Program carries out the inventory and characterization of the fauna, flora and microorganisms in the state of São Paulo and has already discovered at least 500 new species of plants and animals.
Recipient of a Henry Ford Foundation for Environmental Conservation award for initiative of the year in 1999, Biota periodically proposes public policies of conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. Among its developments are a database connected to a digital atlas, an electronic magazine and a bioprospection and biotrials network.
