46th CGen Meeting: Updates on SisGen 3.0, DSI and Benefit-Sharing in Brazil

The 46th Ordinary Meeting of the Genetic Heritage Management Council (CGen) was held on September 16 at the Brazilian Ministry of the Environment, with GSS represented by our Director, Francine Leal. The meeting addressed key issues related to access to genetic heritage, associated traditional knowledge, and benefit-sharing in Brazil.

The meeting brought together stakeholders to discuss important developments in Brazil’s access and benefit-sharing framework. Key topics included the approval of a resolution establishing SisGen 3.0, updates on Non-Monetary Benefit-Sharing Agreements (ARB-NM), and discussions on Digital Sequence Information (DSI) and the Cali Fund, the multilateral benefit-sharing mechanism.

SisGen 3.0: Resolution Approved

One of the main outcomes of the 46th CGen Meeting was the approval of a resolution establishing the software for the new version of the National System for the Management of Genetic Heritage and Associated Traditional Knowledge (SisGen), known as SisGen 3.0. The objective is to adapt the platform to ensure full compliance with Brazil’s access and benefit-sharing legislation, as the previous system was not equipped to meet all of the obligations established under the law.

To provide greater predictability and facilitate users’ operational transition, the resolution establishes a 60-day adjustment period, scheduled to begin on October 1, 2026.During the meeting, it was clarified that publication of the resolution does not mean that SisGen 3.0 is already available. The new system will only be made available through a specific official regulatory act issued by the CGen Executive Secretariat, following completion of the data migration and the corresponding technical checks.

Non-Monetary Benefit-Sharing Agreements

The Secretariat of Bioeconomy also provided updates on the approval of Non-Monetary Benefit-Sharing Agreements (ARB-NM). Of the 168 ARB-NM cases currently pending, 21 have been signed by the Ministry of the Environment. In addition, 68 projects are under review, 31 agreements are awaiting users’ responses and additional information, 45 projects are being processed, and 3 projects have been closed. The resumption of the review process represents an important step forward in the processing of ARB-NM agreements and provides a positive outlook for the progress and completion of the cases currently pending.

Digital Sequence Information and the Cali Fund

Among the strategic issues discussed in relation to Brazil’s biodiversity agenda, particular attention was given to the use of Digital Sequence Information (DSI) and the operationalization of the Multilateral Benefit-Sharing Mechanism, known as the Cali Fund. Brazil has played a leading role in the global discussions on this issue, putting forward proposals to reform the mechanism established by Decision 16/2 of COP16. These proposals seek to refine the Fund’s operational framework and encourage greater participation by the Parties. The meeting also addressed key technical challenges and concerns that still need to be resolved to ensure a balanced framework and legal certainty for the use of DSI.

Definition of DSI

COP16 did not establish a definitive position on which types of information fall within the scope of the term DSI or on its precise definition.

Traceability and Sovereignty

Although challenging, tracing the use of DSI is essential to respect countries’ sovereignty over their genetic resources and to ensure consistency between the multilateral system and existing bilateral mechanisms.

Addressing Sectoral Asymmetries

The sector-based approach adopted at COP16 may discourage private-sector contributions, particularly affecting developing countries where the use of DSI remains limited.

Benefit-Sharing

Brazil advocates for contributions to the Cali Fund to be calculated based on the products and services developed through the use of DSI. The proposal also includes contributions focused on technology transfer and technical capacity building as forms of non-monetary benefit-sharing, which are considered essential to advancing developing countries’ capabilities.

Brazil’s position also highlights the need to establish clear parameters for the use of DSI and the modalities for contributions to the Cali Fund, supporting technological development while providing the legal framework needed for the allocation of resources from the Fund.

Next Steps

In addition to attending the second day of the 46th CGen Meeting, GSS will be present at COP17 in Yerevan, Armenia, following discussions on the Multilateral Benefit-Sharing Mechanism and possible improvements to the Cali Fund.

The discussions at CGen demonstrate that the rules governing DSI and benefit-sharing are still evolving. Against this backdrop, the upcoming discussions at COP17 may help shape the future development of the Multilateral Mechanism and its potential implications for the use of genetic resources and benefit-sharing.