Launch of the Franco-Brazilian Centre for Amazonian Biodiversity (CFBBA)

A binational structure dedicated to biodiversity

The CFBBA is based on two key bodies: a binational councilwhich oversees policy decisions, and a scientific advisory boardIt is responsible for approving research and training guidelines. Its mission is to develop research, train students and run joint programmes on environmental, economic and social issues of interest to both countries.

The CFBBA also aims to develop concrete mechanisms to promote biodiversity conservation, while supporting job creation in sectors that favour environmentally-friendly products.

A strategic relaunch in 2024

Created in 2008, the CFBBA had never been effectively implemented. Now relaunched, it includes a applied research in line with Brazilian priorities, particularly in the field of bioeconomy. This relaunch will be accompanied by closer collaboration with the private sector, adding an economic dimension to the project.

Composition and operation of the CFBBA

The CFBBA is headed by a binational council of 16 members, equally divided between the two nations. On the French side, the Ministries of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Higher Education and Research, Ecological Transition and Territorial Cohesion, as well as the Ecological Transition, are involved in the decision-making process, with contributions from bodies such as the Climate, Biodiversity and Sustainable Societies Programme Agency (coordinated by CNRS) and the Agriculture, Food, Forests and Associated Resources - Agralife Programme Agency (coordinated by INRAE), as well as the Prefecture of French Guiana and the French Guiana Regional Authority. On the Brazilian side, eight representatives from the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the MCTI funding agency (CNPq) and the MEC funding agency (CAPES).

La centre management has been entrusted to two co-directors: Gilles Kleitzrepresenting the IRD for France, and Henrique dos Santos PereiraDirector of INPA in Manaus for Brazil.

A bi-national scientific council

Le scientific advisory board The CFBBA, which has 12 members divided equally between France and Brazil, also includes two scientists from French Guiana: Jean-Christophe Roggy INRAE and Ghislaine Prévot at the University of Guyana.

At its first meeting on 20 September 2024, the binational council approved the rules of procedure and approved thescientific agendaincluding the terms and conditions of the calls for projects. This agenda was prepared by the Scientific Advisory Board, under the responsibility of Professors Ghislaine Prévot and Ima Vierra.

Forward-looking cooperation

The CFBBA symbolises a renewed commitment between France and Brazil to preserve Amazon biodiversity and promote sustainable economic practices. The initiative aims to stimulate applied research, train new talent and encourage partnerships between the public and private sectors.

Through this cooperation, the two countries are strengthening their commitment to the conserving the Amazon and contribute to the transition towards a bioeconomy respectful of the environment.