Alginate Extraction from Natural Resources Based on Legal Requirements: An Incentive for Sustainable Development

Abstract

Biodiversity is the expansive range of life on the Earth and the natural patterns formed by it, shaped by natural processes and the influence of human beings. This diversity comprises a large array of plants, animals, and microorganisms. Thus, natural resources are essential to humanity’s economic and social development; moreover, there is a spreading granting that biological diversity is a global asset of high benefit to all generations. The purpose of this chapter is to compile information on the use of native species for alginate extraction, with a focus on sustainable development in order to comply with legal requirements, particularly on the Brazilian Biodiversity Law. The chapter addresses issues on sustainable strategies aimed at the traceability of species and the reduction of biopiracy caused by the inappropriate use of biodiversity. Thus encouraging sustainable development through legal and sustainable exploitation of native species. Furthermore, an overview will be presented on the use of alginate extracted from different species of algae that can be used as a value-added product in different industrial sectors. Finally, providing a global legal framework and recommendations for action on the use of genetic heritage and biodiversity conservation will be a contribution of the presented chapter.