Brazilian Nature exhibit opens in Tokyo

Japan is the fifth country to receive the display of documentation by German botanist Carl Friedrich von Martius in his work Flora brasiliensis

Agência FAPESP – The Brazilian Nature exhibit opened at the Espaço Cultural of the Embassy of Brazil in Tokyo, March 14.

The result of a partnership between FAPESP and the Berlin Botanical Museum, the exhibit displays the documentation of German botanist Carl Friedrich Philipp von Martius (1794-1868) in his work Flora brasiliensis, which, 172 years after its first publication, still stands as the most complete survey of Brazilian flora ever made.

The botanist’s work also led to the project ‘Flora Brasiliensis On-line and Revisted’ that includes an updated nomenclature of von Martius’ original work along with recent information and illustrations of species described after the initial publication.

The exhibit also presents a comparison of the 19th century drawings and current photographs of plants and biomes, and depicts some of the findings of research performed under the scope of the project ‘Phanerogamic Flora of the state of São Paulo’ and the BIOTA-FAPESP program on biodiversity, which for 13 years has conducted research for the description, conservation, recovery and sustainable use of the biodiversity

“The BIOTA program is one of the most interesting examples of the relationship between the deepening of knowledge and its application. The program not only increases the realm of knowledge about the biodiversity of São Paulo, but also serves as a way to formulate state public policy. It is a successful example of how broadening knowledge has enhanced São Paulo society’s command of its destiny and resources,” highlighted Celso Lafer, President of FAPESP, before invited guests at the exhibit’s opening ceremony.

Japan is the fifth country to receive the exhibit, which has already been presented in Germany, the United States, Canada and Spain.

The exhibit is open to visitors at the Espaço Cultural of the Embassy of Brazil in Tokyo, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, and 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm, through March 29.

The display is part of the schedule of activities carried out within the scope of the Japan-Brazil Symposium on Scientific Collaboration. Jointly organized by FAPESP and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), the event was held March 15-16 at Rikkyo University with support from the Embassy of Brazil in Tokyo.

“The event held in Tokyo is part of internationalization effort by FAPESP to provide the opportunity for researchers from Brazil and other countries to work together,” Lafer said.

The Ambassador of Brazil in Tokyo, Marcos Galvão, pointed out that in addition to caring for the interests of the Brazilian community in Japan, the Brazilian diplomatic mission has two priorities in its relationship with the oriental country: the first is investments, and the second is science and technology.

“For decades, Japan has been an important partner in Brazil’s development, and the visit to Japan by the FAPESP delegation with the symposium exhibit Brazilian Nature constitutes an important step towards consolidating and strengthening the relationship between the two countries,” he stated.