**1. Introduction**

Most of the Earth's biodiversity is present in the countries of the southern hemisphere, mainly in Africa, Asia, and South America. Brazil is considered one of the largest countries in the world in terms of land area, occupying almost half of South America. That said, it is also a country that has a sovereign biodiversity of species, which is distributed in six terrestrial biomes and three marine ecosystems. Associated with the illegal exploitation of genetic resources and the lack of benefit sharing, the loss of biodiversity is progressively increasing, especially in what is related to new patterns of consumption, urbanization, and biotechnological development. Due to the serious consequences of biodiversity loss, this theme has been growing in the international spotlight [1].

Inappropriate exploitation of biodiversity has consequences for the supply of natural resources, negatively impacting the environment. Ecosystems have a slow recovery period or may not recover at all. Since natural resources are limited, it is essential to contribute to sustainable development, which refers to a process that leads to a better condition of life, while reducing environmental impacts. The improper exploitation of natural resources leads to environmental degradation. However, for the use of natural resources to be carried out in a sustainable manner, there is a need for regulations and laws, with the purpose of stimulating society, the scientific community, and companies to adopt environmentally friendly technological development practices [2].

With the purpose of promoting technological development based on sustainable guidelines, the food, textile, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries spare no effort in the search for species that can be extracted from alginate. Alginate is a natural biopolymer that can be synthesized from algae species. Due to the high quantity of alginate that can be found in algae, and the gelling, viscosity, and stability characteristics, it has become an attractive product of great commercial interest, as it is a natural and innovative option with the possibility of application in various industrial sectors [3].

Thus, in order to ensure sustainable development, conserve the country's genetic heritage, enable the traceability of species, combat biopiracy, as well as ensure the fair and equitable sharing of benefits, Law No. 13,123/2015, which came into force on 17 November 2015, establishes rules for the access to genetic heritage and/or associated traditional knowledge, the remittance and sending of samples abroad, as well as the economic exploitation of finished products or reproductive material and the respective sharing of benefits arising from the access [4]. Actions aimed at minimizing human threats to biodiversity are of the utmost urgency. In response to the environmental crisis, most countries sign international agreements and treaties, pass laws, and commit to measures aimed at protecting biodiversity [5].

In this context, environmental laws assume a pivotal role in advancing sustainable development by ensuring the protection and conservation of the environment, effectively harmonizing economic growth with the preservation of natural resources. These laws are indispensable for cultivating a salubrious environment for current and future generations, guiding both corporate and individual practices toward heightened sustainability standards within the framework of sustainable development. Intrinsically connected to biodiversity conservation and the promotion of sustainability, well-crafted environmental legislation fosters practices that mitigate adverse impacts on ecosystems, guaranteeing the preservation of species and habitats. Concurrently, conservation endeavors contribute to the resilience of ecosystems in the face of challenges such as climate change and environmental degradation. The continual refinement of environmental laws is paramount, particularly given the evolution of industrial and technological practices. Confronting new environmental threats necessitates periodic updates and revisions to ensure the ongoing effectiveness and comprehensiveness of these laws. Moreover, it is imperative to contemplate innovative approaches and incentives to nurture sustainable practices, facilitating a seamless

*Alginate Extraction from Natural Resources Based on Legal Requirements: An Incentive… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.114217*

transition toward a more environmentally conscious economy. In summary, environmental laws serve as indispensable pillars for sustainable development, supplying a legal framework for environmental conservation and sustainability. Their ongoing enhancement is imperative for addressing emerging challenges and maintaining a wholesome equilibrium between human activities and the preservation of the planet.

## **2. Seaweeds and Brazilian biodiversity**

The relationship between biodiversity and marine algae is inherently complex and crucial for the sustainability of marine ecosystems. Marine algae play multifaceted roles that contribute significantly to coastal biodiversity and the balance of marine ecosystems. In this context, Brazil stands out not only for its rich terrestrial biodiversity but also for marine diversity, particularly in tidal zones where algae play a fundamental role. The country hosts a remarkable variety of marine algae, with recent data indicating the presence of 539 species of macroalgae. This diversity includes 116 species of green algae (Chlorophyta), 359 of red algae (Rhodophyta), and 64 of brown algae (Phaeophyceae), along with an abundance of microscopic algae, primarily diatoms [6].

The coastal waters of Brazil serve as a habitat for endemic species such as *Laminaria brasiliensis* (Phaeophyceae) and *Dictyurus occidentalis* (Rhodophyta), whose preservation is fundamental for maintaining marine biodiversity. However, the analysis of collections over time reveals significant challenges, especially in urban areas like Santos, São Paulo, where increasing pollution levels have contributed to the decline of crucial groups such as Chlorophyta, Rhodophyta, and Phaeophyceae [6].

Understanding and conserving this rich algae biodiversity in Brazil is essential not only for the health of marine and terrestrial ecosystems but also for maintaining environmental balance in the face of contemporary challenges such as pollution, climate change, and species traceability [6].

Definitely in art. 2 of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), as "the variability of living organisms from all sources, including transitional waters, terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part." biodiversity is considered an important natural resource, both for its environmental importance and for its medical results. However, there are benefits that result from the use of this resource, and its conservation is directly linked to the policy that the country has adopted in relation to its heritage, that is, its biodiversity (CBD) [7].

Being a fertile field for obtaining raw materials for use in various fields [8], the lack of regulation for access to biodiversity intensifies disputes between countries that accessed this wealth indistinctly without any kind of care [9] related to the preservation of species and the integrity of heritage of the country, not ensuring present and future population the right to a balanced environment [10].

Brazil, having the greatest biodiversity, is one of the countries with the greatest perspectives for the economic exploitation of its native species due to the expressive number of species, the excellent climatic and edaphic conditions, and the great water potential [11]. This great genetic variety has a high strategic and economic value in areas of development such as pharmaceuticals and medicine [12, 13] due to a great variety of metabolites and substances that present biological and pharmacological activities with therapeutic potential [14].

The Brazilian coastline has a great biodiversity of marine macroalgae species, which have been investigated in detail under the chemical aspect of their compounds. The interest in studying different algal polysaccharides is centered on two main aspects: the search for phycocolloids of national origin with gelling or viscous properties, comparable to those of imported polymers, and the search for new bio-actives aimed at treating diseases considered to be major health problems [15].

Marine macroalgae have been used in oriental food for many years. Still restricted, a change of scenery is taking place, and these species are also being incorporated into Western food, due to the benefits arising from the consumption. In Brazil, research related to macroalgae has gained importance for bringing results that demonstrate high nutritional levels and antioxidant and antimicrobial activity [16, 17].
