In March 1999 the State of São Paulo Research Foundation/FAPESP launched the Research Program on Characterization, Conservation, Restoration and Sustainable Use of the Biodiversity of the State of São Paulo, also known as "BIOTA/FAPESP: The Virtual Institute of Biodiversity", as a result of the articulation of the scientific community in compliance to the Convention on Biological Diversity/CBD. In November 2009 FAPESP approved the new Science Plan & Strategies, renewing its support to the Program up to 2020.