TREATIES AND OTHER INTERNATIONAL ACTS SERIES 07-622 

________________________________________________________________________ 

SCIENTIFIC COOPERATION 

Earth Sciences 

 Memorandum of Understanding between 

the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 

and BRAZIL 

Signed at Brasilia and Natal June 22, 2007 

 
 NOTE BY THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE 

 Pursuant to Public Law 89—497, approved July 8, 1966 

(80 Stat. 271; 1 U.S.C. 113)—

“. . .the Treaties and Other International Acts Series issued 

under the authority of the Secretary of State shall be competent 

 evidence . . . of the treaties, international agreements other than 

treaties, and proclamations by the President of such treaties and 

international agreements other than treaties, as the case may be, 

therein contained, in all the courts of law and equity and of maritime 

jurisdiction, and in all the tribunals and public offices of the 

United States, and of the several States, without any further proof 

or authentication thereof.” 
 BRAZIL 

Scientific Cooperation: Earth Sciences 

Memorandum of understanding signed at 

 Brasilia and Natal June 22, 2007; 

 Entered into force June 22, 2007. 
BR-11.0000

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING

BETWEEN

THE UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

OF THE

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

OF THE

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

AND THE

UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DO RIO GRANDE DO NORTE, NATAL

OF THE

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

OF THE

FEDERATIVE REPUBLIC OF BRAZIL

CONCERNING

SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL COOPERATION

IN THE EARTH SCIENCES

ARTICLE I. SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES 

1. The United States Geological Survey of the Department of the Interior of the United

States of America (hereinafter "USGS"), represented on this act by the United States

Ambassador to Brazil, Mr. Clifford M. Sobel and the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande Do

Norte, Natal of the Ministry of Education of the Federative Republic of Brazil (hereinafter

"University"), represented on this act by its Rector Prof. Dr. Josd Ivonildo do Rego hereby agree

to pursue scientific and technical cooperation in the earth sciences in accordance with this

Memorandum of Understanding (hereinafter "Memorandum").

2. The purpose of this Memorandum is to provide a framework for the exchange of

scientific and technical knowledge and the augmentation of scientific and technical capabilities

of the USGS and University (hereinafter "Party" or "Parties") with respect to the earth sciences.

3. This Memorandum is concluded pursuant to and will be governed by the Agreement,

Between the United States of America and the Federative Republic of Brazil Relating to

Cooperation in Science and Technology signed at Brasilia, February 6, 1984, as amended and

extended (hereinafter "Agreement").

4. The Parties shall encourage and facilitate, where appropriate, the development of

direct contacts and cooperation among government agencies, universities, research centers,

institutions, private sector companies and other entities of the two countries.

5. Each Party may, with the consent of the other Party and to the extent permitted by

laws and policies of each Party's Government, invite other government entities or agencies of the

United States and Brazil, and other individuals or entities, including scientists, technical experts,
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governmental agencies and institutions of third countries or international organizations, to

participate in activities undertaken pursuant to this Memorandum, subject to such terms and

conditions as the Parties may specify.

ARTICLE II. COOPERATIVE ACTIVITIES

1. Forms of cooperation under this Memorandum may consist of exchanges of technical

information, visits, participation in training courses, conferences and symposia; the

exchange of professional geoscientists in areas of mutual interest; and cooperative

research consistent with programs of the Parties. Specific areas of cooperation may

include, but are not limited to, such areas of mutual interest as: •

A. Earth-science investigations, including hazards, resources and the environment;

B. Biology, biological investigations and technical developments;

C. Geographic and geospatial analysis and investigations;

D. Water resources and other hydrologic investigations; and

E. Information systems.

2. Activities under this Memorandum shall be undertaken in accordance with the laws,

regulations, and procedures of each country of the Parties.

•

ARTICLE III. AVAILABILITY OF RESOURCES

Cooperative activities under this Memorandum shall be subject to the availability of

personnel, resources, and funds. This Memorandum shall not be construed to obligate any

particular expenditure or commitment of resources or personnel. The Parties shall agree in

accordance with Article VIII below upon specific Project Annexes in writing before the

commencement of specific activities pursuant to this Memorandum.

ARTICLE IV. FEE AND TAX EXEMPTION

In accordance with its laws and regulations, each Party shall work toward obtaining on behalf

of the other Party relief from taxes, fees, customs duties, and other charges (excluding fees for

specific services rendered) levied with respect to:

A. All transfer, ownership, construction, renovation or maintenance of facilities or

property by or on behalf of the other Party to implement this Memorandum;
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B. The import, purchase, ownership, use or disposition (including export) of goods and

services by or on behalf of the other Party in support of activities under this Memorandum; and

C. Personal property of personnel of the other Party or entities of that Party

implementing provisions of this Memorandum.

In the event that any such taxes, fees, customs duties, or other charges are nonetheless levied

on such activities, facilities, property, equipment and related goods or services, such taxes, fees

and customs duties shall be borne by the levying Party.

ARTICLE V. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND SECURITY OBLIGATIONS

Provisions for the protection and distribution of intellectual property created or furnished in

the course of cooperative activities under this Memorandum, and provisions for the protection of

classified information and unclassified export-controlled information and equipment, shall be

governed by the provisions of the Agreement Between the United States of America and the

Federative Republic of Brazil Relating to Cooperation in Science and Technology signed at

Brasilia February 6, 1984, as amended and extended.

ARTICLE VI. DISCLAIMER

Information transmitted by one Party to the other Party under this Memorandum shall be

accurate to the best knowledge and belief of the transmitting Party, but the transmitting Party

does not warrant the suitability of the information transmitted for any particular use or

application by the receiving Party or by any third party.

ARTICLE VII. PLANNING AND REVIEW OF ACTIVITIES

Each Party shall designate a principal representative who, at such times as are mutually

agreed upon by the Parties, shall meet to review the activities under this Memorandum and

develop proposals for future activities, as appropriate.

ARTICLE VIII. PROJECT ANNEXES

Any activity carried out under this Memorandum shall be agreed upon in advance by the

Parties in writing. Whenever more than the exchange of technical information or visits of

individuals is contemplated, such activity shall be described in an agreed Project Annex to this

Memorandum, which shall set forth in terms appropriate to the activity, a work plan, staffing

requirements, cost estimates, funding sources, and other undertakings, obligations, or conditions
m a /

Rebecca A. Kenny

International Program Specialist

U.S. Geological Survey

Office of International Programs

4

not included in this Memorandum. In case of any inconsistency between the terms of this

Memorandum and the terms of a Project Annex, the terms of this Memorandum shall control.

ARTICLE IX. ENTRY INTO FORCE AND TERMINATION

This Memorandum shall enter into force upon the signature of both Parties and shall remain

in force for as long as the Agreement shall remain in force. It may be amended by written

agreement of the Parties. Either Party may terminate this Memorandum upon ninety (90) days

prior written notice to the other Party. Unless otherwise agreed, the termination of this

Memorandum shall not affect the validity or duration of projects under this Memorandum that

have been initiated prior to such termination.

DONE in Brasilia, Brazil, and Natal, Brazil, being 2 (two) copies, in the English language, and 2

(two) copies in Portuguese language.

FOR THE U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

OF THE DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA:

Amb. lifford M Sobel

FOR THE UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL

DO RIO GRANDE DO NORTE, NATAL

OF THE FEDERATIVE REPUBLIC

OF BRAZIL:

Rector Jose Ivon. do do Rego

June 22, 2007

I certify that this is a true copy of the original Memorandum of Understanding.

9 dug e7

Date
BR-11 , 0000

MEMORANDO DE ENTENDIMENTO

ENTRE

0 UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

DO

DEPARTAMENTO DO INTERIOR

DOS

ESTADOS UNIDOS DA AMERICA

EA

UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DO RIO GRANDE DO NORTE, NATAL,

DO

MINISTERIO DA EDUCACAO

DA

REPUBLICA FEDERATIVA DO BRASIL

RESPEITANTE

COOPERACAO TECNICA E CIENTiFICA

NA AREA DE CIENCIAS DA TERRA

ARTIGO I. ESCOPO E OBJETIVOS

1. 0 United States Geolocial Survey do Departamento do Interior dos Estados Unidos da

America (doravante "USGS"), neste ato representado pelo Embaixador dos Estados Unidos da

America no Brasil, Clifford M. Sobel e a Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal,

do Ministerio da Educacao da Repdblica Federativa do Brasil (doravante "Universidade"), neste

ato representada pelo seu Magnifico Reitor Prof. Dr. Jose Ivonildo do Rego, celebram o presente

acordo de cooperacäo tecnica e cientifica na area de ciencias da terra de acordo corn o estipulado

no presente Memorando de Entendimento (doravante "Memorando").

2. 0 objetivo do presente Memorando é estabelecer as diretrizes de cooperacdo para o

intercambio de conhecimentos tecnicos e cientificos e o aumento da capacitacab tëcnica e

cientifica do USGS e da Universidade (doravante "Parte" ou "Partes") corn relacdo as ciencias da

terra.

3. Este Memorando a estabelecido e sera regido em conformidade corn as premissas do

Acordo de Cooperacao em Ciéncia e Tecnologia entre os Estados Unidos da America e a

Repliblica Federativa do Brasil, assinado em Brasilia em 6 de fevereiro de 1984, e subseqiientes

alteracOes e aditamentos (doravante "Acordo").

4. As Partes compete incentivar e facilitar, desde que apropriado, o desenvolvimento de

contatos diretos e cooperacdo entre Orgdos governamentais, universidades, centros de pesquisa,

instituicOes, empresas do setor privado e outras entidades, em ambos os paises.

5. Cada uma das Partes podera, mediante o consentimento da outra Parte e no ambito das
2

leis e politicas de seus respectivos governos, convidar outras entidades ou Orgaos governamentais

dos Estados Unidos e do Brasil e outras pessoas fisicas ou juridicas, inclusive cientistas,

especialistas tecnicos, Orgaos e instituicOes governamentais de outros paises ou organizacCies

internacionais, para participar das atividades empreendidas em conformidade corn este

Memorando, sujeitos aos termos e as condicOes que venham a ser estabelecidos pelas Partes.

ARTIGO II. ATIVIDADES DE COOPERACAO

1. A cooperacdo contemplada neste Memorando podera se dar sob a forma de troca de

informacOes tecnicas, visitas, participacdo em cursos de treinamento, conferencias e

simpOsios; intercambio de profissionais geocientistas nas areas de interesse mirtuo; e

pesquisas de cooperacdo, de acordo corn os programas instituidos pelas Partes. As areas

de cooperacdo especificas coded() incluir, entre outras, aquelas de interesse unituo tail

quais:

A. Investigaceies das ciéncias da terra, incluindo riscos, recursos e meio ambiente;

B. Biologia, investigaciies biolOgicas e desenvolvimento tëcnico;

C. Andlises e investigaceies geograficas e geoespaciais;

D. Recursos hidricos e outras investigaciies hidrolOgicas; e

E. Sistemas de informacdo.

2. As atividades contempladas neste Memorando deverdo ser empreendidas em

conformidade corn as leis, as regulamentacOes e os procedimentos impostos pelos

respectivos paises das Partes contratantes.

ARTIGO III. DISPONIBILIDADE DE RECURSOS

As atividades de cooperacdo contempladas neste Memorando estdo sujeitas a disponibilidade

de pessoal, recursos e verbas. Este Memorando nao devera ser interpretado para obrigar nenhum

dispéndio especial de recursos ou comprometimento de recursos ou de pessoal. As Partes

deverdo acordar, conforme convencionado no Artigo VIII abaixo, os Projetos Anexos

especificos, por escrito, antes do inicio das atividades estabelecidas neste Memorando.

ARTIGO IV. ISENCAO DE TAXAS E IMPOSTOS

De acordo corn as leis e as regulamentacOes de seus respectivos governos, cada uma das
3

Partes devera envidar esforcos para obter, em favor da outra parte, isencão de impostos, taxas,

tarifas aduaneiras e outros encargos (excluindo-se honorarios de prestacdo de servicos

especificos) incidentes corn relacd'o a:

A. Toda transferencia, titularidade, construcdo, reforma ou manutencão de instalacOes ou

propriedade empreendida pela outra Parte, ou em seu nome, para implementacao do

convencionado neste Memorando;

B. Importacdo, compra, titularidade, uso ou disposicdo (incluindo exportacdo) de bens e

servicos pela outra Parte, ou em seu nome, em apoio as atividades convencionadas neste

Memorando; e

C. Bens mOveis pertencentes ao pessoal contratado da outra Parte ou de entidades da

parte que estiver implementando o convencionado neste Memorando.

Na hipOtese de incidencia de impostos, taxas, tarifas aduaneiras ou outros encargos sobre tais

atividades, instalacties, propriedades, equipamentos, bens e servicos, o pagamento de tais

impostos, taxas e tarifas aduaneiras ficard a cargo da Parte responsavel pela geracdo dessas

despesas.

ARTIGO V. PROPRIEDADE INTELECTUAL E OBRIGACOES DE

SEGURANCA/PROTECAO DAS INFORMACOES

As disposicties para protecdo e distribuicao da propriedade intelectual criada ou fornecida no

curso das atividades de cooperacdo, nos termos deste Memorando, e as disposicOes para a

protecdo de informaceies confidenciais de informacOes e equipamentos nä° confidenciais sujeitos

a exportacdo controlada serdo regidas em conformidade corn as premissas do Acordo de

Cooperacdo em Ciéncia e Tecnologia entre os Estados Unidos da America e a Republica

Federativa do Brasil firmado 6 de fevereiro de 1984, e subseqiientes alteracties e aditamentos.

ARTIGO VI. ISENCAO DE RESPONSABILIDADE

As informacOes transmitidas por uma Parte a outra, nos termos deste Memorando, deverao

ser precisas, salvo melhor juizo e conhecimento da parte transmissora; no entanto, a parte

transmissora nä° garante a adequacdo das informacOes transmitidas para qualquer uso ou

aplicacdo em especial pela parte recebedora ou por terceiros.

ARTIGO VII. PLANEJAMENTO E REVISAO DAS ATIVIDADES

As Partes deverdo designar cada qual urn representante principal, que deverdo, nas ocasiOes
acordadas mutuamente pelas Partes, se reunir para revisar as atividades convencionadas neste

Memorando e desenvolver propostas de atividades futuras, conforme apropriado.

ARTIGO VIII. PROJETOS ANEXOS

As atividades realizadas nos termos deste Memorando deverao ser previamente acordadas por

escrito pelas Partes. Qualquer atividade que contemplar mais do que a troca de informacdes ou

visitas tecnicas deverd ser descrita na forma de urn Projeto Anexo a este Memorando, a ser

acordado e estabelecido conforme apropriado, quanto a atividade, piano de trabalho, requisitos de

pessoal, estimativa de custos, fontes de recursos e outros compromissos, obrigacOes ou condicties

nao incluidos neste Memorando. Na hipOtese de contradicdo entre os termos deste Memorando e

aqueles do Projeto Anexo, os termos deste Memorando prevalecerdo.

ARTIGO IX. VIGENCIA E ENCERRAMENTO 

Este Memorando entrard em vigor no ato de sua assinatura pelas Partes e assim permanecerd

pelo tempo de vigencia do Acordo. Este Memorando podera ser alterado mediante acordo por

escrito entre as Partes. Qualquer das Partes podera rescindir este Memorando mediante

notificacao por escrito a outra Parte, corn antecedencia de 90 (noventa) dias. Salvo se de outra

forma acordado, o encerramento deste Memorando nao afetard a validade ou a duracdo dos

projetos acordados sob as premissas deste instrumento, iniciados anteriormente a sua rescisdo.

FIRMADO em Brasilia, Brasil, e em Natal, Brasil, em duas vias de cada idioma, Ingles e

Portugués. •

PELO U.S GEOLOGICAL SURVEY DO PELA UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DO RIO

DEPARTAMENTO DO INTERIOR DOS GRANDE DO NORTE, NATAL, DO

ESTADOS UNIDOS DA A ERIC • MINISTERIO DA EDUCACAO DA

POBLICA FEDERATIVA DO BRASIL

Embaixador Clifford M. Sobel Magnifico Rei Jose Ivonildo do Rego

22 de junho de 2007