Exploiting the microorganisms of the Amazon
Substances produced by living organisms are receiving growing interest as alternative means of medicine. In particular, the vast biodiversity of ecosystems like the Amazonian one offers a huge potential for commercial exploitation. With this in mind, the EU ‘Bioprospecting of Amazonian microorganisms and plant secondary metabolites - Workshop and course’ (Microdiv2) project aimed to elaborate strategies in order to transform Amazonian biodiversity into added value and regulate the access to genetic resources and the sharing of benefits arising from their use. Project activities included a three-week practical course for training experts, professionals and students in microbiological, chemical and molecular biological methods. Transfer of knowledge regarding the identification of microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) and characterisation of plant secondary metabolites was performed from European universities (Austria and Finland), to universities, educational organisations and private enterprises in the Pan-Amazonian region. The Microdiv2 project brought together high level experts from Europe and Latin America to establish a sustainable network of scientific cooperation to transform Amazonian biodiversity into economic value. Although the action of the Microdiv2 Specific Support Action (SSA) was limited due to time constraints, it raised awareness on the benefits of the Amazonian ecosystem and its exploitation potential. It emphasised the need for applying internationally agreed guidelines of biosafety, risk assessment and regulation, as well as management.
