Objectives Description Deliverables Partner Biodiversity Project: MICRODIV1 Microbial Biodiversity and Biotechnological Opportunities in the Humid Tropics (Microbial Technodiversity) Objectives Transfer of state-of-the-art knowledge about actual trends in biotechnological research and economic opportunities in biotechnology. Transfer of practical know-how in screening strategies followed by microbial identification and characterization, from European universities (Austria and Finnland), to universities, other educative organizations and private enterprises in Pan-Amazonia. Establish a network of differentiated responsibilities developing guidelines for a fair and equitable sharing of the commercial and scientific benefits arising from the development of biotechnological products between the countries providing the genetic resources and those using them, as postulated by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). To realize these objectives we execute the WORKSHOP and COURSE to train experts, professionals and students aiming the transformation of microbial biodiversity into economic value and elaborate guidelines for decision makers to implement the CBD postulates. The WORKSHOP entitled: "Microbial Biodiversity and Biotechnological Opportunities in the Humid Tropics" is structured as follows: Opening Session (1 day) Lectures for the practical course attendees, covering the theoretical background and methodological tools to exploit microbial biodiversity in Amazonia. The Practical Course (15 days) Teaching and training fundamental methods in screening, isolating, identifying, characterizing and conserving bacterial and fungal species, obtained from different environmental sampling sites. The course will provide the attendees with specific practical information about how to design and conduct screening programs, for a variety of biotechnologically important microorganisms. The Workshop (2 days) Plenary lectures, round-table discussions and expert meetings about legal aspects and the economic potential, concerning the exploitation of microbial biodiversity in Amazonia, with the participation of European and Pan-Amazonian experts and scientists. Elaboration of guidelines for decision makers of governmental and private institutions to implement the CBD postulates, focused on the Venezuelan situation. Objectives Description Deliverables Partner Biodiversity