P2269@com.qz.se ("ENG-LEONG FOO ", MIRCEN-STOCKHOLM) (03/16/89)
From: Eng-leong Foo (p2269@qzcom) Sweden Between Aug 1987 to Aug 88, a closed conference was operated on 3 conferencing system (COSY,EIES, QZCOM) on the "Impacts of Biotechnogy" conference (IBC). This was organized by WAAS (World Academy of Arts and Science) and MIRCEN (UNEP/UNESCO/ICRO Micro- biological Resources Center). The discussions have led to the establishment of BDRF and BDRC (Biological Development Research - Fouindation/Corporation). BDRF will handle project implementation in developing countries (non-profit) while BDRC will help commercial enterprises to identify local expertise. The questions of macro-effects e.g. centralization/decentralization; social-economy, etc were to some extent discussed. I am glad to Onno M. Knol is a member of BIOCONVERSION as it would give it a more multidisciplinary approach. My personal interests in the application of microbial bioconversion processes for e.g. food production (e.g. mushroom) has been mainly with reference of the employment and rural ecomonies in developing countries. In this particular example and within a certain scale level, the effects have been very good in the Philippines and Thailand (and I believe also in other Asian countries). About 2 weeks ago, I visited one such farm in the Philippines. Yes, Onno, we certainly welcome discussions on the "macro-effects of applied bioconversion techniques on agricultural and environmental decline". It might be useful for you to provide a short list (say 3) of topics to start with on areas you might think would also interest BIOCONVERSION members. Then handle them one at a time with an assigned time for discussions ( generally a month would be sufficient). This would certainly help BIOCONVERSION to start-up with forum as well as it would indirectly help to identify people into the various interest groups. ENg-leong Foo Director-MIRCEN STockholm Member of Moderator Team - BIOCONVERSION