title: [Biodiversity biotechnology and health].
abstract: This article presents the significance of biodiversity, biotechnology and health and discusses many aspects of biological and environmental problems as well as the ethical dilemma related to expansion and exploitation of natural resources, which promoted a decline in biological diversity. In addition, knowledge of biodiversity has allowed for identification and use of new natural resources, useful for improving the quality of human life on Earth. It is important that our researchers engage themselves in the fight for preservation of the tropical ecosystem. Programs to exploit biodiversity must be based on solid scientific knowledge and favour society both ecologically and economically.
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21045-900, Brasil.
authors.forename: E S
authors.initials: ES
authors.lastname: Garcia
vernacular_title: Biodiversidade, biotecnologia e saúde.