Samenvatting

This report is an English translation of the Dutch Research and Development Program on environmental biotechnology 1989-1992. In this program an overview is given of the recent developments in environmental biotechnology. Based on this overview, the possibilities of biotechnology for management of the environment are evaluated. In this program two kinds of research are distinguished. Applied research directly focusses on specific environmental problems. Fundamental research aims at developing knowledge of biological and technological processes that are relevant for long-term development of environmental biotechnology. A subdivision into 25 areas of coherent research has been made. Priorities for further research are set. An estimation of the financial support needed to come to an effective stimulation of environmental biotechnology is given.