The present project aims to create a scientific platform to have access to antarctic microorganisms and plants for its study. This studies will give us a better understanding of the biodiversity present in Antarctica and its potential.
     Due to its unique conditions of cold temperature and isolation, Antarctica has a high scientific interest. But, a number of barriers make difficult its study:

I. Geography and climate: Antarctica even in its more “benign” geographical sites, continues being one of the last human frontiers. Despite all technological developments, logistics and movement within the peninsula and Antarctic continent is difficult and of high risk.

II. Ecological considerations: Being this continent very pristine, its ecology is fragile and difficult to recover in case it is damaged. Then its study must have no ecological impact.

III. Scientific capabilities: the knowledge and scientific experience required to work with microorganisms and plants from this type of extreme environments is no trivial and required years of training.

IV. Regulatory frame: The obtention of biological samples from Antarctica should always comply with all international agreements that regulate human activity in this continent.

        The proposed scientific platform could be beneficial for Chile due to its natural geographical vicinity and due to the infrastructure and the professional scientific capacibilities available. To achieve all points mentioned above, this project will:

a) Improve laboratory instalations in INACH Antarctica and Punta Arenas as well as laboratory instalations in Fundación Biociencia in Santiago.This will allow low temperature work.

b) Allow to colect and study microbiological and plant samples. Additionally, will allow to preserve samples in the best conditions to carry them to Punta Arenas, Temuco and Santiago for further studies.

c) To elaborate the logistic procedures required to transport biological samples from Antarctica to the laboratories in land for further studies.

d) To elaborate logistic procedures to conduct scientific work in Antarctica, having in consideration all, regulations and management required for this type of work.

e) Te elaborate a manual which contains the norms to comply with regulatory and ecological aspects included in the Antarctic Treaty, regarding the management of microbiological samples.

f) The laboratories involved in the project will test all the procedures implemented along the project. This will be a “Proof of Concept” which will test the capability to preserve biological material along a cold chain of transport from Antarctica to the different laboratories.