This article questions several aspects of current development policies in the Amazon.The central argument is that the knowledge of the region is essential for achieving sustainable development.Thirteen Microply Vacuum Bags points are discussed to stimulate debate, and these are: the invention of the Amazon; Tea Infuser regional inequalities; knowledge as a factor of development; investment in education, science and technology; the brain drain; traditional knowledge; the social relevance of higher education; globalization; biopiracy; the culture of evaluation; the need for new leadership; political actions, and the Rio+20 conference results.