Experts stress on need to address biosafety and biosecurity challenges

Abu Dhabi: Experts called for the need to address biosafety and biosecurity challenges that have arisen with scientific advancement and development, at the conclusion of an international conference on Biosafety and Biosecurity for Life Science and Policy Communities in the Gulf and MENA region.

The “Biosafety and Biosecurity International Conference 2007'' was organized by Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) in association with the US-based organization, International Council for Life Sciences (IC LS) under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of EAD.

While advances in life sciences have helped mankind progress to great levels, the risks to public safety and security from the misuse of these advances have also increased greatly.

The recommendations of the conference focused on four main areas, namely, capacity building, communications, preparedness and improved policy making.

Experts discussed methods of enhancing public health, safety and security against biological risks. While around the world, risks to public safety and security have increased, most developed countries, already at the centre of the global biotechnology industry, have established domestic biosafety regimes.

However, many developing countries are only now starting to establish their own national systems.

“We need to build a global network between governments, international organizations, universities and private companies associated with the life sciences. Through this network, we can develop and share best practices in research and activities,'' said Majid Al Mansouri, Secretary General of EAD.