Oman 'committed to sound and safe application of biotechnology'

Oman will carefully consider the benefits of biotechnology with a desire to have safeguards in place against potential risks to human health and the environment, according to Shaikh Abdullah Bin Salim Al Rowas, Minister of Regional Municipalities, Environment and Water Resources.

Addressing the opening session of the International Conference on Bio-safety, which will conclude today, Al Rowas stressed Oman's commitment to protecting bio-safety as a fundamental goal before harnessing its potential benefits.

"As much as we value the advantages of modern bio-technology for humanity, the risk of this kind of technology on human health and the environment cannot be ignored," he said.

Syed Haitham Bin Tareq Al Said, Minister of Heritage and Culture, was the guest of honour on the opening day of the conference being held at the Al Bustan Palace Hotel.

Delegates from about 20 countries as well as representatives from international organisations on bio-safety are taking part in the conference.

"Oman's interest in promoting bio-safety," Al Rowas reiterated, "was evident through its ratification of the Bio-diversity Convention and the Cartegena Protocol on Bio-Safety."

The protocol ensures the provision of an adequate level of bio-safety during the transport, handling, use and disposal of genetically modified organisms that have the potential to affect health and environment.

The minister also noted advantages of biotechnology and genetic engineering to humanity through increased agricultural and animal productivity. "Moreover, its application in manufacturing drugs and vaccines holds out the promise of better healthcare for present and future generations," he said.

Nevertheless, he warned that excessive use of bio-tech pesticides and processed fertilisers could cause diseases and environmental and water pollution.

"To avoid such risks and to ensure the sound and safe application of biotechnology, Oman has decided to organise this international conference," he said, adding the event would help Oman and the region become acquainted with the various scientific developments in biotechnology and genetic engineering.

"As honoured as the Sultanate is to organise this event, it is eager to gain constructive recommendations from this conference that will enhance the realisation of bio-safety," he said.

Dr Decio Ripandeli, director of the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology urged Oman to join the research institute, saying membership will help the Sultanate build a robust bio-safety framework.