Report on the workshop "Biosafety of GMO", Cairo
A one day workshop on Biosafety of GMOs was held in June 9th 2012 at Faculty of
Agriculture, Cairo University under the auspices of Prof. Dr. Ahmed Naguib Sharaf – Dean of
the Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University with the presence of more then 130 specialists in
the field of Biotechnology and Food Safety. The workshop is the first of a series organized by
the Egyptian Biotechnology Information Center (EBIC).
The meeting aimed at enhancing participants understanding of the key principles of problem
formulation regarding biosafety and risk assessment of GMOs. The meeting highlighted the
status of GMD worldwide and transferred a better understanding of the meaning of
biosafety and risk assessments of genetically modified organisms.
Prof. Sharaf delivered the meaning of the importance of GM crops to Egypt. Nevertheless,
he pointed out the need for a biosafety and risk assessments procedure to accompany the
process.
Prof. Hussein Mansour, Head of the establishment of National Authority for Food Safety,
Ministry of Trade and Industry Egypt, considered Biotechnology as one of the most
important scientific revolutions that took place in the country. He added it brings hope to
solve many of the current problems relating to food.
Dr. Luay Zonkl ElSaid - Environmental Affairs Agency - Department of biosafety, explained
that the Genetic Engineering is used to understand many diseases, including AIDS and is it
also used for the treatment or control of certain diseases, and he stressed that we must
study the effects of GMO on environmental and health carefully, so as not to negatively
impact on the environmental system or earth. It also pointed out that it is necessary to raise
the understanding of developing countries regarding the application of the Cartagena
Protocol, adding that the protocol can be applied in the countries that have not yet made
biosafety law until after the issuance of their own national legislation.
Dr. Mohammad Abdul Ghani Roudhan - Deputy Director of Quality Management and
Development Office of the Prime Minister Observatory food-Egypt, explained a project
sponsored by the ministry, which aims to design and implement a system to monitor and
track the event of a basket of agricultural and food commodities in the life of the Egyptian
citizens, which is used as a warning for future food crises. He made clear in his speech that
the importance of developing varieties are strains that can be irrigated using high salinity
water and the importance of reducing the costs of production of major agricultural crops;
goal that the genetic engineering techniques can provide.
Dr. Salah Soliman – Advisor in Bibliotica Alexandrina and professor of chemical pesticides
and toxic at the University of Alexandria led the talk about the importance of the adoption
of modern technologies during the fight against the insects to reach the ideal production of
agricultural crops in Egypt. An example of this; Dr. Dahi Hassan - Cotton Research Institute Center for Agricultural Research Center demonstrated the genetically modified cotton that
was modified to resist a number of insect species. He also stated number of the
environmental issues that would be solved by adopting biotechnology. That includes the
rational use of water and soil; the increasing in food security and to reduce poverty.
Prof. Abdallah; Director of EBIC, explained that the goal of the workshop is to increase the
knowledge regarding GM crops by introducing the negatives and positives associated with
the use of biotechnology. She briefed that the goal is to deliver a message; biotechnology is
a safe process if we go in the right track; biosafety and risk assessment of GMO.
Dr. Ghada Abu Elheba and Dr. Gihan Hussein - Agricultural Research Center - Agricultural
Genetic Engineering Research Institute delivered their speech regarding the analysis of
scientific techniques for developing genetically engineered plants and explained the
potential risks of their use and ways to ensure maximum protection against the potential
risks in order to achieve the best productivity.
Following the round table discussion; the next recommendations were announced;
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The application of Biotechnology and the use of genetically modified organisms is no
longer an option but a necessary.
Transparency between researchers, stakeholders and decision-makers regarding
biosafety and risk assessment is needed the correct dissemination of information.
The need to raise awareness regarding genetically modified organisms and biosafety
among members of the community through media, seminars in schools and public
libraries, universities as well as in the rural communities.
The need to create and activate the role of Institutional biosafety committees in
different universities and research institutes working with biotechnology in vital to
ensure the preservation of the environment.
Encourage the private sectors to participate in adopting the GMO in the Egyptian
agriculture.
For more on this workshop visit the EBIC web site www.e-bic.net or contact Dr. Naglaa
Abdallah at nabdallah@e-bic.net