BIODIVERSITY & BIOTECHNOLOGY SYMPOSIUM 2008

Introduction - Venue & Date - List of Topics & Programme - Call for Papers
Poster Presentation - Registration - Accommodation - Exhibition - Flyer

Jointly organized by

INTRODUCTION

Biodiversity today is the result of 3.5 billions of years of evolution and existence. Its intrinsic value is important for a variety of reasons from healthcare to food production. The loss of biodiversity is significant, prompting the global call for biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of biological resources particularly in countries which are rich in biodiversity.

Malaysia is one of the 12 mega-diverse countries in the world. Together they account for 60-70 per cent of the world’s biodiversity. Biodiversity contributes to the genetic and chemical diversity that support research and development (R&D) in biotechnology.

Biotechnology has been proven to be a powerful tool for building knowledge, unraveling discoveries and creation of new and better applications. It has developed into a major industry that is set to be the catalyst for next wave of economic development.

Malaysia’s biotechnology ambition is well supported by the government raising biotech research and industry to the top of the political and economic agenda of the country. There is ample funding to promote commercialization of biotech and fostering of faborable environment for the development of the industry. However, achieving the goals and success is not without its challenges and issues; from the need to address legal framework for access to biological resources, equitable shraing of benefits, capable workforce and expertise to getting the right strategies for R&D.

THEME

Biodiversity – Biotechnology: Gateway to Discoveries, Sustainable Utilization and Wealth Creation.

OBJECTIVES

1. To highlight and create awareness on the value of biodiversity, its research, development and commercialization
2. To inform and update participants on policies and laws relevant to biodiversity, traditional knowledge, access and benefit sharing, intellectual property and genetic resources
3. To stimulate the exchange of ideas and interaction between stakeholders in areas of biodiversity, natural products and biotechnology

TARGET AUDIENCE

This Symposium targets all those involved in areas of biodiversity, related legislation, natural products discovery and industries, including policy makers, key government officials from relevant agencies, scientists, researchers, traditional knowledge stakeholders, the legal fraternity, and industry players.

EXPECTED OUTPUTS

• Awareness on the value of the biodiversity.
• Stimulate R&D in biodiversity and be educated on the challenges to undertake commercialization of bioproducts.
• Updated on the policies and laws related to biodiversity, traditional knowledge, intellectual property and genetic resources.
• Exchange of ideas and potential collaborations among the participants in various areas related to biodiversity, natural products and biotechnology

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Last updated 16 October, 2008