AfricaBio Biotechnology Stakeholders Association

AfricaBio Why was AfricaBio created? Provide biotechnology stakeholders with a platform for biotechnology in SA and Africa To address a strong misinformation campaign in SA media on modern biotechnology The information was European with no reference or relevance to African conditions Our experience had shown that there was relevance for biotechnology in Africa A moratorium would prevent South Africa accessing and testing relevant technologies

AfricaBio AfricaBio was initiated by: Academics Food retailers Life science and seed companies Food producers National research organisations (Focused on food and agriculture) until 2002

AfricaBio Mission statement AfricaBio seeks to promote the enhancement of life through the safe,ethical and responsible development and application of biotechnology and the products derived from it. Non-profit, non-political, Section 21 Company Biotechnology Stakeholders Association

AfricaBio AfricaBio’s role Make available accurate information. Encourage informed debate. Promote safe, ethical and responsible use of biotechnology. Interact with government and civil society. Interact with international bodies. Provide education and training. Stimulate new biotechnology development

AfricaBio AfricaBio’s Structure Board of Governors 9 board members Rep:Congo, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa Team of 8-12 staff Working Groups: Public Awareness and Media Scientific & Research Education & Training Policy and Food Chain Working Group

AfricaBio Current Membership – August 2002 ~ 90 members Academics Educational institutes and schools Food retailers Food processors Food distributors and associated industries Food producers (farmers organisations) National R&D institutes Biotechnology companies Invited guests: –Consumer organisations –Government and regulators

AfricaBio Information dissemination Web-site + query option: Newsletter: BioLines Press releases and media forums Workshops and Conferences e.g. WSSD planning Information brochures (local languages) Presentations – industry, civil society

AfricaBio Some Current Projects Communication Consumer research Education and Training: e.g. industry, schools, communities Small-scale farmer research Support to policy development SMME support – bioincubator Networking in Africa and internationally

AfricaBio Public Awareness l Consumers, Industry and Regulators agree that consumers have a right to know what they are eating l Labels will assist a small percentage of African consumers, but are costly and give little information (CODEX) l Awareness campaigns needed to reach the general public l GOAL = informed decision making

AfricaBio A credible awareness campaign l 75% South Africans do not know about GMOs(FEST-2001) l Balanced and accurate information that addresses benefits and concerns l Who should inform the public? –17% government –15% industry –32% nutritionist –31% biotechnology association (Pretoria Technikon, 2001)

AfricaBioNetworking AfricaBio recognised internationally Collaborate, don’t duplicate Africa: SARB ABSF SABRAD BTA BTZ FAO UNEP Rockefeller public awareness project Internationally Provide information on biotechnology needs and activities in Africa Initiate and develop partnerships

AfricaBio Contact details: Tel: Fax: Web-site: