Cairo 15-16th of December 2007 Biotechnology Network in the Near East Region Cyprus Report Ioannis M. Ioannides, Ph.D

At a peripheral extent: Certain departments of the University of Cyprus Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics Main focus molecular treatment and analysis of human diseases Goals to develop and foster research programs as well as post- graduate education in the areas of neurosciences, genetic and molecular medicine and other related areas, as well as post- graduate educational programs in these branches The current status of agriculture biotechnology Agriculture biotechnology research Agricultural Research Institute

ARI research PlantsAnimals Insects biological and molecular characterization of plant pathogenic bacteria, viruses and viroids development of molecular markers on cereals genetic analysis of blood samples of Chios sheep to identify and select genotypes resistant to scrapie disease genetic and eco- ethology of the honeybee Apis mellifera Cypria resistance of the olive fruit fly, Bactrocerae oleae Gmelin to organophosphate and pyrethroid insecticides molecular mechanism of the resistance to spinosad of the olive fruit fly

quantitative and qualitative tests for the presence of genetically modified seeds in imported corn and soybean are carried out ARI Competent Authority 2001/18/EC

Constrains facing agriculture biotechnology The unavailability of sufficient budget, human recourses and infrastructure consists one of the main constrains of the current status of biotechnology The fact that there is no coordination body to assist the deferent organizations which deal with biotechnology it also one of the serious constrains

Increase available budget through collaborative projects among the countries in the region Exchange know how and scientific expertise Communicate to public scientifically sound information in a simple manner Inform / educate public on biotechnology issues cause concerns Recommendations for promoting agricultural biotechnology in the region

Facilitate the exchange of scientific expertise Enhance every effort at a national level Boost the R & D in the region towards levels enjoyed by more advance regions Allow for parallel actions Promote the interest of the public on biotech information Justification for establishing agricultural biotechnology network as a tool for regional and inter-regional cooperation and information dissemination