Biotech Info Centers Highlight Knowledge Sharing Initiatives

The crucial role of communication among stakeholders to encourage a transparent and science-based debate on crop biotechnology was again highlighted  during the annual  network meeting of the Biotechnology Information Centers (BICs) of the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA). Representatives of the BICs in Asia (Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam), Africa (Egypt and Kenya), and Europe (Spain) converged in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia to share communication strategies from interpersonal to tri-media approaches that were used to increase awareness and understanding of biotechnology in their respective countries.

Eighteen BICs are now part of the network and are sharing information, resources, expertise, and experiences to the global community. Other members include Sri Lanka, Bulgaria, Russia, South Africa, Francophone Africa, and Brazil. The BICs are actively involved in translating and disseminating crop biotech information to various stakeholders, conduct workshops, and perform other knowledge sharing initiatives.

For more information on the Global Knowledge Center on Crop Biotechnology and the BIC network visit http://www.isaaa.org/kc.