Download Biodiversity: Conservation and Utilization of Oman`s Genetic

Biodiversity: Conservation and Utilization
of Oman’s Genetic Resources
Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, 10th-12th January 2011
Overview:
This workshop gathered and introduced key national stakeholders on issues related to
biodiversity conservation with a specific reference to genetic resources. It focused on
experiences in establishing genetic resource centers. It facilitated brainstorming process to
identify the needs and challenges for genetic conservation in Oman. It presented practical
strategies, and it included examples of successful experiences.
Goals of the workshop:
1. To be informed on the current status and trends of biodiversity
2. To understand the role of a genetic resource centre in biodiversity conservation
3. To understand the different challenges of dealing with plant, animal and fish genetic
resources and to develop appropriate strategies.
4. To understand the UN Convention on Biological Diversity with special reference to:
i. The safeguarding of genetic resources.
ii. Access to genetic resources and benefit sharing
5. To come up with recommendations for the scope and plan of work for the animal and
plant genetic resource center in Oman
Themes of the workshop:
1. Current status and trends of the world’s biodiversity with an emphasis on Oman.
2. Experiences in establishing National Genetic Resource Centers and their strategies
3. Socio-economic and legal aspects of biodiversity with an emphasis on access and use of
genetic resources
International Speakers:
1. Dr Nigel Maxted (School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15
2TT, UK )
2. Dr Ehsan Dulloo (IUCN SSC, co-chairs of the IUCN SSC Crop Wild Relatives Specialist
Group)
3. Dr Suzanne Sharrock (Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI), UK)
4. Dr Ahmed Amri (International Center for Agricultural Research in Dry Areas
(ICARDA), SYRIA)
5. Dr Niclas Adler (International University for Entrepreneurship and Technology,
Stockholm, Sweden)
Local Speakers:
1. Dr Nadiya Al-Saady (The Research Council (TRC))
2. Dr Ali Al-Lawati (Ministry of Agriculture (MoA))
3. Mr Ali Al-Kiyumi (Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs (MECA))
4. Mr. Laith A. Jawad (Ministry of Fisheries Wealth (MoFW))
5. Dr Abdulwahid Al-Saadi (Royal Court Affairs (RCA))
6. Dr Khaled Al –Rasbi (Royal Court Affairs (RCA))
7. Dr. Annette Patzelt (Diwan of Royal Court,Oman Botanic Garden)
8. Dr Osman Mahgoub(Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), College of Agricultural and
Marine Sciences)
9. Dr Hamed Al-Gheilani (Ministry of Fisheries Wealth (MoFW),Marine Science and
Fisheries Center)
10. Dr. Mansoor Al Jahdhami (Diwan of Royal Court, Senior biologist at the Office for
Conservation of Environment)
11. Dr Anna Rajab (Ministry of Health (MoH), Genetic Blood Disorders Unit)
12. Prof. Thomas Anderson (The Research Council of Oman (TRC))
13. Dr Zaki Muscati (the Research Council of Oman (TRC))
14. Dr Michel Claebourt (Sultan Qaboos University (SQU))
15. Dr Mehdi Jaffar (Environment Society of Oman (ESO))
16. Mr. Khalfan M. Al-Rashdi (Ministry of Fisheries Wealth (MoFW))
Recommendation:
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To look at the National priorities on biodiversity conservation
Identify areas of gaps and look at ways to fill those gaps
Work on strengthening existing centers
Bring about coordination of APGR activities amongst the stakeholders
There is a need to have a board of directors at a high level
The center would focus on the following areas:
Conservation:
Would be involved in both in-situ and ex-situ conservation of the diversity of animal, plant,
marine and microorganism genetic resources. The center would work on strengthening the
existing centers where ever possible and complement what is currently availabe. It would
serve as a long term storage of genetic resources.
Research Activities:
It would facilitate and provide the means for conducting scientific research which would help
the country achieve the goals of conserving indigenous animal, plant, marine and
microorganism genetic resources to provide socio-economic benefit to the country. Develop
National and sectoral research strategies for APGR activities. Develop ways of sustainable
usage of spiecies in an innovative enterprenual way. The research actvites would be focused
under thematic groups bringing together local, regional and international stakeholders in
coordinated APGR activities.
Database management:
To provide the scientists and policy makers with the information and knowledge for building
up research activities and providing indicators to plan and formulate required polices and
strategies in the field of biodiversity; it will be also a tool that links all the activities
concerning APGR activities inside and outside country.
Services:
Legal assistance in the areas of IPR, Species identification, monitoring and evalaution to alert
stakeholders on the status of genetic resources. Provide a think tank to assist stakeholders in
the areas of biodiversity conservation. Be involved in access and benefit sharing services.
Capacity building at all levels and mobilization of expertise: facilitate and provide means for
training and the areas of biodiversity conservation. Work with government and NGO's in the
dissemination of knowledge to the community