Biosécurité : Des scientifiques sénégalais en conclave autour des biotechnologies
The National Biosafety Authority (ANB) organized an upgrade workshop, dedicated exclusively to scientists and research institutions. At the heart of the discussions was the Biosafety Clearinghouse (BCH) as an essential resource. This global platform centralizes legal and scientific information related to modern biotechnologies.
"Senegal is well positioned because the ANB's permanent secretary is also the BCH focal point at the international level. This guarantees us direct and secure access to data," the executive director said. Training on the use of BCH is scheduled during the workshop.
Indeed, this meeting marks the first official meeting of the Scientific and Technical Committee on Biosafety (CSTB), a key body for the evaluation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in Senegal.
According to Aliou Ndiaye, executive director of the ANB, two committees support the authority in its missions: the CSTB, responsible for examining purely scientific and technical aspects; and the National Biosafety Committee, which looks at economic, social, ethical and religious dimensions.
"The CSTB brings together 17 specialists with varied backgrounds: toxicologists, phytopathologists, botanists, biotechnologists, nutritionists, and aquaculture experts. Each contributes to the analysis of risks associated with GMOs, whether it concerns their impact on the environment, human health, or animal health," explained Mr. Ndiaye.
Biotechnology and sustainable agriculture
Professor Ndiaga Diouf, for his part, highlighted the potential of biotechnologies in the agricultural development of the continent.
"Africa must first identify its constraints: drought, salinity, soil acidity, insect or virus attacks. Then, choose priority crops such as rice, cassava or bananas," he said.
According to him, the rational use of GMOs can help reduce the excessive use of pesticides and their harmful effects on the environment; improve agricultural yields; and strengthen food security.
"Developed countries have made mistakes with their massive use of pesticides. We can learn from these experiences and use biotechnology to build sustainable agriculture," he concluded.
Commentaires (3)
S'il y a des financements de Bill Gates, alors il ne faut rien attendre de cette conclave. Au moment où ils se concertent les sénégalais consomment des OGM à leur insu. Nos marchés sont remplis d'huile OGM depuis le décret de Macky Sall, et ils gardent le silence dessus.
Looooooool Xeme vous etes trop marrant.Idem pour vos opinions concernant les vaccins et bientot on aura les vaccins RNA pour les cancers watch BionTech and Moderna . Ou sont les specialistes de bio-chimie et bio-statistiques ? J'espere qu'ils figurent dans ce comite scientique. C'est un domaine neglige au niveau de l'agriculture alors qu'il doit etre la locomotive d'une eventuelle revolution sans oublier un autre domaine de la technologie comme l'IA. Il faut que ces chercheurs s'impliquent davantage sur le terrain et les labos pour faire progresser la recherche avec des resultats.
Maintenant on a de la viande ou du poulet produit en laboratoire sur la base de celluliles animales. Mieux beaucoup de produits a base de plantes sont dans les magasins. Ou est l'ITA ( institut de technologie alimentaire) au Senegal? Il faut que ces specialistes relevent le defi de l'emergence avec des decouvertes qui visent a ameliorer les rendements agricoles a tous les niveaux et surtout aider a transformer certaines culture sous forme de produits finis...etc. Please faites rever les senegalais. Ce sont ces ingenieurs du savoir qui feront emerger notre economie et non les politiciens.
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