Department of Science and Technology

1. National Biotechnology Strategy DST Department of Science and Technology

2. Public Hearings (14/04/2003): GMs & the Biotech Strategy • Objective of the strategy • Implementation framework • National Development Imperatives • Public consultation process DST

3. BACKGROUND Biotechnology and …. • Contribution to development & economic growth • Contribution to an improved quality of life • Environmental rehabilitation & conservation • Food security • Cabinet Decsion on a National Strategy DST

4. National Development Imperatives • Accelerated economic development • sustainable development for poverty alleviation • Rural development • Small business development • Human Resource Development • Black economic empowerment • Infrastructure development DST

5. Objective of the Strategy To inform government and other role players about the steps that need to be taken for biotechnology to have a positive socio-economic impact DST

6. The National Biotechnology Strategy Addresses the primary means by which government can influence developments… • The legal and regulatory framework • Institutional arrangements • Evaluation, monitoring & communication instruments • Creation of new infrastructure • Development of research capacity • Development of business ventures • Funding mechanisms DST

7. Implementation Framework • Biotechnology Regional Innovation Centres • National Bioinformatics Facility • NACI Biotechnology Advisory Committee • NACI Bioethics Committee • Special Biotechnology Studies/Investigations • Legislative & Regulatory actions • Public Understanding of Biotechnology • ICGEB membership • Biological Resource Organisations Network DST

8. Diagnostic tools Drugs and vaccines Disease detection Nutritional content Toxicity DNA fingerprinting disease resistance Improved crop yields Environmental impact Bioremediation Energy consumption Carbon dioxide emissions Industrial Bioprocessing techniques Minerals exploration Minerals processing National Biotechnology Strategy:R&D and Technologies DST

9. Molecular Biology Bioinformatics Information Technology Engineering Statistics Genetic Epidemiology Business Management Product Development Legal Practice National Biotechnology Strategy:HRD needs DST

10. Public Consultation Process • 182 people attended the information sessions • Total responses 87 • Only 14% not in support, but in opposition to GMOs not the strategy • Recommendations for fast-tracking HR endorsed • Strong concerns that funding inadequate • Commercialisation aspect to be strengthened • Assessment of economic impact of GMOs on export markets • Ethics, Safety and IPR inadequately dealt with • Public understanding not to be achieved through indoctrination but through objective education • Community upliftment and sme development • Process issues DST

11. Progress to date • 3 BRICs established: BioPad; CBI; EcoBio • NBN established (partnership with DoL) • PUB programme established at FEST • Biotechnology Audit underway; • Study on impact of GMOs on SA export markets – review of literature completed • Actions underway for legislative and regulatory improvements • Actions underway for ratification of membership of ICGEB; • NACI appointment of Advisory Committees underway DST

12. Biotechnology Regional Innovation Centres (BRICs) • BioPad Animal Health, Bioprocessing • CBI Human Health, Bioprocessing • EcoBio Human Health, Bioprocessing, Plant Biotechnology DST

13. Challenges • Level of awareness and understanding within South African population • EU/US polarisation – Labelling versus rigorous testing followed by non-discrimination • Poor resources and capacity within SADC to mount informed platforms in decision-making DST