Genetic resources forum on Sunday

MUSCAT: The third edition of the Genetic Resources Economic Forum, 'Geno Business 3', will begin on Sunday at Rotana Resort Salalah, running from November 2 to 3. The event will be held under the auspices of Dr Rahma bint Ibrahim al Mahrouqiyah, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation.
Organised by the Oman Animal and Plant Genetic Resources Centre (Mawarid), the forum is held in cooperation with Dhofar University, the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (Riyada), the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, and the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism.
The forum aims to highlight the economic value of biodiversity and genetic resources, foster connections between scientific research and entrepreneurship, and encourage investment in knowledge-based and genome-driven industries. It also seeks to strengthen regional and international partnerships that contribute to building a sustainable bioeconomy in Oman.
This year’s edition focuses on four main themes — food, medicine, beauty and sustainability.
Discussions will explore opportunities to transform plants and fungi into high-value food products, advance personalised medicine through the Omani Genome Project, and develop Omani brands in perfumes and cosmetics. It will also address investment opportunities in eco-tourism and green entrepreneurship.
The programme includes a keynote session by experts from the Netherlands-based PLNT Center, who will present “The Journey of Innovation — from Idea to Market.” Other sessions will cover topics related to biodiversity, sustainable industrial development and the fragrance and cosmetics industries.