Sunday 02 / November / 2025
Salalah: Deliberations of the third economic forum on genetic resources commenced on Sunday in Dhofar Governorate.
The forum is organised by Oman Animal and Plant Genetic Resources Centre (Mawarid), affiliated to the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, in cooperation with Dhofar University.
The opening ceremony was held under the patronage of Dr. Rahma Ibrahim Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, in the presence of a number of researchers, experts and entrepreneurs from the Sultanate of Oman, the Netherlands, Italy, Switzerland, Sri Lanka, Singapore, and South Africa.
The two-day forum aims to enhance the economic value of Omani genetic resources and highlight the role of biodiversity in supporting innovation and the growth of nature-based industries. It serves as a national and international platform to present the latest scientific and economic trends related to genetic resources and to explore opportunities for transforming Omani biodiversity into innovative products with global competitiveness in the fields of biotechnology, health, nutrition, as well as cosmetics, perfumes, and eco-tourism.
During the opening ceremony, Dr. Shahina Ghazanfar was felicitated in recognition of her contributions to the study and conservation of Omani plant diversity.
The opening also included visual presentations on entrepreneurship and innovation presented by experts from the Netherlands titled “From Idea to Market.”
The forum also included discussion sessions on converting Omani biodiversity into products with economic value, encompassing the fields of health, food, and innovation, alongside an exhibition showcasing models of pioneering projects based on local genetic resources.
The second day of the forum will focus on the aromatic identity and innovation in products inspired by Omani plants, and highlight the role of ecotourism and traditional knowledge in supporting sustainable industries and investment opportunities.
