EAD and ICLS to organize conference

ABU DHABI , United Arab Emirates, Sept. 6 (UPI) -- United Arab Emirates-based Environment Agency-Abu Dhabi has announced plans for an international conference concerning biosafety and biosecurity.

EAD was formerly known as the Environmental Research and Wildlife Development Agency. The organization's aim is to conserve the emirate's natural resources and reduce industry's impact on the environment, among other environmental initiatives.

EAD will partner with the Washington-based International Council for Life Sciences for the conference called "Biosafety and Biosecurity International Conference 2007: A Seminar for Life Science and Policy Communities in the (Persian) Gulf and MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region."

"We need to build a global network between governments, international organizations, universities and private companies associated with the life sciences," said Majid Al Mansouri, secretary-general of EAD, in a statement. "Through this network, we can develop and share best practices in research and activities."

Organizers say presentations on best practices, standards and training in biosafety and biosecurity will be featured to better protect against biological risks while enhancing security, safety and public health.

"I expect that this conference will result in the sustained engagement of experts from the countries involved and will lead to practical improvements in biosafety and biosecurity and enhanced infectious disease surveillance," said Terence Taylor, president and director of the ICLS.

The conference is scheduled for November 12-14 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.