The African Genetic Biocontrol Consortium
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OUR BRIEF
The African Genetic Biocontrol Consortium
The African Genetic Biocontrol Consortium is established as an agreement among member organizations committed to contribute and expand Africa’s self-determination through research, development, and use of genetic biocontrol approaches to control and eliminate malaria and other vector-borne diseases in Africa. …
OUR GOALS
The goals of the consortium are
VENUE
To provide a regular venue for informational opportunities and in-depth discussion and debate of the needs and requirements for testing of genetic biocontrol technologies by experts from countries most likely to experience both the risks and the benefits.
FORUM
To provide a forum for sharing of planned activities by Member Organizations for awareness-creation, coordination, and complementarity, and for identifying opportunities for collaborative activities
WORKSHOPS
To offer technical and regulatory capacity strengthening Webinars/ Seminars/ Courses/Workshops/Conferences in partnerships with consortium members, research institutions and oversight committees (ERB, IBC, IACUC) to help prepare for effective governance of genetic biocontrol technologies in Africa.
COMMUNICATION
To provide a platform for review of guidelines, raise awareness, providing training and technical support to other key stakeholders, stakeholder engagement and creating public trust at the national, regional, and continental levels during research and field trials/release of genetic biocontrol agents and their products.
IMPROVEMENT
To promote a consistent approach to research and development and improve operational effectiveness by raising awareness of and offering training to member organizations on applicable regulations and best practices guidance.
FUNDING
To provide a platform for the Member Organizations to collectively advocate for shared interests and identify opportunities for joint funding or in-kind support.
What is Genetic Biocontrol?
Biocontrol, short for biological control, is a method of using living organisms, often microbes or insects, to manage pests or disease-causing pathogens. Biocontrol has a long-standing history of use for insect pest management, including by releasing sterile insects to reduce or eliminate wild populations of that insect. Genetic biocontrol approaches use genetic engineering to implement or supplement biocontrol.
There are many possible applications of genetic biocontrol across public health, agriculture, and conservation. For example, genetic biocontrol can be used to reduce the reproductive capacity of undesirable insects in the wild. Genetic biocontrol also could potentially be used to prevent insects from acquiring or transmitting a disease …
PUBLIC HEALTH
By suppressing or eliminating insects responsible for causing vector-borne diseases such as malaria.
CONSERVATION
By removing non-native invasive species to prevent extinction.
AGRICULTURE
By reducing or eliminating invasive plant or insect species affecting agricultural productivity.
Our Values
Teamwork
The Consortium seeks to achieve an environment in which all the participating organizations and professionals can work together to create a strong, effective, and collegial team.
Collaboration
The Consortium seeks to achieve an environment in which all the participating organizations and professionals can work together to create a strong, effective, and collegial team.
Power of negotiation
The consortium seeks to negotiate with external parties (e.g., funders, global institutions) that are of common interest to the consortium participants.
Recognize strength
Various organizations have strengths and relationships that they can freely convey in discussions.
Continual Improvement
The Consortium membership team is dedicated to investing in the continued improvement and delivery of high-quality knowledge exchange.
Accountability & Transparency
The Consortium seeks to remain accountable and transparent through its policies and procedures. All plans and above-board dealings will be upheld to ensure integrity in the interaction with partners, membership, and stakeholders.
Stay Informed
Knowledge is Power.
Do not be left behind! — Understanding Genetic Biocontrol is just a click away.
