WASHINGTON, DC--(Marketwire - December 6, 2010) -
WHAT:
A Webinar to unveil the "Responsible Use: Biotech Tree Principles" and discuss their intended worldwide use. Developed by the non-profit Institute of Forest Biotechnology, which assembled a blue-ribbon panel of researchers, environmentalists, and industry leaders, the Institute sought comments from nearly 500 stakeholders over two and a half years in meetings in the USA and abroad. The public can also comment on the Principles, at www.responsibleuse.org.
WHO:
Steven Strauss, Ph.D, Distinguished Professor of Forest Biotechnology, Department of Forest Science, Oregon State University, and Member, Implementation Committee for the Principles. Dr. Strauss has earned degrees from Cornell, Yale, and University of California at Berkeley. He has published over 160 papers and has given more than 170 invited lectures on biotechnology and the genetics of trees, making him one of the world's leading authorities on biotech trees.
Lori Knowles, LL.B, B.C.L., M.A., LL.M, Research Fellow, Health Law Institute, University of Alberta, Canada and Board Member of The Institute of Forest Biotechnology. Ms. Knowles has been a consultant to President Bush's Council on Bioethics and President Clinton's National Bioethics Advisory Commission; the U.S. Food and Drug Administration; Genome Canada; the Canadian Biotechnology Advisory Committee; and the U.S. National Academy of Sciences.
Adam Costanza, President, Institute of Forest Biotechnology, Co-Chair of the Pine Genome Initiative, and Board Member of AHEAD Energy, a non-profit, clean energy development organization. Adam has worked in forestry over 9 years creating sustainability efforts, climate change strategies, stakeholder dialogue, and stewardship of biotech trees.
WHY:
We need healthy forests. Our forests are under pressure from global trade, population growth, invasive threats, and increased demand on natural resources. The IFB supports responsible uses of forest biotechnology that benefit society and the environment through science, dialogue, and stewardship. The Responsible Use: Biotech Tree Principles will guide long-term stewardship of biotech trees.
WHEN:
Thursday, December 9, 11am USA/Eastern, 8am USA/Pacific, 4pm London/GMT