Participation of the Faculty of Agricultural Technology in the Biodiversity and Food Security Workshop at the University of Anbar, Iraq

As part of the ongoing scientific and research collaboration between the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Anbar in Iraq and the Faculty of Agricultural Technology at Al-Ahliyya Amman University, and upon invitation from the University of Anbar, Dr. Sobhieh Saifan participated in the blended online workshop on Biodiversity and Food Security, organized by the University of Anbar on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. Dr. Saifan delivered a scientific lecture titled “Biodiversity: A Safeguard for Food Security and Agricultural Entrepreneurship”, in which she explored the relationship between biodiversity and food security. The lecture highlighted how genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity contribute to ensuring food security by improving climate resilience and delivering vital environmental and food-related services, such as enhancing productivity through the use of wild species in breeding programs. Furthermore, the lecture addressed the role of biodiversity in promoting agricultural entrepreneurship, through the establishment and development of innovative projects based on the sustainable use of biodiversity components. Examples included organic farming, which improves soil quality; precision agriculture, which enhances production efficiency using advanced technologies; and hydroponics, which improves water-use efficiency. The lecture also discussed entrepreneurship that leverages biodiversity conservation technologies, such as eco-tourism and projects for monitoring changes in vegetation cover. The workshop was attended by faculty members from the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Anbar and the Faculty of Agricultural Technology at Al-Ahliyya Amman University, as well as students enrolled in the biodiversity course. The workshop concluded with key recommendations, most notably the formation of specialized Arab research groups to support scientific research across the Arab world.