The "Resilient Beekeping for Ecosystem Services Assurance" marked the 177th anniversary of modern agricultural education, bringing together key stakeholders in the field. The event, held at the Near East University, featured prominent figures, including the Minister of Agriculture and Natural Resources of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Donald Aquilina from the EU Agriculture and Rural Development Advisory Office, and experts such as Dr. Gennaro Di Prisco.
Key themes revolved around the significance of sustainable agriculture in addressing global challenges. Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ, the Vice Rector of Near East University, emphasized the importance of food and water security globally, highlighting the university's commitment to sustainable agriculture. He introduced the development of a Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) Analysis Kit to enhance the detection and control of GMO products entering the country.
Erkut Uluçam, President of the Cyprus Turkish Chamber of Agricultural Engineers, addressed historical agricultural developments and expressed optimism for the future, citing educational collaborations with three universities and a vocational high school. Concerns were raised about insufficient efforts to protect agricultural lands, and the impact of drought on production was discussed.
Donald Aquilina underscored the global importance of education in sustainable agriculture. He emphasized the EU's support for programs aimed at educating farmers, highlighting the critical role of research and application in agricultural sustainability.
Representatives from various agricultural sectors discussed challenges faced by citrus producers, animal breeders, and farmers. Minister Dursun Oğuz highlighted the crucial role of agricultural education throughout history and emphasized the need for scientific evaluation of production resources.
Dr. Gennaro Di Prisco shared insights into insect research, particularly focusing on the resilience of bees in the face of environmental pollution. He emphasized the need to monitor and enhance genetic diversity for bee resilience.
In conclusion, the symposium provided a platform for comprehensive discussions on sustainable agriculture, with a focus on education, research, and collaboration to address pressing global challenges. The diverse perspectives highlighted the importance of a unified approach to foster innovation and resilience in agriculture.
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