INTRODUCTION AND INVITATION TO ICOB 7, 2014
Dear Colleagues
On behalf of the Executive Council of the International Conference on Biopesticides, I extend a very cordial invitation to all interested persons to participate in the “International Conference on Biopesticides 7” (ICOB 7) to be held in Side, Antalya, Turkey from 19 to 25 October, 2014. The conference is being organized with the theme “Biopesticides: Shaping Human Health and Global Agriculture”. It will provide a great opportunity to learn and discuss recent advances in the science of biopesticides and related technologies, and to establish contacts and collaborations with participants from many different parts of the world.
ICOB 7, with plenary speeches in different disciplines and sessions on a range of topics for the duration of the conference, will enhance awareness of the challenges and opportunities for the employment of biopesticides in sustaining food security and human health in a rapidly changing global environment.
The conference will also provide multiple opportunities for interaction among scientists from public and private institutions that will help accelerate the transfer of knowledge about biopesticides into action for the benefit of society and the environment.
The conference, which includes a field tour, will especially focus on the challenges faced by crop protection specialists in the development and use of biopesticides for pest management and their fate in the environment. The conference is timely, given the increasing challenges presented by the effects of global warming and climate change on the geographical distribution of insect pests and the need for modified and new strategies for management of both traditional and emerging pests.
The Sueno Resort at Side, the venue for the conference, will provide a wonderful Mediterranean beachside setting and superb technical facilities for the conference. Coupled with the energy and enthusiasm of the organizing committee, I am certain that the “International Conference on Biopesticides 7” (ICOB 7) will be an outstanding success and I look forward with great anticipation to seeing you there.
Sincerely yours
Dr. Errol Hassan
Chairperson, ICOB 7, 2014