Know The Science: Strengthening Biotech Links

This proposal aims to continue the momentum and successes of previous and current information, education and communication (IEC) advocacies on biotech crops. The planned activities are designed to counter the strong national anti sentiment on biotechnology and agri-sciences. The proposal covers various approaches that focus on some elements of a successful IEC strategies targeted to the essential stakeholders of policymakers, the media and the youth. Specifically, this project aims to:

1. Increase awareness and interest of the general public on modern biotechnology through social media campaign (Know The Science), workshops, exhibits and/or forums.
2. Strengthen capacities of different stakeholders through science communication training-workshops and webinar series on agri-biotechnology developments.
3. Develop, reproduce, and translate IEC materials in print and electronic copy that will be used to fill the knowledge gaps among farmers, students and the academe, the media, and the general public.
4. Develop and maintain biotech adoption, approval and media monitoring databases, as well as publish annual reports and hold a media conference that will provide information and serve as references for the regulators, researchers, educators and the media.
5. Understand perception of different stakeholders of agri-biotechnology

The various outputs and products will definitely contribute to increased awareness of the general public on biotech crops as we strengthen old and newly found links and partnerships inside and outside the biotech space. Potential impact may also be obtained in the expeditious and science-based approvals of biotech products through an effective national information campaigns coinciding with the newly revised JDC

The results of the perception study will provide information on the socio-cultural characteristics of the various stakeholders, the most popular sources of information of each stakeholder, and their perception of biotechnology. This will serve as guide for future biotech IEC activities tailor fit for each stakeholder and focused on their concerns. Clarifying science-based issues can contribute to increased awareness and acceptance of biotechnology across the country.