Sharjah 24 – WAM: A new advanced genomic research facility was inaugurated on Thursday at the headquarters of the International Centre for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) to further genomic research on, among other things, healthier, more nutritious, and resilient crops for sustainable food systems.

As a joint venture between ICBA and BGI, the world’s largest genomics research institution, the Desert Life Science Laboratory (DLSL) will help fast-track the discovery and development of food and other crops suited to marginal environments. These are agroecosystems constrained by a range of factors such as water scarcity, soil and water salinity, heat and drought, among others.

Mariam Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and Environment of the UAE, said, "The Desert Life Science Laboratory is a vital initiative and one that is a significant addition to the UAE’s food security efforts, as enshrined in the country’s National Food Security Strategy 2051. Increased desertification as a result of climate change is expanding marginal environments, so finding crops with a food value that can not only tolerate but thrive in these environments is a strategic priority."

She added, "The Desert Life Science Laboratory, through its advanced research into more resilient and nutritious crops, can assist other countries that have large marginal areas. It enables the UAE to play an important role in helping to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, in particular SDG 2 – zero hunger by 2030."

The establishment of the DLSL is a result of strategic collaboration between ICBA and BGI.