1.Establishment of the ECO Agricultural Biotechnology Network (ECO-ABN)
This project aims to enhance regional cooperation in agricultural biotechnology across the ECO Member States. The idea to create a regional network was endorsed at the 2nd ECO Ministerial Meeting on Agriculture in 2004 in Antalya. The network was officially established in 2005 in Tehran, with the Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute of Iran (ABRII) leading the coordination efforts. ABRII is affiliated with the Agricultural Research, Education, and Extension Organization (AREEO) under the Ministry of Agriculture Jihad of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The primary objective of the ECO-ABN is to strengthen collaboration among national agricultural research institutions (NARIs) in the ECO region. By fostering research cooperation, the network aims to address key regional agricultural challenges and boost the application of agricultural biotechnology. It serves as a platform to promote joint research initiatives, harmonize biosafety protocols, and facilitate information sharing across the ECO Member States, as well as build institutional capacity.
Since its inception, ECO-ABN has successfully convened two Expert Group Meetings (EGMs). The second EGM was held virtually in October 2023 by Iran, alongside a symposium on GMO biosafety and regulation. These meetings help align the region’s research priorities and strengthen collaborative efforts in biotechnology. The 35th Regional Planning Council Meeting in 2025 saw Pakistan offering to host the 3rd EGM, further strengthening the network’s activities.
In addition to ongoing collaboration, Iran has proposed a regional initiative on ECO Biosafety Capacity Building (ECO-BCB) for consideration of Member States. This proposal aims to evaluate the status of biosafety regulations across Member States, identify gaps, and promote the synchronization of these regulations. The proposal was circulated for feedback as part of efforts to enhance biosafety capacity within the region.
Through its collective efforts, ECO-ABN continues to promote the sustainable application of agricultural biotechnology, with a focus on safe and effective practices to boost agricultural productivity in the ECO region. It also strives to ensure that biotechnology solutions are tailored to address local and regional needs effectively.
2. Establishment of the ECO Nanotechnology Network (ECO-NANO)
The project to establish the ECO Nanotechnology Network (ECO-NANO) aims to foster collaboration among Member States in the development and application of nanotechnology across key sectors, including energy, water, agriculture, health, and the environment. The project was initially endorsed at the 1st ECO Taskforce Meeting held in Tehran in May 2008. The Iran Nanotechnology Innovation Council (INIC) is the coordinating body for this initiative, with TÜBİTAK Marmara Research Centre of Turkey proposed to serving as the project’s international partner.
ECO-NANO was officially launched in May 2009 and is focused on advancing nanotechnology applications that can contribute to sustainable development in the region. The network promotes research, policy alignment, and collaboration between Member States to harness the potential of nanotechnology.
Since its launch, two Steering Committee Meetings have been held. The first meeting was convened in November 2009 in Tehran, while the second meeting was held virtually in July 2023. At the 2nd Steering Committee Meeting, two projects were proposed, namely: “Facilitation on Establishment of Nanobubble Pilot Plants for Improving Agricultural Productivity” and “Establishment of a Coordinating and Facilitating Platform for Implementation of Nanotechnology Based Water Treatment Pilot/Demo Plants in ECO”. The second project on the creation of a coordinating platform for nanotechnology-based water treatment plants was prioritized for its relevance and practical importance in addressing regional water scarcity challenges.
The 34th ECO Regional Planning Council Meeting in 2024 welcomed the nanotechnology-based water treatment initiative, and during the 35th ECO Regional Planning Council Meeting in 2025, Member States were requested to update their national reports on nanotechnology and strengthen institutional participation. The project is expected to pave the way for enhanced cooperation and technological advancements in nanotechnology applications across the ECO region.
The ECO-NANO network continues to serve as a vital platform for scientific collaboration and technological advancement in nanotechnology, facilitating knowledge exchange and fostering innovation to address the region’s challenges in critical sectors.
3. Establishment of the ECO Center of Excellence for Efficient Utilization of Water for Agriculture (ECO-CEEWUA)
This project initiated by the ECO to address the shared challenges of water scarcity in agriculture across the region. The concept for the Center was first presented during a regional workshop held in Islamabad in 2006, which was jointly organized by ECO, FAO, and IDB. Following this, Pakistan was tasked with preparing a project proposal for the establishment of the Center, which was approved at the 4th ECO Ministerial Meeting on Agriculture in September 2008.
The main objective of ECO-CEEWUA is to promote efficient water management practices in agriculture, which is critical for addressing the increasing water scarcity issues in the ECO region. The Center aims to facilitate knowledge exchange, research collaboration, and capacity building to improve water usage in agricultural activities. The Center will also serve as a platform for ECO Member States to share best practices, research findings, and technologies related to water-efficient agricultural techniques.
The process to establish the Center has progressed through several meetings. The first and second Working Group Meetings were held in 2010 and 2016, where the Statute and Plan of Action for the Center were drafted. The third Working Group Meeting, held virtually in February 2021, finalized these documents, and the feedback from Member States led to the declaration of these documents as final by March 2021.
At the 35th ECO Regional Planning Council Meeting in 2025, the need for accelerated progress in establishing the Center was emphasized, along with the importance of Member States nominating national focal points.
Once established, ECO-CEEWUA will play a pivotal role in enhancing water-use efficiency in agriculture and supporting sustainable agricultural practices across the ECO region.