The Regional Office for the Near East of the Food & Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO/RNE) will organize a symposium on “Oil Trees for Energy Production and Valorization of Marginal Land and Water Resources” from 9:30 a.m. at Swiss Inn Hotel Luxor (10 Temple Luxor Street, Behind Temple Luxor)) during the period from 10 – 13 February 2009, with the participation of national experts from the Forestry Administration or Energy Departments of 10 member countries from of the region in which bioenergy plantations have been experienced (Egypt, Iraq, Iran, Jordan, Iraq, Morocco, Tunisia, Turkey, Sudan and Yemen), in addition to Egyptian private companies, NGOs and other national organizations. 

The main objectives of this symposium is to (i) Update information/knowledge on oil trees used as bio-energy sources, with emphases on oil trees grown under marginal natural resources, i.e., farming systems, management , harvesting, post harvesting handling and marketing of oil tree products; (ii) Update information/knowledge on traditional and modern technologies related to the processing, conditioning and marketing of oil tree products; (iii) Encourage regional research institutions to adopt the most recent technological advancement in oil tree research to make bio-diesel a cost - effective alternative to fossil fuels and assess research advancements and further needs for the valorization of oil tree products; (iv) Promote socio economic activities and strengthen collaboration between stakeholders at different levels; (v) Design strategies for mainstreaming oil trees value chain in the national and regional economy; (vi) Define a framework for effective coordination and networking of key player and developing implementation strategies of oil trees value chain activities in the Near East Region for sustainable development and to meet the demands for environmental, social and cultural services. 

During the symposium, some institutions and stakeholders in the industry will show case their works of their Oil tree technologies and products in exhibitions. 

The symposium is expected to improve knowledge on technical, economic and environmental viability of key oil tree species and capacity to transfer technologies for the harvest, storage, processing and conditioning of oil tree products, as well as strengthen cooperation and dialogue among stakeholders (Production-Processing-Marketing and trade, etc.) and give guidance to the Near East countries for future activities.