Abstracts » Zoology and wildlife conservation

Africa spearheads bid for strict rules on biosafety

Article Abstract:

The US and the European Union believe that proposals made by 15 African countries to the United Nations Biodiversity Convention to introduce strict new laws on the use of genetically modified organisms go against a deal agreed at the 1996 annual conference of the United Nations Biodiversity Convention. Some observers believe that the African countries have received assistance from at least one western non-governmental organization in drawing up their recommendations, possibly the Community Nutrition Institute in Washington, DC. European countries feel that strict regulations could hamper trade and agriculture.

Laws, regulations and rules

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Liability clause blocks talks on biosafety protocol

Article Abstract:

Negotiations for a draft protocol on the transboundary movement of genetically modified organisms (GMO) is hampered by discord on the content of the proposed law. Developing states have urged for a broader text inclusive of a clause that addresses the liability and socio-economic consequences of GMOs. Developing countries oppose this demand on the grounds that it will constrain the functioning of biotechnology industries. Disagreement also persists on the definition and use of certain concepts in the biosafety protocol such as living modified organisms.

Political aspects, Science and technology policy, Developing countries

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Biosafety rules will regulate international GMO transfers

Article Abstract:

Participants to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, representing 117 of the 134 member nations, met in Jakarta, Indonesia in Nov. 1995 to come up with rules on biosafety. The most salient accomplishment of the event was the forging of an agreement pertinent to the regulation of the transfer of genetically modified organisms. This agreement was really a compromise between the wishes of the Group of Seven nations and industrialized countries.

Conferences, meetings and seminars, Environmental policy

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