The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety’s Negotiations: Science-policy Interface in GMO Risk

Abstract

Since 2011, a scientific Guidance document on risk assessment of living modified organisms (LMO) has been developed in support of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, an international treaty governing the trans boundary movement, transit, handling and use of LMOs by an inclusive process adhering to highest scientific standards (hundreds of experts, numerous online forums, face-to-face meetings, peer-reviews, revisions and testing rounds), in line with UN rules for inclusiveness (regional representation, gender) and grounded in scientific evidence (500 publications cited). We report how statements by a handful of Parties in line with counseling non-Parties discrediting the scientific basis of the Guidance without any scientific justification could repeatedly block progress through ‘scientific filibustering’ by sending the Guidance into endless testing and revision rounds with no sign of ever being willing to accept any Guidance document other than its abolishment. This will erode the basis of independent scientific expertise and undermine the legitimacy of this UN process most urgently needed by many developing countries.