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

Open access
Date
2015-02-28Type
- Other Journal Item
ETH Bibliography
yes
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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. Show more
Permanent link
https://doi.org/10.3929/ethz-b-000338468Publication status
publishedExternal links
Journal / series
Journal of Health Education ResearchVolume
Pages / Article No.
Publisher
OMICS InternationalSubject
Risk assessment; Genetically modified organisms; Cartagena protocol on biosafety; International biosafety negotiationOrganisational unit
02720 - Institut für Integrative Biologie / Institute of Integrative Biology
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ETH Bibliography
yes
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