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The Cartagena Protocol
on Biosafety
to the Convention
on Biological Diversity

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Background
The protocol is an international legally binding treaty which sets
◦ procedures and mechanisms to be applied in the trans boundary movements of living modified
organisms (LMOs) (genetic modification).

The protocol does not apply to other products of biotechnology.

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Facts & Figures
Protocol adopted on 29 January 2000 in Montreal at an extraordinary meeting of the
Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity
143 ratifications/accessions ( as of 03 October 2007, of which 40 African countries)
17 countries have signed but not yet ratified

Entered into force on 11 September 2003

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Objective of the Protocol

Requires parties to ensure that LMOs being shipped are handled,

packaged and transported in safe manner
Shipment must be accompanied by documentation.

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Protocol covering areas
Covers
 Trans-boundary movement
 Transit
 Handling
 Use of all living modified organisms
 Sustainable use of biodiversity
 Taking into account risks to human health

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 What does Biosafety protocol do?
Assist developing countries in building their capacity for managing modern biotechnology.
AIA procedure requires export to seek consent from importing courtiers before the first shipment
of LMOs
Establishes a inter-based “ Biosafety Clearing-House”
Requires bulk shipment of LMOs commodities

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 Protocol Irrelevant fields
Segregation of bulk Consumer Product
Food Safety Issues
shipments of commodities Labeling
containing modified
organisms

Shipment of bulk
commodities to the
protocol's AIA Procedure

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Key Features of the Protocol
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a) Advanced Informed Agreement
Main mechanism of Protocol
Followed before the first intentional trans-Boundary movement of an LMO
Exporters must provide a notification to importing country with detailed information about LMO
Importing country must acknowledge receiving the information within 90 days

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BCH is a website administered by the secretariat to the convention
It was established to:
 Facilitate the exchange of scientific, technical, environmental and legal information and experience with
LMOs
 Assist Parties to implement the Protocol
Examples of information contained in the BCH include:
 Any existing laws
 Regulations
 Guidelines for the implementation of Protocol
 Summaries of risk assessment
 Final decisions regarding importation &release of LMOs

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c) Risk Assessment
Protocol requires that decisions on proposed imports be based on Risk Assessments
Risk Assessment must be
 undertake in scientific manner
 Taking into account the advice &
 Guidelines by relevant international organization

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d) Capacity Building
Protocol promotes international cooperation to help developing countries
Acquire resources & capacity to use biotechnology safely and regulate it efficiently
Procedure :
 By encouraging member governments to assist with
 Scientific and technical training
 Knowledge
 Financial resources
 Governments also expected to facilitate greater involvement in private sector

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e) Public Awareness
Member governments must commit themselves
 To prompting public awareness
 Ensuring public access to information
 Public consultation

Nations must take measures to prevent illegal shipments or accidental release of LMOs

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NAGOYA-Kuala Lampur Supplementary Protocol
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NAGOYA-Kuala Lampur Supplementary
Protocol
Cartagena Protocol is reinforced by the Nagoya – Kuala Lampur Supplementary Protocol on
Liabilities and Redress
Supplementary Protocol specifies response measures to be taken in the event of damage of
biodiversity resulting from LMOs
Component authority in a party to the Supplementary Protocol must require the person in
control of the LMO to take response measures

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