Importance of Raising Public Awareness on Biotechnology

Introduction Biotechnology research and development in Namibia and Africa is still picking up; However, the countries will hardly avoid trading in GMOs due to: the globalisation of trade; the vulnerability of the countries to natural disasters and the fact that the Namibia is used as transit country to other countries. In this context, there is a need for the development and implementation of the national biosafety framework to address biosafety issues. In doing this PUBLIC AWARENESS IS UNAVOIDABLE

Article 23 of Cartagena Protocol – Public Awareness and Participation Obliges parties to: Promote and facilitate public awareness Ensure public awareness and education including access to relevant information;

Bottom line Effective public participation on matters that affect their lives. Everyone has a role to play, through participation Similar to the function of the body: No part is lesser than the other or better that the other, the leg can not say it is better that the eye etc.

How do you ensure effective public awareness? First : determine the status of Awareness Second: determine Information needs Third: determine on how to effectively communicate biotechnology/biosafety Fourth: Apply means of effective communication

Key components of a National Biosafety Framework 1. Sectoral policies related biosafety and biotech; 2. A regulatory biosafety regime; 3. An administrative system; 4. Systems for monitoring and enforcement; 5. Mechanisms for public participation and awareness: This means Awareness is a critical aspect for ensure a functional national regulatory framework for biotechnology and biosafety

Development of National Biosafety Framework Need for Public participation: The Draft Framework on Biosafety should be subjected to a wider consultation public process to build consensus on its nature and content. Every input matters as it relates to livelihood and societal wellbeing

Public Constitutional responsibility Public consultation process for documents of this nature is a legal requirement emanating from Constitutions of most Nations, therefore it is important that all citizens are made aware and even beyond aware for them to fulfill their constitutional obligations on matters of the state, including national Biosafety frameworks.

Gains versus losses There is more gain in dealing with a public that is aware on Biotechnology issues than a public that is not aware. A public that is aware will hold the authorities accountable at all times, thus ensuring safety precautions and thoughtful decision making. A public that is not aware is always late and reactive rather that being proactive, preventative

Conclusions Awareness leads to effective participation and sustainability in the system There is not form of contribution or participation that is lesser that the other for all forms of participation give balance to a health system. Public awareness on Biotechnology is a never ending process as the technology keeps developing and new issues keep emerging.