Biotechnology and Biosafety Awareness Percy Chimwamurombe

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 than the eye etc.

How do you ensure effective public awareness? Determine the status of Awareness Determine Information needs Determine how to effectively communicate biotechnology/biosafety Apply means of effective communication

Key components of a National Biosafety Framework Sectoral policies related to biosafety and biotech; A regulatory biosafety regime; An administrative system; Systems for monitoring and enforcement; Mechanisms for public participation and awareness: This means Awareness is a critical aspect to 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 with public in order 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.

Report: Khomas Region Namibia 2013

Questionnaire-based Assessment of Awareness Level A 22 –question survey is currently underway to assess awareness level SPSS analysis of data 191 respondents per region (14 regions of Namibia considered)

59% of the participants were female.

By far the majority (64%) of the participants were in the age group 20-30 years old.

57% of the participants have heard about GMOs 57% of the participants have heard about GMOs. This must be used to show the difference between simply hearing about something vs. understanding it

78% of the participants have heard about Biotechnology

61% of the participants have heard about biosafety 61% of the participants have heard about biosafety. This must be used to show the difference between simply hearing about something vs understanding it

78% of the participants know what a gene is 78% of the participants know what a gene is. This need to be interpreted in line with the next question on eating genes. It also should the distinction between simply hearing about a topic and understanding the topic

Surprisingly, only 36% of the participants have eaten genes, this is an indication that the awareness level is low and there is need for some form of technical information around the biology of a cell and DNA

34 % of the participants think Namibia has capacity to regulate Biotechnology and related issues.

57% think that there is no enough awareness on GMOs in Namibia, a case to support the need to raise awareness

60 % of the participants think that the level of awareness in low, another case to support need to raise awareness.

Overwhelmingly, 88% of the participants have consensus that Namibia should engage in Biotechnology and related research, this means there is need for serious awareness raising so that those that do not support the research initiatives may be fully informed about the facts around biotechnology and biosafety.

Some concerns raised about GMOs Modification causes the life cycles of some organisms to become complicated ↓ nutrient content; purity Biota & envt – change in life cycles; alteration of soil profile; ozone depletion Health concerns – alter growth rate & mental development in children; premature ageing; impotence; obesity; diseases (skin, var organs, cancers). The technology is new thus any side effects that may arise are unknown. What kind of mechanism is used to transfer genes across species? Would consumption of plant products from GM plants in any way affect functions of organs in human body? Was it possible to use GE against HIV through gene manipulation? What were the advantages and disadvantages of biotechnology applications? What was the status of biotechnology applications in Namibia?

Conclusions Awareness leads to effective participation and sustainability in the system There is no form of contribution or participation that is lesser than 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.

Thank you