1. Environmental and Biosafety issues in modern Biotechnology
Dr Veena Chhotray, IAS
Senior Fellow, TERI
6th February, 2006

2. BIOSAFETY
‘Biosafety’ means the need to protect human and animal health and environment from the possible adverse effects of the products of modern biotechnology

3. International Evolution
Environmentalism emerged as a distinct development in the last forty years.
Emergence of “pressure groups” in the sixties
First Earth Day (1970)
The United Nations Conference on the Human Environment and Development (1972)
The Brundtland Report: our Common Future (1987)
The Rio Earth Summit (1992)
Convention on Biodiversity (CBD) [1992]
Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (CPB) [1993]
International Evolution

4. Convention of Biodiversity (CBD) [1992]
Focus: conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity
Recognized the potential of modern biotechnology for human well being
Took cognizance that modern biotechnology could have serious effects on environment and health
Article 8(g) emphasized the need to regulate the risks associated with the use of LMOS.
Article 19(3) set the stage for a legally binding international instrument about biosafety.

5. The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (CPB)
Entered into force on 29th December 1993
Focus on transboundary movement of the LMOS.
Seeks to lay down an internationally acceptable framework to provide for an adequate level of protection against the possible adverse affects of LMOS on biodiversity and human health.

6. Basic Premises of CPB
“Advance Informed Agreement” between Parties (AIA)
Decision on the basis of scientific risk assessment
Precautionary Principle