Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety

**Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety Overview**:
– Adopted in January 2000 after six meetings of the CBD Open-ended Ad Hoc Working Group on Biosafety.
– Aims to protect biological diversity from risks posed by living modified organisms (LMOs).
– Defines LMOs as organisms with novel genetic material from modern biotechnology.
– Protocol focuses on safe transfer, handling, and use of LMOs to prevent adverse effects on biodiversity and human health.

**Precautionary Approach and Application**:
– Protocol aligns with the precautionary approach in Principle 15 of the Rio Declaration.
– Aims to address potential risks of modern biotechnology despite scientific uncertainties.
– Applies to transboundary movement, transit, handling, and use of all LMOs.
– Guidelines for handling LMOs and ensuring conservation of biodiversity are outlined in the Protocol.

**Parties, Non-Parties, and Relationship with WTO**:
– Governed by the Conference of the Parties to the Convention serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Protocol.
– Decisions under the Protocol are made by Parties only.
– Non-Parties can participate as observers in COP-MOP meetings.
– Protocol intersects with WTO agreements to ensure consistency in handling LMOs and balance biosafety concerns with trade regulations.

**Main Features and Procedures**:
– Promotes biosafety through rules and procedures for safe transfer, handling, and use of LMOs.
– Requires risk assessments for import decisions, with provisions for precaution and socio-economic considerations.
– Specifies procedures like Advance Informed Agreement for intentional introduction of LMOs and handling of LMOs for food/feed.
– Parties must ensure safe handling, packaging, and transport of LMOs and manage identified risks.

**Biosafety Clearing-House and Implementation Tools**:
– Established to exchange information on LMOs and assist in Protocol implementation.
– Facilitates sharing of scientific, technical, environmental, and legal information.
– Central portal for information on the Cartagena Protocol, enhancing cooperation among countries and supporting decision-making processes.
– Transitioned from a pilot phase to fully operational phase to promote best practices in biosafety.