GLOBALLY, it has been recognised that the conservation of genetic resources is critical to maintaining the varied and robust genetic pool necessary to better the chances for species to survive in the future. The acceptance of modern biotechnology and its potential benefits for the protection of the environment, and for improving human health has been gaining momentum. However, questions have been, and continue to be raised about the potential adverse effects of its products on the environment.

Over the last 30 years, the emergence of recombinant DNA techniques to modify organisms for use in medicine, food production, and agriculture has caused an increase in the recognition of biosafety issues at national, regional and international levels. This has been an important factor in the development of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety(CPB), commonly referred to as the Biosafety Protocol.

The Biosafety Protocol is rooted in the Convention on Biodiversity, and came into effect in September 2003. It arose out of a recognition by parties to this Convention that there was need for a protocol that sets out appropriate procedures for the safe handling and use of any Living Modified Organism (LMO). Since it came into effect, the Protocol has been one of the tools used in implementing the Convention. The Protocol aids in the regulation and management, or control, of risks associated with transfer, handling and use of LMOs, particularly as it pertains to those that have adverse effects on the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. The Protocol also serves to provide guidance on trans-boundary (cross-border) movement of LMOs.
Parties to the Protocol engage in activities for its support, such as the promotion of public awareness and education.  Developing countries, however, are faced with many challenges in the execution of this latter task, such as low levels of awareness about the Protocol, and a lack of the necessary human, institutional and technological capacities needed to do the job. Countries and organisations in a position to assist in this regard have already started to provide additional financial and technical assistance, and facilitate access to and transfer of technology that enables developing countries to promote awareness and build their capacities.

Guyana and the Cartagena Protocol  

Guyana, recognising the importance of safeguarding genetic biodiversity, acceded to the Protocol on June 16, 2006. Tremendous effort has also been placed on the continued conservation of Guyana’s forests and associated genetic resources through the Low-Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).
 
Guyana developed a National Policy on Biotechnology, Biosafety, and Biosecurity during 2006-2007, and also successfully completed the development of its National Biosafety Framework in 2007. Currently, Guyana is in the primary stages of implementing this Framework under the UNEP-GEF (-funded Regional Project for Implementing National Biosafety Frameworks in the Caribbean Sub-Region. This Project will assist Guyana to meet its obligations of the Convention of Biological Diversity, specifically under Article 20 of the Protocol.

Additionally, in taking measures to inform stakeholders about LMOs, several workshops were held under the Continued Enhancement for Effective Participation in the Biosafety Clearing House (BCH Phase II) Project. This project was designed to inform stakeholders of the mechanisms in place to facilitate the exchange of information and assist parties to better meet their obligations under the Protocol.

Guyana and Biosecurity
Bio-security, or biological security, is defined as the exclusion, eradication or effective management of risks posed by pests and diseases to the economy, environment and human health.

Further, biosecurity encompasses the introduction, be it intentional or unintentional, of plant pest, animal pest and diseases and zoonoses, the introduction and release of LMOs and their products and also the introduction and management of invasive alien species and genotypes.

Next steps

Over the past two to three decades, there have been demands for advancement, especially, in areas of agriculture and medicine. However, it is clear that there is a difference between developed and developing countries, in terms of research and biotechnology capabilities. Advanced technology and an increasingly high inflow of investments are required to conduct risk assessments, and monitoring of LMOs to ensure safe products are developed.
In an effort to meet the demands of the ever -changing world and to fulfil our obligations under the CBD and by extension the CPB, Guyana continues to embark on several initiatives geared towards the protection of biological diversity against the potential risks posed by living, modified organisms (LMOs) resulting from modern biotechnology. As such, Guyana is in the process of finalising its draft National Policy and its Biosafety Bill. In these documents, measures are outlined that would foster integration of modern biotechnology into the economic development of the country, utilising methods that provide for both biosafety and biosecurity.

You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O EIT Division, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN or email us at eit.epaguyana@gmail.com.