Cartagena Biosafety

Protocol
Background History:
• CBD (Convention on Biological Diversity) opened for
signature in 1992 and entered into force on 29 Dec 1993
• Cartagena: Cartagena is a city of Colombia, in which, this
protocol has been passed.
• Cartagena Biosafety Protocol (CBSP) negotiated from 1996-
2000; entered into force in 11th Sept. 2003;
• Over 100 Party Members; an international treaty.
• Pakistan May 31, 2009.
Biosafety: Safety from exposure to Infectious Agents.

Protocol?? A Protocol is a binding international instrument,

separate from, but related to, another treaty.

GMOs Genetically modified organisms, are living organisms

whose genetic material has been artificially manipulated in a
laboratory through genetic engineering.
LMOs any living organism that possesses a new combination of
genetic material obtained through the use of modern biotechnology.
Many countries use the terms ‘LMO’ and ‘GMO’
interchangeably, and consider that the terms refer to the
same thing. A number of countries use the term ‘GMO’ in
their national laws, and interpret the definition of LMO in
the Protocol.
Object of Cartagena biosafety protocol:

The objective of this Protocol is to contribute an

sufficient level of protection in the field of the safe
transfer, handling and use of living modified organisms.
taking also into account risks to human health, and
specifically focusing on transboundary movements .
 
Cartagena Biosafety Protocol:
• The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety is the first
international law to specifically regulate genetic
engineering.
• This largely reflects the global climate of concern about the
safety, health and environmental risks of (GMOs).
• “Great potential for human well-being” – This is the only
mention of benefits in the entire Protocol.
• Precautionary approach is added above and beyond safety.
• Canada, Australia, Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay – the
major producers of GMOs
• The provisions would have required the prior informed
consent of the importing Party before the GMOs are shipped
to the respective countries.
• The transboundary movement, transit, handling and use of
all living modified organisms (LMOs)”
• Benefits are purposefully ignored.
• This Protocol shall not apply to (LMOs) which are
pharmaceuticals for humans.
• Transboundary movement of (LMOs) between Parties and
non-Parties shall be consistent with the objectives of this
Protocol.
• This protocol make the Relationship to other international
treaties.
Advance Informed Agreement Procedure:
1. Notification through detailed written information to importing nation.
2. Acknowledgement by importing nation. Importing nation has 90 days
to acknowledge receipt of notification.
3. Than 270 days allowed to make decision by importing nation. (this
270 days are called decision procedure).
4. Risk Management must be used in making the decision.
5. Decision procedure is used by a country, transboundary movement
may occur only when the country has given written consent.
 
 
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Protocol is just the start of the long and difficult road
to effective international regulation of genetic engineering. Much more
needs to be done, and countries must act to ensure that real biosafety
becomes a reality.