UN body funds biosafety development framework study

The United Nations Environment Programme-Global Environment Facility (UNEP-GEP) is funding the Project on Development of a National Biosafety Framework for the Philippines with the DENR-Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau as implementing agency. The Philippines is one of the 100 countries being assisted by this funding institution to qualify entry into the Cartagena Protocol in September, 2003.

The Protocol which was adopted in January by the member governments of the Convention on Biological Diversity, sets out the first comprehensive regulatory system for ensuring the safe transfer, handling and use of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) with particular focus on the movements of these organisms across national welfare of human beings, while at the same time, taking note it may create adverse effects on environment, biodiversity and human health.

At this time when millions of people are undernourished, land and water resources are depleting, and population is expected to double in 20 years, proponents of GMOs see the need for biotechnology to boost food security. They hold also that the technology will benefit the environment as it will reduce the need for agricultural lands, irrigation, pesticides and even provide more medicines and other essential products and materials. Other experts however argues that this technology will do more harm than good as it is risky to human beings, will create unnecessary burdens to farmers, and jeopardize profits for food processors, among others.

To help the 100 countries on the possible adoption of GMOs in their respective countries, the UNEP/GEF is funding this biosafety project, focusing on capacity in building to develop their legal and scientific skills in evaluating health and environmental issues surrounding GMOs.