| The benchmark document prepared
by Dr. Varma in cooperation with the focal points, was validated
during the second focal points meeting. The document was then
revised based on the suggestions and comments of the focal
points.
The document indicates that the participating countries
vary greatly in their capacities related to GMO biosafety.
It shows that most of the countries require considerable efforts
to build up capacity for regulating GMOs. For successful regulation
it is imperative to build capacity for R and D related to
GMOs. Some countries in the region have advanced in this direction
and can help the other participating countries in quickly
developing capacity to harmonize and implement biosafety regulations
for the safe use of modern biotechnology.
Biotechnology has been recognized as an important tool for
improving agricultural production in a suitable and environmentally
friendly manner, and for fighting hunger and malnutrition.
The new technology is of great relevance for the countries
participating in the current program since a large proportion
of the population in these countries is directly dependent
on agriculture. However, for harnessing full potential of
biotechnology (particularly GMOs), it is essential to strengthen
capacities in relation to human resources, research and technology
development, regulatory measures, policies and transparent
transfer of technologies. The document outlines approaches
to build capacity in participating countries in the context
of Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. The key areas include:
- Human resources (in situ and ex situ training, group
training, national/regional workshops and updating of training
manual).
- Regulatory mechanisms (development of biosafety guidelines,
putting in place various acts on biosafety, enhancement
of inter-country coordination, establishment of National
Biosafety Committee and Institutional Biosafety Committee,
and harmonization of regulations in the region).
- Policies and programs (enhance professionalism in implementing
agencies, develop policies for undertaking risk assessment
and risk management, raise institutional awareness, and
harmonize biosafety program and technology transfer).
- Financial requirements (provide adequate funding and identify
sources of funds).
- Regional collaboration (capacity building, workshops,
training, strengthening Asia BioNet, collaborative research,
harmonization of risk assessment/management techniques,
strengthening of quarantine systems, etc).
- Development of time frame for all key areas.
The document also includes other areas such as: financial
status of biotechnology and biosafety programs; sustainability
of the initiative, environmental issues, weediness (unintentional
transboundary management through gene flow or intentional
farmers exchange across the borders), strengthening of policy
advocacy, harmonization with UNEP-GEF and ASEAN project on
biosafety, farmers awareness, categorization of GMOs, listing
of biosafety laboratories, biosecurity.
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