The cartagena protocol and releases of transgenic mosquitoes

Introduction Excerpt

The CBD came into force in 1993 with the aim of preserving the world’s biological diversity. Ever since the first LMOs/GMOs (for example, GM foods) were developed, transported and made commercially available, transgenic technology has provoked highly polarized views both within and between nations. Proponents have maintained that GM crops enhance nutrition and will balance future food shortages by increasing food supply; while opponents have cited risks to the environment and human health in addition to economic and legal concerns. 2 This rift is particularly apparent between the USA and the EU. The USA and countries that are heavily dependent on it for trade (e.g. several Latin American countries) are highly supportive of GM crops, whereas the EU and several of its former colonies (e.g. most African countries) are less supportive.3 Given these geopolitical differences in support and the potential for GMOs to cross international borders, Parties to the CBD called for a protocol to be developed to ensure “the safe transfer, handling and use” of GMOs. The protocol, which became known as “The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety” was adopted on 29 January 2000 and entered into force on 23 September 2003.

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