28-02-2013, 11:22 AM
Environmental and Biosafety issues in modern Biotechnology
Environmental and Biosafety.ppt (Size: 312.5 KB / Downloads: 193)
BIOSAFETY
‘Biosafety’ means the need to protect human and animal health and environment from the possible adverse effects of the products of modern biotechnology
International Evolution
Environmentalism emerged as a distinct development in the last forty years.
Emergence of “pressure groups” in the sixties
First Earth Day (1970)
The United Nations Conference on the Human Environment and Development (1972)
The Brundtland Report: our Common Future (1987)
The Rio Earth Summit (1992)
Convention on Biodiversity (CBD) [1992]
Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (CPB) [1993]
Convention of Biodiversity (CBD) [1992]
Focus: conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity
Recognized the potential of modern biotechnology for human well being
Took cognizance that modern biotechnology could have serious effects on environment and health
Article 8(g) emphasized the need to regulate the risks associated with the use of LMOS.
Article 19(3) set the stage for a legally binding international instrument about biosafety.
The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (CPB)
Entered into force on 29th December 1993
Focus on transboundary movement of the LMOS.
Seeks to lay down an internationally acceptable framework to provide for an adequate level of protection against the possible adverse affects of LMOS on biodiversity and human health.
Is GE inherently unsafe?
Two diametrically opposite trends of thought
US-Canada
No new risks associated with GM crops
New regulations not considered necessary
Safety assessments
‘Product’ rather than ‘process’ based
In comparison and contrast to their ‘familiarity’ and ‘substantial’ equivalence to conventional crops
..Biosafety issues in transgenic crops
Biosafety concerns arise from:
Horizontal gene transfer
Genetic contamination
Transfer of allergens and toxins from one life form to another and creation of new toxins and allergenic compounds
Concluding Note……
Biosafety is integral to modern biotechnology
The adoption of modern biotech products needs to be balanced with adequate biosafety safeguards
Case by case scientific risk assessment and cost benefit analysis
Greater acceptance of health care applications
Need based adoption in GM crops and foods
Participation of various stakeholders
Dissemination of knowledge and information