The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety - Environmental perspectives

The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety was adopted by 150 countries in January 2000 to regulate the transboundary movement of genetically modified organisms that might pose a risk to the environment and to human health. The Protocol was hailed as a "victory for the environment" and the "international community". In this article, the outcomes for the environment and consumers are evaluated by examining existing trade regulations and the various provisions of the Protocol. While many aspects of the Protocol are found to be ambiguous and non-committal, its provisions are thought to offer far greater environmental and consumer protection than is the case under current trade regulations. However, future actions by the Parties to the Protocol will ultimately determine whether the currently weak provisions will be sufficiently tightened to declare victory for the environment and the community.8 page(s