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The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to the Convention on Biological Diversity
The Cartagena Protocol, in force since September 2003, was adopted as a complementary agreement to the Convention on Biological Diversity. The Protocol seeks to protect biological diversity by managing the movements of Live Modified Organisms resulting from the application of modern technology (LMOs) between countries. It establishes a procedure for prior informed agreement to ensure countries have the necessary information to make decisions about the importing of LMOs into their territory.
Countries
| Country | Ratification/accession |
|---|---|
|
|
10/09/2003 |
|
|
15/01/2004 |
|
|
06/09/2002 |
|
|
12/02/2004 |
|
|
22/04/2002 |
|
|
24/11/2003 |
|
|
20/05/2003 |
|
|
06/02/2007 |
|
|
17/09/2002 |
|
|
13/07/2004 |
|
|
20/06/2006 |
|
|
30/01/2003 |
|
|
26/09/2003 |
|
|
05/02/2004 |
|
|
28/10/2004 |
|
|
18/03/2008 |
|
|
18/11/2008 |
|
|
25/09/2012 |
|
|
27/08/2002 |
|
|
28/08/2002 |
|
|
01/05/2002 |
|
|
10/03/2004 |
|
|
14/04/2004 |
|
|
23/05/2001 |
|
|
16/01/2005 |
|
|
27/08/2003 |
|
|
27/03/2008 |
|
|
05/10/2000 |
|
|
02/11/2011 |
|
|
13/05/2002 |
Highlights
Access to information (articles 20, 21.6 and 23.3)
For the purposes of this Convention, the following information relating to the movement of an LMO shall not be considered confidential: the name and address of the notifier; a general description of the living modified organism or organisms; a summary of the risk assessment of the effects on the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, taking also into account risks to human health; and any methods and plans for emergency response.
A Biosafety Clearing-House is established in order to facilitate the exchange of scientific, technical, environmental and legal information, and experience with LMOs, and assist Parties to implement the Protocol. Each Party shall endeavor to inform its public about the means of public access to the Biosafety Clearing-House.
Environmental education and public participation (article 23)
The parties shall promote and facilitate public awareness, education and participation concerning the safe transfer, handling and use of LMOs in relation to the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, taking also into account risks to human health and including public access to information on LMOs. Furthermore, the Parties shall, in accordance with their respective laws and regulations, consult the public in the decision-making process regarding LMOs organisms and shall make the results of such decisions available to the public.
Date of entry in force
11/09/2003
