PRESS RELEASE - August 9, 2004
National Biosafety Project Hosts Public Consultation in Montego Bay…
…Western Jamaica participates in developing national framework
The National Biosafety Framework Project, in the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), continues its national public consultations this Thursday, August 12. Residents of Hanover, Montego Bay, Trelawny and surrounding areas are invited to participate in the all day workshop, at the Wexford Court Hotel, starting at 9:30 a. m.
Other consultations are scheduled for: the Invercauld Great House Hotel, in St. Elizabeth on August 17 and the Hilton Kingston Hotel, in Kingston on August 20. These public consultations seek to promote and facilitate public awareness, education and participation in modern biotechnology and its products and Jamaica’s commitment to the safe application of this technology.
The National Biosafety Framework addresses the safe transfer, handling and use of living modified organisms in relation to the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, taking into account risks to human health and the environment. Its objectives are to develop: a national policy and to draft elements for a regulatory regime on biosafety, risk assessment and risk management procedures and mechanisms for public information and participation. Ultimately, the Framework seeks to prepare a comprehensive management system for organisms derived from modern biotechnology. As a result of the Project, Jamaica will avoid any potential risks that may be associated with this technology and its products. Jamaica’s Biosafety Framework will allow the country to fulfill its requirements under the Cartagena Protocol, which took effect on September 11 2003.
In June 2001, Jamaica signed the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to the Convention on Biological Diversity indicating its support for the objectives and provisions of the Protocol. With financial support from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF), Jamaica began its National Biosafety Framework Project in November 2002.
The Project has three phases. The first phase emphasizes information gathering, surveys, compilation of inventories and database development. Consultations, training and analysis comprise the second phase. Under the final phase, a Framework will be drafted; laws enacted and administrative systems, risks procedures and systems for public participation developed. Each phase requires the identification of and consultation with stakeholders.
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