Modalities for cooperation in identifying LMOs or specific traits that may have adverse effects

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Background document

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Guiding questions

The following questions were prepared to assist the discussions on this topic.

• Which modalities (or mechanisms) would you like to recommend for cooperation in identifying living modified organisms or specific traits that may have adverse effects on the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, taking also into account risks to human health?
• Who would be involved in this cooperation?
• What would be the terms of reference and timeline for this cooperation?

Overview of the topic

According to its mandate, as set out by the COP-MOP in decision BS-IV/11, at its second meeting, the AHTEG should consider possible modalities for cooperation in identifying living modified organisms or specific traits that may have adverse effects on the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, taking also into account risks to human health.

To assist the AHTEG in its deliberations, the COP-MOP requested Parties and invited other Governments and relevant organizations to submit scientifically sound information available at that time, on the identification of living modified organisms (LMOs) or specific traits that may have adverse effects on the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, taking also into account risks to human health. The COP-MOP also requested the Executive Secretary to compile the information received and to prepare a synthesis report for consideration by the AHTEG and the Parties. The compiled information is available as a background document (see above).

Participants of this Forum are kindly invited to discuss possible modalities or potential mechanisms by which a cooperation may be established by the Parties to the Protocol to identify LMOs or specific traits that may have adverse effects on the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, taking also into account risks to human health. As such, the aim of this discussion group is to gather views on a process for cooperation.

For more information on the work of the AHTEG and its SWGs, please follow this link.