Dear Participants,
The initial application of LMO mosquitoes is to reduce or eliminate populations of invasive species. Some of these, such as Aedes aegypti, have been introduced and become established hundreds of years ago. Others, like the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopcitus, are invading countries and areas as we work on this project.

Could one of you direct me to the sections of the protocol that address how such an overt reduction in biodiversity by any means has been addressed and how and when invasive species are given some protected status under the Protocol?

Thanks,
Mark Q. Benedict
Atlanta, GA USA

Suggested revisions to LMO Mosquito section are attached.

Hello to Mark and others in the forum

Perhaps I misunderstand your question, Mark. Sorry if that is the case.

In my view the Protocol protects Parties’ rights to make decisions on the transboundary movements of products of modern biotechnology, restricting those movements if the Party has concluded that any adverse effects, if identified, are unacceptable. The idea that the Protocol is a list of protected species is not consistent with my understanding.

The Protocol is a formal international instrument under which countries can conduct risk assessments consistent with their individually prioritised protection goals, including the protection of any species they deem important to their biodiversity. Moreover, organisms that are not the products of modern biotechnology are outside the scope of the Protocol, so there would be no listing of non-modified invasive mosquitoes.

Parties to the Protocol can subject any LMO, including LM mosquitoes, to a risk assessment and may include the impact of the LM mosquitoes on other organisms whether or not of the same species, whether or not deemed by the country to be invasive. This is within the right of sovereign countries and by agreement amongst a substantial number of UN members.

Thanks Dr. Heinemann. Your explanation clarifies the intent and scope of the Protocol. My general concern was that if...

"The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to the Convention on Biological Diversity is an international agreement which aims to ensure the safe handling, transport and use of living modified organisms (LMOs) resulting from modern biotechnology that may have adverse effects on biological diversity.."

and we know that certain applications WILL affect biodiversity that there may be constraints on the use of the technology. If, as you say, this remains a national decision based on their conclusions regarding the desirability of an elimination program, then I have no concern.

Thanks again,
Mark Q. Benedict
Atlanta, GA USA

I believe an "invasive" biological entity would come under the CPB only if
it is an LMO.