Welcome to the Online Discussion on Access to Information

Introduction

In decision BS-IV/17, the fourth meeting of the Parties serving (COP-MOP 4) emphasized the need for a cohesive and focused approach to public awareness, education and participation concerning the safe transfer, handling, and use of living modified organisms (LMOs). Consequently, at its fifth meeting, the COP-MOP in decision BS-V/13 adopted a comprehensive programme of work on public awareness, education and participation concerning the safe transfer, handling and use of LMOs. The programme includes four elements on: capacity-building, public awareness and education, public access to information and public participation. In paragraph 2 of the above decision, the COP-MOP invited governments and relevant organizations to use the programme of work to implement Article 23 of the Protocol and share their experiences and lessons learned through the Biosafety Clearing-House (BCH). In the same decision, COP-MOP also invited the Secretariat to establish an online forum and other appropriate means to facilitate exchange of information and experiences on the implementation of the programme of work.

Accordingly, the Secretariat has established an Online Forum on Public Awareness, Education and Participation Concerning the Safe Transfer, Handling and Use of LMOs. The forum includes a series of discussion groups. The first discussions are on access to information.

The first discussion group was held for one week from 4 June - 10 June. It focused on "The meaning, scope and importance of public access to biosafety information". For more information, please visit the first discussion group website.

The second discussion group was held for one week from 11 June - 18 June. It focused on "Facilitating public access to biosafety information". For more information, please visit the second discussion group website.

Participation in the discussion is open to all Parties, other Governments and relevant organizations.

Online Discussion Schedule

4 June - 10 June 2012

Discussion Group 1:

The meaning, scope and importance of public access to biosafety information

Themes

Theme 1: Meaning and scope of public access to information

Theme 2: Public right to information

Theme 3: The rationale/importance of public access to biosafety information

11 June - 18 June 2012

Discussion Group 2:

Facilitating public access to biosafety information

Themes

Theme 1: Procedures for facilitating public access to biosafety information

Theme 2: Format and language

Theme 3: Timelines for providing information upon request

Theme 4: Charging for providing information upon request

Theme 5: Denial of information upon request

Theme 6: Confidentiality

Theme 7: Appeals

Theme 8: Means of active dissemination

Theme 9: Biosafety records management systems