Welcome to the Online Discussion on Public Participation Concerning Living Modified Organisms

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 Workto 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.

In this regard, the Secretariat convened an online discussion on public participation concerning the safe transfer, handling and use of LMOs, which was held for two weeks from 28 April – 9 May 2014. It focused on "Techniques for Engaging the Public". For more information, please visit the discussion group website.

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

Online Discussion Schedule

28 April – 9 May 2014

Please note that the online discussion has been extended to 16 May 2014

Online Discussion: Techniques for Engaging the Public