15th Anniversary of the Entry Into Force of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety

11 September 2018 marks the 15th anniversary of the entry into force of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety To commemorate the 15th anniversary, the Secretariat prepared a series of short video clips by representatives of Parties to Biosafety Protocol, biosafety experts and other stakeholders highlighting key elements of the Biosafety Protocol. The videos are intended to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the Biosafety Protocol and can be used for national and regional outreach activities. Other resources prepared by the Secretariat, Parties and other biosafety experts have also been made available, including: An anniversary poster (English, French and Spanish) A webinar In addition, a number of info graphics have been made available prepared by participants to the online discussion on public awareness regarding LMOs, held from 15 March 2018 to 5 April 2018.

Ms. Cristiana Pașca Palmer Executive Secretary of the CBD and UN Assistant Secretary-General
talks about
The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety

Statement

Successes achieved under the Biosafety Protocol

At its 15th anniversary, a number of key successes achieved under the Biosafety Protocol are to be noted such as the a fully operational Biosafety Clearing-House (BCH) as well as regional and numerous national BCH websites through which Parties and other stakeholders exchange a wealth of information on biosafety. The recent entry into force of the Nagoya-Kuala Lumpur Supplementary Protocol on Liability and Redress is another noteworthy milestone to be celebrated at the Biosafety Protocol’s 15th anniversary.

Other important developments towards more effective biosafety systems are also to be noted. For example the growing experience by Parties in carrying out risk assessments and managing risks associated with the use, handling and transboundary movement of living modified organisms (LMOs). Parties have also made important progress in the context of public awareness, education and public participation at the national level. At the Protocol’s 15th anniversary, the instrumental role of the Compliance Committee in supporting Parties to implement the Biosafety Protocol and comply with their obligations should also be marked.

Unfortunately, the 15th anniversary also reminds us that many Parties are still struggling with the implementation of the Biosafety Protocol, in particular the establishment of effective biosafety systems which shows the need for continuing capacity building support. The development of the post-2020 strategic frameworks will be a crucial moment to step up efforts and the 15th anniversary thus marks the beginning of an ever stronger Biosafety Protocol.