LMOs and traits that may or may not have adverse effects

Submissions regarding the identification of LMOs or specific traits that that may have or that are not likely to have adverse effects on the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, taking also into account risks to human health

At its fourth meeting, the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Protocol 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.

At its fifth meeting, the COP-MOP requested Parties and invited other Governments and relevant organizations to submit to the Executive Secretary:

1. information on risk assessments, carried out on a case-by-case basis with regards to the receiving environment of the LMO, that might assist Parties in the identification of LMOs that are not likely to have adverse effects on the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, taking also into account risks to human health, and
2. the criteria that were considered for the identification of such LMOs. The COP-MOP further requested the Executive Secretary to compile the information received and to prepare a synthesis report for consideration by the Parties at their sixth meeting.

In light of the above, the Secretariat sent out notifications 2012-016 (LMOs that may have adverse effects) and 2009-056 (LMOs that are not likely to have adverse effects) to Parties, other Governments and relevant organizations inviting the submission of relevant information.

Furthermore, in response to decision BS-VI/12, requesting the Executive Secretary to create sections in the Biosafety Clearing-House where such information could be submitted and easily retrieved, the Secretariat developed an online common format for submissions through which Parties, other Governments and relevant organisations can continue to submit scientific information that may assist in the identification of LMOs or specific traits that may have or that are not likely to have adverse effects on the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, taking also into account risks to human health.

Click on the tabs below to see the original submissions in response to the above notifications.