The scientific and policy debate on the potential benefits and risks of biotechnologies remains polarized. As more genetically modified crops, insects, and fish are developed, the 2000 Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to the Convention on Biological Diversity provides a forum to monitor developments and address risk assessment and risk management …
The scientific and policy debate on the potential benefits and risks of biotechnologies remains polarized. As more genetically modified crops, insects, and fish are developed, the 2000 Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to the Convention on Biological Diversity provides a forum to monitor developments and address risk assessment and risk management …
The proposed zero draft of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework was prepared with due account being taken of the Working Group’s consideration of the possible elements of thepost-2020 global biodiversity framework from its first meeting. The Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services issued by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform …
NAIROBI (Xinhua) -- Genetically modified cotton could be commercialized in Kenya as early as March 2019, the head of the country’s National Biosafety Authority (NBA) said on Friday. "If the results of the national performance trials are positive, then it is anticipated that the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service will …
Labelling of genetically modified foods is a contentious issue and internationally there is sharp division on whether such labels ought to be mandatory. This debate has reached India where the government has proposed mandatory labels. Mandatory labelling aims to provide greater information and correspondingly more informed consumer choice. However, even …
Crops obtained by plant breeding technique mutagenesis should fall under laws restricting the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), Europe’s highest court said on Wednesday, in a victory for environmental campaigners. The biotech industry had argued that much of mutagenesis, or gene editing, is effectively little different to the mutagenesis …
The International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA) released a newstudy highlighting the continued social, environmental and economic benefits of the global adoption of biotechnology in agriculture. The ISAAA’s “Global Status of Commercialized Biotech/GM Crops: 2017” – examine the continued widespread adoption of global crop biotechnology, and the …
CONQUISTA DO OESTE, BRAZIL - The savannah scrubland where Chief Joao Ponce once hunted deer and wild boar in Brazil has given way to neat rows of soy and corn that a tractor sprays with herbicide. In the next field, silver grain silos shimmer in the hot sun. Ponce is …
Luanda - The Ministry of Environment intends to train national cadres on bio-safety to reduce the transgression of genetically modified, imported or altered products into the country in order to ensure their quality. Cabinet minister, Ana Paula Francisco added that this measure aims to strengthen the control of the entry …
Pressure is on the Kenyan government to embrace genetically modified seeds engineering to ward off threats presented by the invasion of pesticide-resistant pests and diseases. (Image Credit: Wikimedia) At a workshop in Murang’a County, farmers, and researchers, under Cereals Growers Association (CGA), said maize is under serious threat from the …
Genetically modified cotton The Government has begun nationwide trials for the production of genetically modified cotton. Speaking at the 34th Annual Seminar of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya in Mombasa yesterday, Devolution and Asal Principal Secretary Micah Powon said trials were going on in secluded areas in …
Rs 73.25 lakh is sanctioned for establishment of Virology Research and Diagnostic Lab at Gandhi Medical College. HYDERABAD: Various viruses which cause life-threatening diseases such as Zika, can be identified at Gandhi Hospital, as Rs 73.25 lakh is sanctioned for establishment of Virology Research and Diagnostic Lab at Gandhi Medical …
Kenya on Thursday sought public comments before embarking on a national performance trials (NPT) of genetically modified cotton (Bt cotton). Margaret Njuki, Chief Compliance Officer at the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), said it is mandatory that the environmental impact assessment (EIA) for the proposed trials be done before the …
The health effects of a Roundup-tolerant NK603 genetically modified (GM) maize (from 11% in the diet), cultivated with or without Roundup application and Roundup alone (from 0.1 ppb of the full pesticide containing glyphosate and adjuvants) in drinking water, were evaluated for 2 years in rats. This study constitutes a …
The Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) has notified the Rules for the Manufacture, Use, Import, Export and Storage of Hazardous Microorganisms/Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells 1989 (known as ‘Rules, 1989’) under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. These rules and regulations cover the areas of research as well as large …
The National Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) has raised concern over the increasing circulation of genetically-modified crops in the country without appropriate monitoring by the National Biotechnology Management Agency (NBMA). The religious body had raised the concern following several complaints it received on the possible dangers of the unguarded release of GMOs …
Stakeholders are urging caution in the Rwanda’s quest to adopt genetically modified organism technology, with some proposing that other options for increasing agricultural productivity be exhausted before reverting to GMO’s. Like many countries in East Africa, Rwanda has been apprehensive about introducing GMOs over fears that their impact on the …
Volume 7 of the Series compiles the OECD consensus documents for use in environmental risk assessment of transgenic organisms (biosafety) issued in 2016 and 2017. The first two chapters cover the biology of plant species (sorghum and tomato) and include elements of taxonomy, centres of origin, reproductive biology, genetics, outcrossing, …
Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) has drafted a law governing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in Rwanda which will soon be forwarded to the Rwanda Law Reform Commission for review. The draft bill was prepared along with the National Biosafety Framework, biosafety policy and regulations according to officials. The objective of …
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni declined to sign a bill into law which allows genetically modified organisms (GMO) into the country, a parliament spokesperson said Friday. Chris Obore, spokesperson of the Ugandan parliament, told Xinhua by telephone on Friday that Museveni has returned the National Biotechnology and Biosafety Bill 2017 to …
Kenyan farmers could soon start growing Genetically Modified (GM) maize if an application by scientists for approval by regulatory agencies succeeds. The country’s leading scientists have written to the National Biosafety Authority (NBA) seeking permission to release the first ever Genetically Modified (GM) maize variety. Gospel Omanya, Senior Manager of …
