The Biosafety Protocol requires Parties to make decisions on import of LMOs for intentional introduction into the environment in accordance with scientifically sound risk assessments (Article 15). It sets out, in Annex III general principles, methodological steps, and points to consider in the conduct of risk assessment.
The general principles include, among others, the following concepts: Risk assessment should be carried out in a scientifically sound and transparent manner; Lack of scientific knowledge or scientific consensus should not necessarily be interpreted as indicating a particular level of risk, an absence of risk, or an acceptable risk; Risks should be considered in the context of risks posed by the non-modified recipients or parental organisms; and that Risks should be assessed on a case-by-base basis.
The GIC has been actively engaged in the implementation discussions on risk assessment and risk management since they began. This involvement includes serving as observers to the ad hoc technical expert groups (AHTEGs) on risk assessment and risk management. Through this role, the GIC has become increasingly concerned that the current AHTEG process is not proceeding as requested by Parties. Additionally, the GIC is concerned that relevant experience has largely been lost or ignored in the development of guidance materials - so much so that the final products may well fail to provide helpful tools to Parties with less experience in risk assessment and risk management. The GIC summarized concerns with the process and products of the AHTEG here.
Additionally, Dr. L. Val Giddings of the Information Technology & Innovation Foundation recently completed a review of the progress of and products developed by the AHTEG. The review examined the progress of the AHTEG toward achieving its mandate by reviewing the rules under which it operated, the manner in which it considered input from members (including from the GIC) and external experts, and the products it produced to date. By examining publicly-available information, Dr. Giddings concludes that, “it seems unlikely that a credible path to a successful outcome from this AHTEG will be reached by MOP-6 in October 2012, as mandated”. Click here for the full review.