Biosafety: transfer, handling and use of living modified organisms, Cartagena Protocol

PURPOSE : the conclusion of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. CONTENT : the promotion of measures at itnernational level to deal with regional or worldwide environmental problems, including the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, is one of the objectives of the Community's policy on the environment. The Cartegena Protocol on Biosafety was adopted in Montreal on 29 January 2000. It provides a framework, based on the precautionary principle, for the safe transfer, handling and use of living modified organisms resulting from modern biotechnology that may have adverse effects on the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, taking into account risks to human health and specifically focussing on transboundary movements. This proposal approves the Protocol on behalf of the Community.�