The rapid pace of advancement in biotechnology and the commercialization of Organisms with Novel Traits (ONTs) / Living Modified Organisms (LMOs) have prompted an international movement to create regulatory oversight for biotechnology safety (biosafety). To date, biosafety regulation has focused on the movement of ONTs/LMOs across national borders and their potential harm to ecosystem conservation and the sustainability of biological diversity.

UNEP has for over 20 years gained valuable experience in the field of biotechnology and biosafety. For example, UNEP conceived and supported the establishment of Microbial Resources Centres (MIRCENs) whereby in collaboration with UNESCO, and subsequently supported by selected institutions in the developed countries, the MIRCENs have grown to become centres of excellence for training in environmental microbiology and biotechnology applications. UNEP, likewise, initiated and provided support to the establishment of the Microbial Strains Data Network, (MSDN), an international referral system of information on microbial strains and cell lines. Another exemplary initiative is the Information Resource on the Release of Organisms into the Environment (IRRO) which acts as a global information network on introduction into the environment of genetically modified organisms and/or organisms with novel traits.

In terms of further enhancing biosafety and developing mechanisms for international co-operation, UNEP was one of the first amongst the UN agencies to take active steps to spearhead the enhancement of safety on biotechnology through the UN Inter-agency Working Group on Biosafety, comprising UNEP, UNIDO, WHO, and FAO. Through the framework of this Working Group, major achievements have been attained including the preparation of a Guide on Biosafety and the operation of a modest training programme (with selected institutions/universities) for safety in biotechnology and risk assessment.

Examples of achievements attained through initiatives involving UNEP with other UN entities include: UNIDO/UNEP/WHO/FAO Working Group on Biotechnology Safety (1985); UNIDO Code of Conduct for the Release of Organisms into the Environment (1991); FAO Code of Conduct for Plant Biotechnology as it Affects Conservation and Utilization of Plant Genetic Resources (1992); Information Resources on the Release of Organisms into the Environment (IRRO) (UNEP, 1990); Biosafety Network and Advisory Service (BINAS) (UNIDO, 1993); Training in biotechnology safety (UNEP/UNIDO 1990-1995); and Biosafety Guide: a training manual (UNIDO/UNEP, 1995).

The 1992 adoption of Agenda 21 at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro marked a significant achievement in biosafety, in that provision was made for creating an international protocol. Agenda 21 outlined the need for international agreement on principles to be applied on risk assessment and management and proposed the implementation of safety mechanisms on regional, national, and international levels. UNEP drafted the International Technical Guidelines for Safety in Biotechnology in 1995 to serve as interim guidance for biosafety and these Guidelines were adopted by the Global Consultation of Government-designated Experts in Cairo, December 1995. (Download Agenda 21 recommendations and the UNEP Guidelines from the Catalogue of Documents.)

Biosafety regulations and protocols continue to evolve as the field of biotechnology expands. Information exchange is critical as they develop. This Web-site has been designed to facilitate the exchange of information on biotechnology, biodiversity, regulations, and protocols, as they relate to biosafety.

Instituted by the International Register of Biosafety of the United Nations Environment Programme, Nairobi, Kenya. Developed by The Hampshire Research Institute, Alexandria, Virginia, USA.
last updated July 6, 1996 / http://irptc.unep.ch/biodiv/bakgd01.html