§ Mr. ChaytorTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the outcome of the Montreal conference on the Biosafety Protocol. [109081]
§ Mr. MeacherThe Montreal conference, at which I represented the United Kingdom Government, was a success. Countries throughout the world agreed by consensus on 29 January to adopt the Biosafety Protocol to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity. We achieved our goal of securing a Protocol that is robust in protecting biodiversity, and effective and workable for those who have obligations under it.
The Protocol will ensure that developing and developed countries alike will be able to take informed decisions, on the basis of scientific information including a risk assessment, about whether to import certain living (genetically) modified organisms (LMOs) that may have adverse effects on the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. In the absence of scientific certainty, due to insufficient scientific information and knowledge, and consistent with Principle 15 of the Rio Declaration, countries will be able to take such decisions on import on a precautionary basis in order to avoid or minimise any potential adverse effects, and to take into account the impact of LMOs on the value of biodiversity to indigenous and local communities.
Where importing countries lack a domestic regulatory framework for taking decisions on the import of LMOs, they will be able to do so under the Protocol. In the case of LMOs intended for intentional introduction into the environment, this will be on the basis of information provided in advance by the exporter. In the case of LMOs intended for direct use as food or feed, or for processing, importing countries without domestic legislation will be able to take decisions on the basis of information provided through a clearing-house mechanism established under the Protocol.
Further provisions in the Protocol lay down minimum documentation requirements for LMOs moving between countries. These requirements are categorised according to whether the LMO is intended for intentional introduction into the environment, for contained use, for direct use as food or feed, or for processing, or for other purposes. The Protocol also requires work to be undertaken on the options for a regime for liability and redress to be completed within four years of its entry into force.
The effectiveness of the Protocol in achieving its objective of contributing to biosafety is strengthened by specific recognition that trade and environment agreements should be mutually supportive with a view to achieving sustainable development.
160WThe Protocol is a significant step forward in ensuring proper evaluation of any risk to biodiversity from the transboundary movement of LMOs that may have adverse effects on the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, taking also into account risks to human health. It will complement national and regional law in many parts of the world and enable other countries to benefit from experience elsewhere, including the United Kingdom and Europe, and to protect their biological diversity.