Update On Capacity Building Activities For Cartagena Protocol On Biosafety.pdf

Background:

- The CPB, adopted in 2000, aims to ensure safe handling of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
- The initial Action Plan, adopted in 2005, outlines steps to enhance countries' ability to effectively implement the CPB.
- The third meeting of the CPB's Capacity Building Liaison Group recommended updating rather than comprehensively revising the existing plan due to limited implementation time for ratifying nations.

Key Findings:

- Most respondents agreed the current Action Plan covers essential capacity-building elements, but acknowledged gaps at the national level in its implementation.
- Eleven countries proposed adding new elements, some of which could be integrated into existing categories like training or documentation systems. Others suggested addressing areas not directly mentioned in the plan: human health impacts, confidential information handling, emergency response to unintentional releases, decision-making under the Protocol, and strengthening research capacities.

Recommendations for Improvement:

Several respondents proposed measures to enhance Action Plan effectiveness:

- Mainstreaming: Integrate biosafety considerations into national development strategies and plans (e.g., PRSPs).
- Legislative Frameworks: Encourage countries without national biosafety laws to develop them.
- GEF Support: Expand the scope of GEF funding for capacity building to meet identified country needs.
- Domestic Budgeting: Increase national budgetary allocations for biosafety activities.
- Donor Coordination: Improve coordination among donors providing biosafety assistance at the country level and diversify funding sources (including private sector).
- Technical Exchanges: Encourage direct bilateral exchanges of technical experts to build capacity and foster regional cooperation.
- Training Programs: Develop "train-the-trainer" programs to multiply knowledge and skills.