Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety
1. About Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety
The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety was adopted in 2000 as a supplementary agreement to the Convention on Biological Diversity and seeks to protect biological diversity from the potential risks posed by living modified organisms (LMOs) resulting from modern biotechnology.
2. Japan's Contribution
(1) In negotiating the adaptation of the Protocol, Japan has taken the position that measures taken in importing LMOs should be based on scientific evidence and ensure both the safety of LMO biodiversity and international trade of LMOs. Based on that position, Japan has played a leading role in bridging diversions between the exporting and importing countries of LMOs.
(2) Japan also pledged its utmost effort to an early conclusion of the Protocol in the "Koizumi Framework," which aimed at the Johannesburg Summit (WSSD) in 2002 and was concluded during the 156th Diet session in 2003.
3. Current Activities
During the Open-ended Ad Hoc Working Group on Liability and Redress, the Contracting Parties, as well as non-parties and NGOs discussed the appropriate elaboration of international rules and procedures in the field of liability and redress, with regards to the consequences of transboundary movement of LMOs. Japan has been contributing to the discussions toward a practical international framework for the issue.
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