National Framework on Biotechnology and Biosafety of Guinea-Bissau.

This document aims to clearly define the guidelines for: A national policy on biotechnology and biosafety; A legislative and regulatory framework on biotechnology and biosafety; An administrative system for risk assessment and processing of decision making; Monitoring and supervision mechanisms; Awareness and public participation mechanisms. This National Framework on Biotechnology and Biosafety consisting of ten Chapters and seven Annexes, is based on the requirements of the precautionary approach defined in the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, constituting the foundation of the Cartagena Protocol. Its overall objectives are: to contribute to a safe application of biotechnology, environmental protection, human, plant and animal health, including cross-border movements (3.2.1). The specific objectives are: a) Developing national legal framework; b) Creating mechanisms for its implementation; Developing and implementing an effective legal and institutional framework, (allowing the country to take the necessary steps to comply with the Cartagena Protocol, in particular, regulating the scientific research in the field of modern biotechnology, development, production, spreading in the environment, import, export, transit, marketing and use of GMOs and their products; Creating and strengthening the necessary technical and scientific skills for the development and management of biotechnology and biosafety, through training, development of new skills and adequate infrastructures and equipment; Ensuring the coordination of modern biotechnology development programs, development of information mechanism, involving in particular the private sector, harmonization of working protocols; Developing and making operational awareness mechanisms and public participation in decision-making mechanisms and risk prevention.
It relevant Plan of action establishes: to promote biotechnology within West Africa in order to contribute to achieving agricultural policy ECOWAP, seeking for durable food security, economic and social development and poverty reduction. The operational objectives are the following three: 1. Developing Biotechnological products to improve productivity and agricultural competitiveness and durably manage genetic resources; 2. Developing a regional approach to biosafety; 3. Adopting a mechanism of coordination guidance and monitoring & evaluation of the action plan.