Papua New Guinea's National Biosafety Framework.

The National Biosafety Framework aims to promote the use of modern biotechnology for the greater benefit of the community while at the same time minimizing the risks they bring to the environment, economy and the quality of life for the people of Papua New Guinea. The National Biosafety Framework consists of 5 key elements: (1) a national biosafety policy, (2) a regulatory regime, (3) a system to handle notifications and requests, (4) a system for follow-up actions such as monitoring and enforcement, and (5) a system for public information and participation.
This Framework addresses the key issues in terms of biosafety and biotechnology as follows: (i) to increase awareness on biosafety and biotechnology; (ii) to conduct an inventory to establish number of GMOs in the country either as food, feed, food processes or pharmaceuticals; (iii) to develop an institutional framework for the assessment of GMOs; (iv) to develop regulations and guidelines for the safe assessment, handling, use, management and transfer of a GMO; (v) to strengthen and improve human and institutional capacities for the identification, handling, storing and assessing of risks related to a GMO; (vi) to formulate appropriate policy and regulatory framework on biosafety and biotechnology; (vii) to strengthen and promote the precautionary approach; (viii) to strengthen and promote community participation in the determination, assessment, use, management and transfer of a GMO; and (ix) to strengthen institutional cooperation and coordination.
The main policy issues for Papua New Guinea include biodiversity protection, trade, research and development of biological species, engagement of stakeholders, legal and institutional frameworks, and the role of traditional knowledge and local communities. The Biosafety and Biotechnology Policy outlines nine key goals: (a) to protect Papua New Guinea’s environment, biodiversity, and public health by safely managing genetically modified organisms throughout their development and use; (b) to identify and strengthen institutional capacities for the assessment of risks associated with the handling, use and management of genetically modified organisms; (c) to strengthen national institutions engaged in R&D of genetically modified organisms particularly for food, food processes and pharmaceuticals which contribute to the health and well-being of Papua New Guineans and their environment; (d) to support creating guidelines for evaluating, using, managing, and transferring genetically modified organisms; (e) to regulate the trade of genetically modified organisms that could harm the health of Papua New Guineans, their environment, or biodiversity; (f) to actively promote the participation of all stakeholders; (g) to encourage local communities to take part in using, managing, and transferring genetically modified organisms that could affect their natural resources or way of life; (h) to increase and promote the awareness of Papua New Guineans in biosafety and modern biotechnology issues; (i) to strengthen the capability for biosafety policy research, analysis and formulation for the modern biotechnology sector.
The legal framework will be strengthened through the enactment of the Biosafety and Biotechnology Act. The Act will provide for the establishment, functions and powers of the National Biosafety Council, the establishment of the Biosafety and Biotechnology Fund; licensing procedures; and the conduct of the Biosafety and Biotechnology Appeals Tribunal. It will determine rules on the labelling, import, export and transshipment of GMOs; access to genetic resources and prior informed consent; the functions of the Competent National Authority; enforcement and offences and penalties. A regulation will be developed which will apply to and be in relation to information required for a genetically modified organism license, risk assessement plan and field testing of genetically modified organisms.
In terms of agriculture and food, Papua New Guinea’s National Biosafety Framework aims to ensure that the development and use of GMOs enhance food security and agricultural productivity without compromising environmental health or biodiversity. It promotes responsible research, regulation, and trade of biotechnology products, while supporting traditional farming practices and the active involvement of local communities. The framework also emphasizes creating guidelines and legal structures to manage risks associated with GMOs and encourages the adoption of biotechnology in ways that benefit farmers, safeguard ecosystems, and improve the quality and safety of food systems.