MEV 017: Unit 16 – Biosafety

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 UNIT 16: BIOSAFETY

16.1 Introduction

Biosafety refers to the precautions and strategies that safeguard human health and the environment from potential risks posed by biological agents, especially those associated with genetically modified organisms (GMOs), hazardous waste, and persistent organic pollutants (POPs).

With growing global trade and the advancement of biotechnology, the unregulated movement of hazardous substances and genetically altered materials poses significant risks. To address these concerns, several international agreements and protocols have been implemented to ensure that trade, research, and disposal of such materials are done safely.

This unit discusses the concept of biosafety and elaborates on key international treaties such as the Basel Convention, Cartagena Protocol, Stockholm Convention, and Rotterdam Convention, which govern the transboundary movement, handling, and disposal of hazardous materials and GMOs.

16.2 Objectives

After completing this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Understand the concept and significance of biosafety.
  • Explain international agreements governing biosafety and hazardous waste.
  • Evaluate the impact of these agreements on environmental protection.
  • Analyze India’s position and role in global biosafety governance.

16.3 The Basel Convention, 1989

The Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal was adopted in 1989 and entered into force in 1992.

Key Objectives:

  • Regulate international trade in hazardous waste.
  • Minimize generation of hazardous waste.
  • Ensure environmentally sound management and disposal.
  • Prevent dumping in developing countries.

Important Provisions:

  • Countries must obtain prior informed consent (PIC) before exporting hazardous waste.
  • Waste should not be exported to a country that lacks the capacity to manage it safely.
  • Export is banned for final disposal in Antarctica and for purposes of dumping.

16.3.1 The Ban Amendment

  • Adopted in 1995, this amendment prohibits the export of hazardous waste from OECD countries (developed) to non-OECD countries (developing).
  • It strengthens environmental justice by protecting vulnerable regions from toxic waste dumping.

India’s position: Initially resistant, but later accepted the amendment in recognition of its importance for biosafety.

16.3.2 The Basel Action Network (BAN)

  • BAN is a non-governmental organization that promotes global environmental justice.
  • It monitors the movement of electronic and toxic waste.
  • BAN has been a strong advocate for ending toxic trade and implementing the Ban Amendment effectively.
  • It also runs the e-Stewards Program, certifying electronic recyclers who meet responsible recycling standards.

16.4 Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, 2003

The Cartagena Protocol is a legally binding agreement under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). It entered into force in 2003.

Objective:

  • To ensure the safe handling, transport, and use of living modified organisms (LMOs) resulting from modern biotechnology, especially those that may have adverse effects on biodiversity and human health.

Key Features:

  • Establishes a Biosafety Clearing-House (BCH) to facilitate exchange of scientific information.
  • Requires Advance Informed Agreement (AIA) from importing countries before the first intentional transboundary movement of LMOs.
  • Encourages risk assessment and management protocols.
  • Promotes public awareness and participation in biosafety decisions.

India's role: A party to the protocol, India has established the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) to regulate biotechnology applications in agriculture and pharmaceuticals.

16.5 The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), 2004

The Stockholm Convention was adopted in 2001 and entered into force in 2004. It addresses chemicals that remain in the environment for long periods, accumulate in living organisms, and cause adverse effects to health and ecosystems.

Key Objectives:

  • Eliminate or restrict the production and use of POPs.
  • Promote the safe disposal of stockpiles.
  • Protect human health, particularly vulnerable populations like children and pregnant women.

Examples of POPs:

  • Pesticides: DDT, Aldrin
  • Industrial chemicals: PCBs
  • By-products: Dioxins, Furans

Provisions:

  • Dirty Dozen: The initial 12 substances targeted for elimination.
  • Encourages substitution with safer alternatives.
  • Calls for the development of National Implementation Plans.

India's stance: India has ratified the convention and developed action plans for POP management, particularly in industrial sectors and agriculture.

16.6 The Rotterdam Convention, 2004

The Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade was adopted in 1998 and entered into force in 2004.

Objective:

  • To promote shared responsibilities in the import/export of hazardous chemicals.
  • To protect human health and the environment by providing importing countries with adequate information.

Key Features:

  • PIC mechanism: Exporters must ensure that importers consent to receive hazardous chemicals.
  • Maintains a list of chemicals (Annex III) subject to regulation.
  • Covers banned or severely restricted pesticides and industrial chemicals.

India’s Position:

  • India is a party to the convention and uses the framework to regulate pesticide imports and exports.
  • It ensures compliance through agencies such as the Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee (CIBRC).

16.7 Let Us Sum Up

Biosafety is critical for protecting human health, biodiversity, and the environment from potential harms of hazardous substances and genetically modified organisms. Over time, international cooperation through treaties like the Basel, Stockholm, Rotterdam Conventions, and the Cartagena Protocol has built a legal framework for managing biosafety risks.

India plays an active role in global biosafety governance and has established regulatory institutions and laws to implement international commitments. However, continued awareness, capacity building, and effective monitoring are essential to address biosafety challenges in a rapidly evolving world.

16.8 Key Words

  • Biosafety: Measures to protect from harmful effects of biological agents or chemicals.
  • Basel Convention: Controls transboundary movement of hazardous waste.
  • Ban Amendment: Prohibits toxic waste exports from developed to developing countries.
  • Cartagena Protocol: Regulates movement of GMOs across borders.
  • Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs): Harmful chemicals that persist in the environment.
  • Rotterdam Convention: Informed consent procedure for hazardous chemicals trade.
  • Prior Informed Consent (PIC): Consent required before transferring hazardous materials.
  • Biosafety Clearing-House (BCH): Online platform for biosafety information under Cartagena Protocol.

 

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