Zimbabwe conducts GMOs biosafety training

A training workshop that was held recently by the Biotechnology Authority of Zimbabwe represented a significant step in scaling up efforts to safely manage genetically modified organisms and to fulfil Zimbabwe’s obligations under the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. Scientists, policy makers, regulators and researchers participated at the training workshop held in Harare from June 5-7.

BAZ registrar and acting CEO Abisai Mafa said the training was to provide information on the management of biotechnology in Zimbabwe, including risk assessment and management. "This information is vital for the responsible and safe use of biotechnology and it also helps countries in making import and export decisions on food, feed and seed," he said.

Dr. David Hafashimana, the UNEP/GEF regional advisor on the Cartagena Protocol, who conducted the training, said Biosafety Clearing House (BCH) is an information exchange mechanism established by the Protocol to assist Parties to implement its provisions and to facilitate sharing of information on, and experience with, living modified organisms (LMOs). He said the BCH is essential for the successful implementation of the Protocol.

"I’m here to assist. Most developing countries lack the capacity to manage and fulfil their obligations under the CPB," Hafashimana said. "Lack of capacity is a big challenge for developing countries. They have requested assistance from the UNEP/GEF for training."

BCH assists Parties and other stakeholders in different ways in the implementation of the Protocol. For example, experts say, it provides a "one-stop shop" where users can readily access or contribute relevant biosafety-related information. They say this would assist governments make informed decisions regarding the importation or release of LMOs. Information on the BCH is owned and updated by the users to ensure its timeliness and accuracy.

The Protocol creates an enabling environment for the environmentally sound application of biotechnology — making it possible to derive maximum benefit from the potential that biotechnology has to offer while minimising the possible risks to the environment and to human health.

A GMO Spread Survey report done by the Biotechnology Trust of Zimbabwe in collaboration with the Community Technology Development Trust and other research institutes said GMOs are spreading rapidly in Malawi, Namibia, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Suspected GMO products in the five countries included maize, cotton, bananas, potatoes, poultry products and vegetables.

The major concern cited in all the countries under the study was human health and safety, followed by fear of contamination of indigenous resources by GMOs. Most African countries still have reservations about GMO foods and seed and only a few countries allow them legally despite lacking the capacity to prevent their spread. South Africa has embraced GMOs and as the region’s strongest economy, scientists say, it could be the portal for their entry into the continent — no matter what individual nations may do, industry watchers and activists say.

Hafashimana said despite the numerous challenges facing most African countries, progress was being made in terms of managing and raising awareness about GMOs. "There is some progress at the regional level. The African Union model on biosafety was adopted in 2001. There are new programmes that are targeting promoting and raising awareness on bio-safety issues in Africa," he said. "We are also mobilising African countries in terms of capacity building, preparedness for negotiations at international level and the sensitisation of law-makers and policy makers about bio-safety. "We are not yet there but we are moving in the right direction. When we train trainers, the information will eventually trickle down to the grassroots," Hafashimana said.

Other participants at the workshop said training is critical to enable African countries to play their part in managing GMOs rather than leaving everything to powerful countries. "It’s important for us to have African trainers who understand our own situation and who don’t bring any biases," said Priscilla Mazambani, a senior technical officer at the Biotechnology Authority of Zimbabwe.

The Herald