“South American Regional Biosafety Course: Holistic Foundations for Assessment and Regulation of Genetic Engineering and Genetically Modified Organisms (SARBioC)"

11.01.2007

Lima – Peru, 19 - 24 March 2007

The Norwegian Institute of Gene Ecology (GenØk) will offer a course in biosafety in Lima- Peru in March 2007. The course will be organised in cooperation with the University of Tromsø, Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, Asociaciòn Desarrollo Medio Ambiental Sustentable (ASDMAS) and The Third World Network (TWN).

The course is designed to provide policy makers, regulators, scientists and NGOs/civil society leaders, specifically from developing countries (ODA-countries), with the necessary balanced and critical knowledge and training in crucial GE/GMO issues. Through lectures, laboratory demonstrations, group work on case studies, and discussions, we offer biosafety capacity building within a holistic framework.

The course will enable around 40 sponsored participants to work together for a week on technical and practical issues.

We are currently processing the applications. Sucessful applicants will be notified approx. 12 February.

Further information about the course on ASDMAS website




Tentative Program
Day and Time Activity
Day 1


Welcome and introduction to the course

Introductory overview of GE

GE/Biosafety developments in SA

The role of science and the need for precautionary motivated research

Day 2
Genetic resources, traditional and indigenous knowledge, etc.

Biodiversity and the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities.

Biodiversity as source of genetic resources

Lab. Work.

Day 3
Models of science and policy.


Transgenic organisms: Potential environmental and health impacts

Lab. work

Day 4
Transgenic organisms: Potential socio-economic, cultural, ethical impacts


Principles and pitfalls of GMO detection and traceability.

Liability and redress for damage resulting from GMOs.

Lab. Work.

Day 5
National biosafety policy, law and regulation.


Norwegian Gene Technology Act.

Integrating socio-economic considerations into biosafety decision making.

Country reports.

Lab. Work.

Day 6
Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety: Rights and obligations.


The linkage between the Cartagena Protocol, WTO and other international agreements.

International standard setting: Codex Alimentarius, International Plant Protection Convention and OIE.

Course evaluation

Conclusions, follow up