Transcript Document
BIOTECHNOLOGY REGULATIONS WITH EMPHASIS ON PUBLIC AWARENESS AND CONSULTATIONS - BANGLADESH Dr. Md. Safiul Alam Bhuiyan Director Horticulture Research Centre BARI, Gazipur, Bangladesh Bangladesh Scenario Population Education Awareness Demand Land Gene pool Cereal Crops Vertical & Horizontal both difficult Horticultural Crops Fruits & Vegetables for nutritional point of view Flower: For aesthetic purpose and economic return Modern biotechnological Technique • Modern GM Crop Varieties - Golden rice - Virus resistant papaya and - Other – Cannot be introduced • Biosafety Guidelines - Biosafety act • Priority Area – Biotechnology - International Centre of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) - Establishment of National Institute of Biotechnology (NIB) Formulation of Biosafety Guideline National Committee on Biosafety of Bangladesh (NCBB) Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) Biological Safety of Officers (BSO) • Biosafety Act under Process Powers and functions of the NCBB The NCBB shall have the following powers and functions. • Identify and evaluate potential risks in handling of hazardous or genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and recommend measures to minimize risk. It has also to recommend measures to minimize risks which may result from the introduction of new species, strains or varieties. The NCBB should use the approved guidelines to determine the risk potential of organisms to be introduced. • The NCBB may call upon the expertise of an expatriate scientist for his/her views on identification and evaluation of potential risks in handling of hazardous or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). It may also seek help in formulation, review or amendment of national policies and guidelines on biosafety. Formulate, review or amend national policies and guidelines on biosafety, risk assessment and risk management work in biotechnology and supervise the implementation thereof. Inform the government quarantine services at airport and border authorities on permission given on the import of GMOs and hazardous organisms. Develop working arrangements with the government services, research institutions and universities, public health services in the evaluation, monitoring and review of work according to national policies and guidelines on biosafety. The NCBB reserves the right to inspect laboratories at any time without prior notice. Recommend the development and promotion of research programmes to establish risk assessment protocols and assessment of long-term environmental effects of biological research covered by these guidelines. Preparation of different assessment forms e.g. project proposal forms for assessment of laboratory genetic manipulation work. Publish the results of internal deliberations and agency reviews of the Committee. Hold public deliberations on proposed national policies, guidelines and other biosafety issues. Provide assistance in the formulation, amendment of pertinent laws, rules and regulations. Call upon the assistance of experienced scientists from abroad if necessary or any agency, department, office, bureau including government-owned and/or controlled corporations. Review the appointment of the members of the IBC upon recommendation of respective heads of institutions. Hold discussions on the comparative ecological, economic and social impacts of alternative approaches to attain the purposes/objectives of the proposed genetic modification products and/or services. Assess and identify priorities in human resource development in biosafety and in the related capacity building (including infrastructural) requirements. The NCBB shall also update and modify the guidelines from time to time on the basis of scientific information and the experience gained on the use of new technique in the area of research and application. Coordinate the activities of the technical committee. Function of IBC It shall be the function of IBC to: Review work conducted at or sponsored by the institution and recommend research proposals for approval by the NCBB. The review shall cover: a) The containment levels required by the guidelines for the proposed research. b) The facilities, procedures and practices and the training and expertise of personnel assigned to the work. c) Hold discussions on the comparative ecological, economic and social impacts of alternative approaches to attain the purposes/objectives of the proposed genetic engineering products/or services. Notify the project chief/proponents/investigator about the results of the review. Review at least once per year, the work with potential risks being conducted at the institution as well as review laboratory records on an irregular basis to ensure that requirements of the guidelines are being fulfilled. Formulate and adopt emergency plans covering accidental spills and personnel contamination resulting from work. Report immediately to the appropriate official in the concerned organization and to the NCBB any significant problems with the guidelines and any significant research related accidents or illness. Perform such other function as may be delegated by the NCBB and keep close liaison with NCBB. The Biological Safety Officer(s) (BSO) The BSO(s) shall be designated by the institution engaged in research, production and introduction activities involving genetic engineering and hazardous organisms. More than one BSO may be appointed depending on the needs of the institution. It shall be the duty of the BSO to monitor compliance with the guidelines. The BSO may or many not be a member of the IBC. The BSO has to report regularly to the Chairman IBC, any matter regarding biosafety applications. Conventional - Frontier Technologies - To produce more food Distinct groups - Support for GM crops - Against for GM crops Public Awareness - Seminar - Symposium - Public meeting Biotechnology is the only option to Feed the People So, the safe use of modern biotechnology will require: Trained and efficient human resources for the production of GMO crops and processed food. Strong support for research and technology development for the assessment and management of GM crops. Well equipped laboratory for researching, analyzing and managing biosafety risks associated with GM crop specially for export. Establishment of the Asian Bio-Net for the safe and judicious use of modern biotechnology using the GMOs as it does not need passport for its movement.