Proceedings of the International Workshop on the Implementation of China's National Biosafety Framework

Author: Office of Biosafety Management, National Environmental Protection Administration
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-02-01
Features: China is one of eight countries participating in the "National Biodiversity Framework Implementation" international cooperation project, funded by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Global Environment Facility. To summarize, assess the current status of China's biosafety management and the progress achieved after the project implementation, and further promote the in-depth development of this international cooperation project, in accordance with UNEP's requirements, the National Environmental Protection Administration coordinated relevant departments and held the "National Biodiversity Framework Implementation" international cooperation project seminar in Beijing from October 27 to 30, 2002. Dr. Piet van der Meer, Project Director of UNEP, Dr. Divid Heron, Project Expert, Ms. Lydia Eibl-kamolleh, Financial Officer, and representatives and experts from relevant departments such as the Ministry of Environmental Protection, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Forestry, Ministry of Oceanic Affairs, Intellectual Property Office, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences participated in the meeting. The seminar discussed and exchanged views on issues such as national biosafety legislation, biosafety policies, biosafety management mechanisms and capacity building, biosafety information exchange centers, risk assessment of genetically modified organisms, intellectual property, the relationship between the "Biosafety Protocol" and WTO rules, and countermeasures. Xinhua News Agency, China Central Television, China Daily, and China Environmental News reported on the relevant topics of the meeting. During the conference, project leaders from the National Environmental Protection Administration's "Convention on Biological Diversity" Coordination Office, the Center for Environmental Protection International Cooperation, and Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences exchanged views with UNEP officials on the organization, content, next phase of work arrangements, funding allocation and use, and financial audits of the international cooperation project, and reached consensus. Dr. Piet van der Meer, UNEP Project Manager, fully affirmed the successful holding of the meeting, the achievements of the project, and the expected outcomes of the conference. He also expressed appreciation and high praise for the good organization of the "National Biodiversity Framework Implementation" project and the delegation of project tasks to relevant departments and experts. Based on Dr. Piet van der Meer's suggestion from UNEP to publish a conference proceedings, our office published the "National Biodiversity Framework Implementation" international cooperation project seminar paper collection to summarize and exchange project progress, expand biosafety awareness, and provide material for study, exchange, and reference.