Biosafety in the Perspective of the Convention on Biological Diversity

The field of biosafety is vast and complex. In order to reach international agreement, a sound scientific and technical basis is imperative in assessing the need for, and modalities of, an international biosafety framework. Needs assessment and descriptions of possible modalities have to be undertaken in the most rigorous, open and step-wise manner. The creation of a small panel of experts is a pre-statement to the Conference of the Parties' understanding of the importance of an objective technical assessment.