BIOTECHNOLOGY ISSUES FOR DEVELOPING COUNTRIES - Assessment of Grenada's capacity to implement the Biosafety Protocol

Grenada's capacity to manage risks posed by living modified organisms (LMOs) is augmented through an Organization of American States funded project called "Biosafety Regulations in Latin America and the Caribbean under the International Biosafety Protocol" The Project is implemented in six countries in Central America and the Caribbean is designed to identify the weaknesses and needs of participating countries in managing of risks posed by LMOs, while also developing a trusting environment for maximizing the benefits of the modern biotechnology industry. The results of the study indicated that the Grenada's legal and institutional framework is not fully conducive for the implementation of the Biosafety Protocol. Specifically, a number of constraints exists which included, limited competencies in risk assessment and management; inadequate legal framework; lack of an established administrative arrangement for risk management; lack of coherence in policies and programs among key implementing agencies; lack of, and/or insignificant awareness among the populace of the implications of biotechnology and inadequate systems of information exchange. To augment national capacity to successfully implement the Cartagena Protocol, training would be needed in the developing relevant legal instruments; conducting risk assessments and developing more effective platforms for information exchange.

Keywords
biotechnology, living modified organisms, risk assessment, small island developing states