28 Jun 2004

Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety : Public Consultation

The Government is seeking public feedback to help it decide whether or not to ratify the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (the Protocol). The Protocol deals with the import and export of certain types of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), known as living modified organisms (LMOs). Living modified organisms include genetically modified plants, animals, and any other organisms that can grow and replicate themselves.

The Biosafety Protocol came into force on 11 September 2003, and the first formal meeting of parties took place in February 2004. New Zealand attended that meeting as an observer.

If New Zealand decides to ratify the Protocol, it will be bound by the provisions of the Protocol and future decisions of its parties. This would require the introduction of new legal requirements in New Zealand covering exports of LMOs. These requirements will mainly concern the documentation that goes with shipments of LMOs, the need to give importing countries advance notice of shipments, and the need to ensure the accuracy of information contained in applications to ship LMOs. Ratifying the Protocol would have less effect on importers as New Zealand's existing laws meet the Protocol's current requirements.

The choice for the Government, at this time, is either (a) to ratify the Protocol or (b) not to ratify.

The consultation period will run for six weeks from 4 June to 16 July. People interested in making submissions are invited to consider the discussion document posted on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade website "www.mfat.govt.nz": http://www.mfat.govt.nz. We can also make available hard copies of this document on request.

Please bring this consultation to the attention of others who you know who may be interested in making a submission. ___________________________________________________________________

Information Seminar Schedule on the Biosafety Protocol

The seminars will involve presentations by Government officials providing background information on the Protocol and outlining the issues to be considered in determining whether or not New Zealand should ratify. They welcome your participation in these seminars. Please forward this message to others you know who may be interested. Please RSVP at biosafetyprotocol@mfat.govt.nz if possible, to assist them in ensuring the suitability of the chosen venues.

HAMILTON - 11.00am, Tuesday 29 June 2004

Chloes Motor Inn Conference Room 181-185 Ulster Street, Hamilton

CHRISTCHURCH - 11.00am Thursday 1 July 2004

Crowne Plaza Conference Room Cnr Kilmore and Durham Streets, Christchurch

DUNEDIN - 11.00am Friday 2 July 2004

Southern Cross Hotel Conference Room Cnr Princes and high Street Dunedin

WELLINGTON - 11.00am Monday 5 July 2004

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Conference Room Report to reception 12th Floor HSBC Tower, 195 Lambton Quay, Wellington

Additional information seminars can be organised if there is interest.

Contact details:

If you have any questions about this consultation please contact MFAT on: biosafetyprotocol@mfat.govt.nz. You can also reach them by phone at (04) 439 8650

Source: Environment Division Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade