The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety set to enter into force

Palau ratified the Cartagena Protocol on Bio-safety on 13 June 2003, thereby fulfilling the required number of 50 ratifications by Nations. The Protocol will enter into force on 11 September 2003, the ninetieth day after the date of fiftieth Nation’s ratification.

Adopted in January 2000, the Protocol seeks to protect biological diversity from the potential risks posed by Living Modified Organisms (LMOs). Accordingly, it identifies an Advance Informed Agreement (AIA) procedure for ensuring that countries are provided with the information necessary to make informed decisions before agreeing to the import of such organisms into their territory. The Protocol also identifies a Biosafety Clearing-House (BCH) to facilitate the exchange of information on living modified organisms and to assist countries in the implementation of the Protocol.