The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety governs the handling and movement of living modified organisms

Background

The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety is a protocol to the Convention on Biological Diversity. It aims to ensure the safe handling, transport and use of living modified organisms (LMOs) resulting from modern biotechnology that may have adverse effects on biological diversity, taking also into account risks to human health. It was adopted on 29 January 2000 and entered into force on 11 September 2003. Its information system is the Biosafety Clearing-House, through which Parties exchange information on living modified organisms. The Protocol covers handling, transport, packaging and identification, unintentional transboundary movements, socio-economic considerations, and public awareness and participation. The Nagoya-Kuala Lumpur Supplementary Protocol on Liability and Redress supplements the Cartagena Protocol, and the Protocol's governing body is the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Protocol.