Biosafety Bill tabled

A BILL to regulate genetically modified organisms and products in Namibia was tabled by Education Minister Nangolo Mbumba in the National Assembly last week.

The new legislation will provide protection to the conservation and sustainable use of the country’s biological diversity, taking into account the potential risks to the health and safety of Namibians and possible harmful consequences of genetically modified organisms (GMO) and their products to the environment. Minster Mbumba said Namibia was party to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity and another international instrument, the Cartegena Protocol on Biosafety.”As a result, we cannot turn a blind eye to this new technology and are obliged to develop a national biosafety framework.”Neighbouring South Africa, from which Namibia imported a large percentage of its agricultural products, had already started with field trials with biotechnology.”They have already released (modified) commercial products like maize and cotton,” he added.Three biosafety specialists and three technicians in that field were already trained, Mbumba told the House.The draft provides for a Biosafety Council with seven members to fall under the National Commission on Research, Science and Technology.It decides on applications for the import, export and transport of a genetically modified organism (GMO) or product, its use and release into the environment as well as placing it in the market.Council members must bring “skills or experience” in environmental issues and assessment, public health, animal health, food safety and molecular biology.Experts with a background in law, in trade, economy and in science, research and technology will be part of the Council.According to the newly tabled Bill, products in Namibia must be clearly labelled as GMO and any institution or individual dealing with GMOs must apply for a permit with the Council.Thereafter, public hearings must be conducted by the applicant.After assessment of the application, the Council will recommend to the line minister whether to accept an application or not.If found without a permit, a fine of N$100 000 will be applicable to the offenders, or five years in prison, or both.Debate on the Biosafety Bill will start this week.Minster Mbumba said Namibia was party to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity and another international instrument, the Cartegena Protocol on Biosafety.”As a result, we cannot turn a blind eye to this new technology and are obliged to develop a national biosafety framework.”Neighbouring South Africa, from which Namibia imported a large percentage of its agricultural products, had already started with field trials with biotechnology.”They have already released (modified) commercial products like maize and cotton,” he added.Three biosafety specialists and three technicians in that field were already trained, Mbumba told the House.The draft provides for a Biosafety Council with seven members to fall under the National Commission on Research, Science and Technology.It decides on applications for the import, export and transport of a genetically modified organism (GMO) or product, its use and release into the environment as well as placing it in the market.Council members must bring “skills or experience” in environmental issues and assessment, public health, animal health, food safety and molecular biology.Experts with a background in law, in trade, economy and in science, research and technology will be part of the Council.According to the newly tabled Bill, products in Namibia must be clearly labelled as GMO and any institution or individual dealing with GMOs must apply for a permit with the Council.Thereafter, public hearings must be conducted by the applicant.After assessment of the application, the Council will recommend to the line minister whether to accept an application or not.If found without a permit, a fine of N$100 000 will be applicable to the offenders, or five years in prison, or both.Debate on the Biosafety Bill will start this week.