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Momodou
Denmark
11851 Posts |
 Posted - 25 Feb 2008 : 18:00:17
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Biosafety Cleaning House Project Launched
By Modou Jonga
The Biosafety Cleaning House Project (BCH), under the Department of Parks and Wildlife Management, was on Thursday, 21st February, 2008 launched at the Baobab Hotel Resort in Bijilo.
In delivering his official launching statement, the Permanent Secretary at the Department of State for Forestry and the Environment, Mr. Bubu P. Jallow, said the BCH Project is a vital national project and it is aimed at assisting The Gambia to fulfill its obligation as a party to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and its Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (CPB). The P.S said that understanding the risks and potentials of modern Biotechnology will be valuable in assisting the country to adequately tackle biotechnological issues and in safeguarding the interest of the people and the natural environment. Mr. Jallow noted that The Gambia has fulfilled its obligation under the convention on Biological Diversity and the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. He urged the National Biosafety Task Force Members to take pride in this and to demonstrate competence in implementing the National Biosafety Cleaning House Project.
On his part, the Coordinator of the BCH Project, Mr. Alagie Manjang, reiterated that The Gambia has signed and ratified the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety and that the objective of the BCH Project is to protect humans, agriculture and the environment, amongst others. Mr. Manjang urged for the facilitation of the exchange of biosafety information amongst governments. The BCH Project Coordinator dilated on the Memorandum of understanding between the Department of State for Forestry and Environment of The Gambia for the United Nations Environment Project for Building Capacity for Effective Participation in the Biosafety Cleaning House. Mr. Manjang noted the potential risks of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) on Humans, and the environment. He emphasised the need for the regulations and cooperation of national stakeholders in handling genetically modified organisms. Mr. Manjang disclosed that the BCH Project will soon embark on a national awareness campaign across the country.
The launching ceremony was chaired by Mr. Alpha Omar Jallow, Director of Parks and Wildlife Management.
Participants called for a regional framework on Biosafety and Biodiversity amongst others.
Source: Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issues
Issue No. 23/2008, 25 – 26, 2008
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