August 2013: Marking the tenth anniversary of the entry into force of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, the latest edition of the Biosafety Protocol Newsletter, published by the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), reviews progress, experiences and lessons learned during the first decade of the Protocol’s implementation.

The articles by Parties, inter-governmental organizations and non-governmental organizations describe achievements and remaining challenges in implementing the Protocol.

Contributions from Iran, Egypt, Moldova, Peru and Thailand report on these Parties’ efforts to establish domestic regulatory frameworks, laws, guidelines and other measures for implementation, such as for the performance of national competent authorities. UNEP describes challenges to and solutions for improving capacity-building. The Global Industry Coalition (GIC) showcases its work on developing shipping standards and efforts to support the implementation of the Nagoya-Kuala Lumpur Supplementary Protocol on Liability and Redress. The Third World Network (TWN) highlights access to information and public participation in decisions regarding living modified organisms (LMOs).

The Biosafety Protocol to the CBD entered into force on 11 September 2003. Its main objective is to ensure the safe handing transfer and use of LMOs. [Publication: Biosafety Protocol News JULY/AUGUST 2013 Issue 11]