31 January 2013: The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) has published an outline of inter-sessional activities on socio-economic considerations arising from the impact of living modified organisms (LMOs) on the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, under the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety.

The activities follow-up on a decision taken at the sixth Meeting of the CBD Conference of the Parties serving as Meeting of the Parties to the Protocol (COP-MOP 6). They include: compilation, stock-taking and review of information; online discussions and online conferences; and an ad hoc technical expert group (AHTEG).

The first activity compiles and reviews information on: existing institutional frameworks, legislation and policies; capacity-building activities related to biosafety and socioeconomic considerations; existing expertise and experience; and other policy initiatives concerning social and economic impact assessments.

The online discussions and conferences aim to facilitate the exchange of views, information and experiences among Parties, other Governments, relevant organizations and indigenous and local communities. Once these activities have been completed, an AHTEG will examine their outcomes and develop conceptual clarity on socio-economic considerations.

The work on socio-economic considerations under the Cartagena Protocol is based Protocol Article 26, which states Parties may take into account socio-economic considerations arising from the impact of LMOs on the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, especially with regard to the value of biological diversity to indigenous and local communities; and encourages them to cooperate on research and information exchange on any socio-economic impacts of LMOs. [CBD Notification]