27 January 2016: The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) has made available two documents aiming to support implementation of Article 23 of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety relating to public awareness and participation and the Aarhus Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters in the context of living modified organisms (LMOs)/genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

The first document describes tools and resources for the provision of technical assistance to support implementation of the two instruments, including multilateral processes, bilateral assistance, advisory support upon request, guidance and other support materials, and electronic tools. Multilateral processes include meetings of the Parties of the Aarhus Convention and the Biosafety Protocol, workshops and round tables, online discussion groups and surveys. Electronic tools include the Biosafety Clearing-house, The Aarhus Convention Clearing-house, and the Public Participation Website of the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE).

The second document provides a checklist of key measures for ratifying the Aarhus Convention’s Almaty Amendment on GMOs and/or implementing Cartagena Protocol Article 23. The checklist includes items relating to: strengthening institutional capacities; promoting broad public awareness and education; improving access to information, collection and dissemination of information; and promoting public participation in decision-making. [Publication: Tools and Resources to Support Implementation of the Aarhus Convention and the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety in the Context of LMOs/GMOs] [Publication: Checklist of Key Measures for the Ratification and Implementation of the Aarhus Convention and the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety in the Context of LMOs/GMOs]