BS-IV/9. Handling, transport, packaging and identification of living modified organisms: paragraph 2(a) of Article 18

The Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety,

Recalling its decision BS-III/10 and in particular paragraph 11 of the decision,

Noting the importance of sampling and detection methods in the implementation of the documentation requirements under the Protocol, in particular decision BS-III/10,

Welcoming national and international initiatives such as the Global Conference on GMO Analysis to be held in Como, Italy, from 24 to 27 June 2008 as a potential vehicle for cooperation in the dissemination and harmonization of approaches or methods in sampling and detection of living modified organisms,

Recalling the guidance to the financial mechanism on the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety in decision VIII/18, in particular paragraph 12(g) concerning the development of technical, financial and human capacity including, inter alia, biosafety-related laboratories and relevant equipment,

Noting the importance of reference materials for the purpose of detection of living modified organisms, especially for those that are placed on the market,

Noting also the recommendations on capacity-building for the implementation of the identification and documentation requirements from the third and fourth Coordination Meetings for Governments and Organizations Implementing or Funding Biosafety Capacity-Building Activities (UNEP/CBD/BS/CM-CB/3/3, para. 35-37) and (UNEP/CBD/BS/COP-MOP/4/INF/23, para. 38-39 respectively), and the recommendation of the Compliance Committee regarding the need for exchanging experience and building capacities in the development and use of techniques for sampling and detection of living modified organisms,

1. Notes the important work that is being done by relevant international organizations such as the Codex Alimentarius Commission and the International Organization for Standardization and encourages Parties to participate in and share information with these and other relevant international standard-setting bodies, and utilize, as appropriate, criteria or methods for sampling and detection of living modified organisms published by them;

2. Requests Parties and encourages other Governments and relevant international organizations to ensure that information related to rules and standards on the sampling of living modified organisms and detection techniques, including experience with such techniques are made available via the Biosafety Clearing-House;

3. Requests Parties, and encourages other Governments, relevant international organizations as well as the Global Environment Facility, to cooperate with and support developing country Parties, in particular the least developed and small island developing States among them, and Parties with economies in transition, in their efforts to build their capacities in the area of sampling and detection of living modified organisms, including the setting up of laboratory facilities and training of local regulatory and scientific personnel;

4. Underlines the importance of accreditation of laboratories involved in sampling and detection of living modified organisms;

5. Encourages those in possession of reference materials to provide access for those agencies that may need such materials for the purpose of detection of living modified organisms.