Abstract

RAMIREZ, José Luis. Biosafety why and for whom? Latin America on target. INCI [online]. 2003, vol.28, n.11, pp.669-672. ISSN 0378-1844.

Latin American countries (LAC), as never before face contrasting forces from economical, ecological and social sectors influencing their decision to embrace or not a modern biotechnology based agriculture. An unevenly scientifically educated general public, when challenged by economical and ecological lobbying groups, frequently overreacts, hampering clear sighted and knowledge based decision making. In this essay, several critical issues proper of LAC are addressed. A survey of the situation in three countries is presented and several recommendations are advanced. Finally the role of the United Nations University Programme Biotechnology for Latin America and the Caribbean in empowering LAC institutions to deal with the challenges of agri-biotechnology is highlighted.

Keywords : Agri-biotechnology; Biosafety; Genetically Modified Organisms.