Abstract

Reference: OECD 2001b.
Title: Living Modified Organisms and the Environment, An International Conference, Raleigh, Durham, OECD, November 2001: Final Rapporteurs’ Report
Authors:  Juma, C., Barnett, A., and Gillespie, I
Publisher: OECD Publications, 2, rue Andre-Pascal, 75775 Paris Cedex 16, France
Publication details: Available on OECD website

The objective of the Conference was to bring together a diverse group of participants for a constructive dialogue on the underlying science for assessing living modified organisms (LMOs) in the environment. The emphasis was on transgenic crops because these are the most common applications at the current time. However, other applications were also considered, such as the use of transgenic trees in forestry and fish in aquaculture. The conference promoted a dialogue between developed and developing countries in order to identify unique assessment needs and experiences of different countries and regions. The Conference was attended by around 250 participants from some 20 OECD countries and around 25 other countries.

This report is divided into four parts. The first section provides a status review of trends in the development of LMOs, the practice of risk assessment, the scientific framework for assessment and challenges and opportunities for environmental assessment. The second section summarises the key areas of general agreement among participants while the third section covers areas where there is as yet no general agreement. The final section charts the way forward focusing on measures which might help to improve ways of assessing the impact of LMOs on the environment, areas requiring further investigation and opportunities for international harmonisation as well as co-operation.

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