Biosecurity

Biosecurity encompasses policy and regulatory frameworks to manage risks associated with agriculture and food production. This includes, for example, the introduction and release of genetically-modified organisms (GMOs) and their products, the introduction and spread of invasive alien species, alien genotypes and plant pests, animal pests and diseases and zoonoses (diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans).

In view of a number of developments, including globalisation, the rapid increase in transport and trade and technological progress, national and international frameworks and standards need to be strengthened in order to regulate, manage and control biosecurity.

The importance of this led to the adoption of a supplementary agreement to the Convention on Biodiversity, the Cartagena Protocol. The aim of this Protocol is to protect biological diversity from the potential risks posed by living modified organisms that have been created by modern biotechnology. Through the provision of the necessary information, it ensures that countries can make informed decisions before agreeing to the import of such modified organisms into their territory. As such it embodies the precautionary approach.

FAO and biosecurity

Countries are increasingly taking a holistic view and are combining these regulatory activities. This trend is expected to continue and should be matched by FAO, building on its already significant range of activities and outputs that address biosecurity, including international instruments, biosafety in relation to GMOs, biosecurity in relation to invasive alien species and closely associated concerns for food, agriculture, fisheries and forestry.

FAO also plays an important role in biosecurity through the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC). Technical support is provided through the IPPC for the national implementation of phytosanitary standards which aim to prevent the spread and introduction of pests of plants and plant products and to promote measures for their control.

For more information, please visit the FAO's Biosecurity Portal (link to come).