Agricultural biotechnologies in Europe and Central Asia: new challenges and opportunities in a view of crises and climate change
Guadalajara, Mexico, 01/03/2010 - 04/03/2010
In the epoch of dynamic globalization processes, food and economic crises and global environmental challenges a rapid increase of the poverty level is observed. About 30 percent of the population in Europe and Central Asia - about 145 million - are considered either poor or vulnerable but this now expected to rise throughout the Region, increasing by about 5 million people for every 1 percent decline in GDP. In 2009 alone, the Region faced the reality of an additional 13 million poor or vulnerable people, instead of the number falling from 145 to 130 million as expected before the crisis.
Against this background, any sustainable solution, especially internationally recognized as it is the case of biotechnology (Agenda 21, CBD, CPB) should be used in a safe, responsible and efficient manner to contribute to alleviation of poverty and improving livelihoods, while addressing environmental issues. To reach this end, several issues in the area of biotechnology and biosafety must be addressed at national and regional level.
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