Expert Review in the Field of GMO Curculation

Expert review in the field of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is conducted to assess the potential impact of such organisms on human health, animals, plants, and the environment.

Expert procedures are an integral part of the biosafety system and are based on the national legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic as well as international principles.

Main Stages of the Expert Review

The expert review process generally includes the following stages:

  1. Submission of the required materials and information.

  2. Assessment of potential risks using scientific and methodological approaches.

  3. Review of materials by specialists with relevant expertise.

  4. Preparation of an expert conclusion.

  5. Decision-making by the authorized government body.

Participants in the Process

The expert review process may involve:

 

  • authorized government bodies;

  • independent experts and specialists in biology, ecology, medicine, and other related fields;

  • expert and advisory bodies within their established competence.

General questions

What are genetically modified organisms (GMOs)

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are organisms whose genetic material has been altered using modern biotechnology methods in order to impart certain properties to them.

How are GMOs different from traditionally bred organisms?

When creating GMOs, genetic engineering methods are used to purposefully change the genetic material. Traditional breeding is based on crossing and selection without direct intervention in the genome.

In what areas are GMOs used?

GMOs can be used in agriculture, scientific research, medicine and industry. Specific areas of application depend on national legislation and decisions taken.

Are GMOs used in the Kyrgyz Republic?

Issues related to the circulation of GMOs in the Kyrgyz Republic are regulated in accordance with current legislation and the country’s international obligations.

Security Issues

Are GMOs dangerous for human health?

The potential impact of GMOs on human health is assessed through special risk assessment procedures that are carried out before decisions are made about their use.

How is the safety of GMOs assessed?

Safety assessment includes an analysis of possible risks to human health, animals, plants and the environment based on scientific and methodological approaches.

Who carries out the risk assessment of GMOs?

Risk assessments are carried out by authorized bodies and specialists of the relevant profile with the involvement of experts in the field of biology, ecology, medicine and other sciences.

What does the precautionary principle mean?

The precautionary principle involves making decisions taking into account possible risks in conditions of scientific uncertainty and is applied in the biosafety system.

Ecology and environment

Can GMOs affect the environment?

The potential environmental impact of GMOs is assessed through environmental risk assessment procedures taking into account specific conditions of use.

What is an environmental risk assessment of GMOs?

This is an analysis of the possible impacts of GMOs on ecosystems, biodiversity and interactions with other organisms in the environment.

Is GMO monitoring carried out?

As part of a biosecurity framework, monitoring measures can be used to monitor the impact of GMOs after decisions about their use have been made.

Legislation and regulation

How is the circulation of GMOs regulated in the Kyrgyz Republic?

Regulation is carried out on the basis of national legislation in the field of biological safety, taking into account international obligations, including the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety.

Who makes decisions on GMO issues?

Decisions are made by authorized state bodies of the Kyrgyz Republic on the basis of established procedures and expert opinions.

What international obligations does Kyrgyzstan take into account?

The Kyrgyz Republic is a party to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, which regulates issues of transboundary movement and risk assessment of GMOs.

What is the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety?

The Cartagena Protocol is an international agreement aimed at ensuring the safe handling of genetically modified organisms and protecting biodiversity.

Business and economic activities

Do I need to obtain permission to work with GMOs?

Depending on the type of activity and nature of the use of GMOs, special procedures established by the legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic may be applied.

What information must the applicant provide?

Generally, information necessary to assess potential risks is required, including information about the properties of the GMO and the intended conditions of use.

Is it possible to import products containing GMOs?

Issues of import of products containing or potentially containing GMOs are considered in accordance with current rules and decisions of authorized bodies.

Society and awareness

Where can I get official information about GMOs?

Official information is published by authorized government agencies, as well as on national and international information platforms on biosafety.

What role does the public play in matters of GMOs?

Public information and stakeholder participation are important elements of the biosafety system and are required by international agreements.

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Meeting of the Interagency Working Group of the FAO/GEF Project News
01.04.2025

Meeting of the Interagency Working Group of the FAO/GEF Project

On 31 March, an interim meeting of the Interagency Working Group of the FAO/GEF Project “Implementation of the National Biosafety Mechanism in the Kyrgyz Republic in accordance with the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety” was held in the conference hall of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision of the Kyrgyz Republic (MNRETS).

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