Establishment of the CEE Regional Network of Laboratories for Detection of LMOs and the Centers of Excellence

Sampling, detection and identification of living modified organisms (LMOs) is a cross-cutting and broad reaching activity that supports the implementation of Article 18 of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to the Convention of Biological Diversity which objective is to contribute to ensuring an adequate level of protection in the field of the safe transfer, handling and use of living modified organisms resulting from modern biotechnology that may have adverse effects on the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity. The Strategic Plan for implementation of the Cartagena Protocol for the period 2011-2020 sets out operational objectives 1.6 and 2.3 on handling, transport, packaging and identification that request Parties to develop relevant capacities on identification and documentation of requirements for living modified organisms. The COP-MOP-7, in its Decision BS-VII/8, requested Parties to continue to identify transboundary movements of living modified organisms intended for direct use as food, feed or processing and unintentional transboundary movements of LMOs. The countries in the CEE region have different level of laboratory capacity and experience in identification of LMOs. As being the countries with economies in transition, mainly have technical and scientific barriers, limited financial and human resources to ensure laboratory detection and identification of LMOs. The laboratory personnel have insufficient knowledge and skills on specific methods and laboratory procedures for sampling, detection and identification that have to be in line with the international requirements. Established laboratories usually do not have an international accreditation (ISO 17025) to be able to provide legal certification of the investigated biological material and products that may be LMOs or contain LMOs. Poor inter-laboratory communication and poor capacities to exchange of experience and information as well as lack of training programs for LMO detection and identification are the most essential challenges in the CEE region that limit their efficiency to ensure monitoring and control over LMOs. The request of BBI assistance is addressed to establish continuous CEE regional collaboration and communication on LMOs detection, to improve countries national capacities for the analytical detection and identification of LMOs. A number of training workshops are to be organized for laboratory personnel, as well as administrative staff and decision makers from the countries in the region. The Russian language as the language of communication in the region would facilitate communication and training activities. The establishment of a Central and Eastern European (CEE) Regional Network of laboratories and the Centers of Excellence in selected countries will facilitate continuity and regular communication, professional consultation and trainings in the region. A close networking of the laboratories, personnel, information exchange, including database on methods of screening, LMOs identification methods, LMO releases will contribute to the increased efficiency of the countries in the region to provide detection and identification of LMOs in line with the international standards. Belarus and Moldova will be leading the activities that are proposed under this project. Both countries have an important agricultural sector and a long-term cooperation experience in the field of Biosafety. The countries have well developed legislation in the field of biosafety and extensive experience participating in various expert groups and bodies under the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, including the Network of Laboratories for the Detection and Identification of Living Modified Organisms. Belarus and Moldova based on their experience and capacities may offer scientific and training support to other countries in the region. In Belarus, the Institute of Genetics and Cytology of the National Academy of Sciences is the leading scientific institution of the country, which was entrusted with duties of the National Coordination Biosafety Centre (NCBC). The NCBC is accredited on detection and identification of LMO in accordance to National Standards, main of which is the Standard ISO 17025. The NCBC is equipped with the relevant equipment for laboratory analyses on LMO detection and identification, including the advanced PCR machines as well as qualified laboratory personnel. The Moldovan Biosafety Office of the Ministry of Agriculture, Regional Development and Environment has a long-term experience and involvement in the Biosafety programs and projects, international and regional collaboration, important experience in BCH, public information and participation that would be useful to provide consultancy and exchange of good practices. The increased collaboration that will result from activities held through the establishment of the network will contribute to the improved communication on biosafety-related issues as well as harmonization of laboratory procedures and methods. It will also provide means for the continuous professional development of relevant laboratory personnel through the facilitation of knowledge-sharing and networking. The Project will contribute to early detection and control of LMOs that are subject to import/export, transit and processing that will have a global impact on conservation of biodiversity.