Friday // 2.22.2008

Frequently Asked Questions

The Secretariat has prepared these questions and answers to assist public understanding of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. It is not intended to provide legal interpretation of the Protocol. Please refer to the original text of the Protocol for any further information.

a.	Biosafety and Biotechnology
	(Questions 1-7)

b.	The Biosafety Protocol and its Implementation
	(Questions 8-28)

c.	Becoming a Party to the Protocol
	(Questions 29-35)

What is the difference between signing and ratifying the Protocol?
How does one become a Party to the Protocol?
What is the procedure to deposit instruments of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession with the Depositary?
How many countries have ratified the Biosafety Protocol?
When did the Biosafety Protocol enter into force?
Are there any financial obligations resulting from becoming a Party to the Protocol?
What are the benefits of becoming a Party to the Protocol?

31. What is the procedure to deposit instruments of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession with the Depositary?

The procedure to deposit instruments of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession with the Depositary is outlined in: http://www.cbd.int/doc/legal/cp-proc-rat-en.pdf