OSCE supports roundtable discussion on regulating release and marketing of genetically modified organisms in Kazakhstan

The OSCE Programme Office in Astana supported a roundtable discussion on steps Kazakhstan could take to regulate the release and marketing of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) - any organism or microorganism, including agricultural products, whose genetic material has been altered by means of genetic engineering - on 20 November 2018 in Astana.

Experts from Kazakhstan and Ukraine presented their analysis of Kazakhstan’s current legislation to see what changes would be necessary if the country ratified the Aarhus Convention Amendment on “Public Participation in Decisions on Deliberate Release into the Environment and Placing on the Market of Genetically Modified Organisms" known as the “GMO Amendment”.

The GMO Amendment stipulates requirements for public participation in decisions concerning the deliberate release of GMOs. It aims to address public concerns related to health, loss of biodiversity and citizens' environmental rights. It provides a clear regulatory framework to ensure the effective engagement of the public in decision-making on GMOs. This includes early access to information and effective mechanisms to give individuals an adequate opportunity to provide feedback on the decision before it is taken.

Ratification by Kazakhstan’s parliament would require further changes to the country’s legislation to ensure compliance with the GMO Amendment.

The event was organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Astana in partnership with the Energy Ministry and brought together some 20 participants from government entities, research institutes and the expert community. It was part of the Programme Office’s multi-year activities to promote good environmental governance and to assist the host country in meeting its commitments under the Aarhus Convention.