Apply precautionary principle to biotechnologies, scientists & policymakers urge at COP15 Montreal

By Shuchita Jha
DownToEarth
December 12, 2022
Category: Forestry
Region: International

A 2019 white paper detailing the potential dangers of genetically engineered trees and biotechnologies was released at the 15th Conference of Parties (COP15) to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity in Montreal. The paper from scientists and policy experts appealed to world leaders at COP15 to apply a precautionary principle to biotechnologies that may harm insect pollinators.  Titled Biotechnology for Forest Health?, the paper detailed the harm genetically engineered trees can bring on if allowed to grow in the wild as a solution to conserve biodiversity. Forest certification regimes Forest Stewardship Council and Sustainable Forestry Initiative have also banned the use of genetically engineered trees. Researchers at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science, United States, have claimed the GE American chestnut will be blight resistant, the paper cited. 

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