Support to the Implementation of the National Biosafety Framework of Cuba

Following the first phase pilot project, "Development of the National Biosafety Framework," the overall objective of this demonstration project is to provide the needed capacity building for implementing of the National Biosafety Framework according to the obligations of the Cartagena Protocol. The specific objectives are as follows: a) support the implementation of Decree Law N.190/99 on Biological Safety by drafting and enacting additional relevant regulations and therefore enable an adequate level of protection in the field of the safe transfer, handling and use of living modified organisms (LMOs) resulting from modern biotechnology, with a specific focus on transboundary movements, in Cuba; b) develop methodologies to 1) assess, manage and monitor the risks associated to LMOs handling, transport, use, transfer and release and 2) produce and validate the related data at national level and in cooperation with other countries in the region; c) strengthen capacity building at national and regional level by setting up a National Centre of Capacity Building and running national and distance courses in Biosafety; d) promote and strengthen information sharing and dissemination among the relevant stakeholders, and enhance public awareness at national and regional level so as to guarantee the safe and rational use of modern technology, and demonstrate -on scientific basis- the results of risk management and monitoring.