Azerbaijan to develop proposals on GMO use
By Nigar Orujova
Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS) will develop a package of proposals on legal regulations for using genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in the country.
The country joined the Cartagena Protocol in 2005 and has a commitment to prevent the spread of GMOs and their use for commercial purposes, ANAS reported.
At the same time, Azerbaijan has still no legislation limiting the spread of genetically modified products. In this regard, the Research Institute for Human Rights of ANAS has studied international experiences and legal regulations in Azerbaijan in this area.
Currently, the limit for GMOs in products within the European Union is set at 0.9 percent. Many ecologists fear that these products may pose a threat to the nature.
Taking into account the lack of legal regulation in this area and incomplete study about the affect of genetically modified products on the human body, the ANAS decided to prepare appropriate proposals for legislative consolidation.
In 2011, Azerbaijan approved a law on protection and effective usage of genetic resources. A special group, involving state bodies was created to bring the law into action.
This law is aimed to protect population's health and the country's biodiversity.
Azerbaijan has joined a number of international environmental conventions to stop GMOs penetration on the local market. Nevertheless, experts believe that modified products are widely spread in the country.