The Mexican biosecurity scheme consists of allowing the experimentation of genetically modified plant species in the place where they originate.
This scheme consists of the elaboration of a regulation to give free application to the Cartagena Protocol, an international instrument that regulates genetically modified organisms.
The Law on Biosafety of Genetically Modified Organisms was published in the Official Gazette on March 18, 2005.
It is the first that deals extensively with the use of biotechnology in agriculture. Enter provisions to prevent it from leading to the creation of biological weapons.
Cartagena Protocol
The Cartagena Protocol is a treaty signed by 170 countries at the beginning of this century. It deals with regulating the use of GMOs, since it is not yet determined whether these organisms can negatively impact health and the environment.
Transgenic seeds were developed in the 1980s to improve the characteristics of plants: to make them more tolerant to climatic factors, to be resistant to pests, to have more vitamin values and better appearance and color.
This is achieved by introducing genes from other species, be they plants or animals, with vectors such as viruses or bacteria.
Characteristics of the Biosafety Law
The Biosafety Law enacted in Mexico ratifies the Cartagena Protocol, and was called by environmental entities as the Monsanto Law, because these organizations consider that said law favors the interests of transnational companies, such as Monsanto.
This law consists of 124 articles and its text promotes biotechnological research. In addition, it creates surveillance mechanisms for the entry of products, and promotes the mandatory labeling of seeds.
The intention is established to face the negative environmental impact of genetically modified organisms, and also to take advantage of their advantages.
This law creates a scheme for the authorization of the entry of transgenics, "case by case" and "step by step".
Several ministries will participate in this scheme, in turn advised by a committee of scientists. They can even ask civil society for opinions.
Opinions on the biosecurity law
In the opinion of Greenpeace Mexico, the law has positive aspects, but it also has gaps and errors. It does not protect biosecurity and helps to develop biotechnology.
It also does not have an adequate framework for the community to be informed about where GMOs will be released. And it does not provide an element to act against these projects.
Another criticism made of the law is that monopoly rights are given to transnationals through their patents, and they are exempted from liability if there is contamination.
In any case, in the years that GMOs have been cultivated and consumed, no evidence has emerged that they cause damage to health or the environment. But most crops of this type tend to benefit large consortia.
The growing monopolization of agri-food production by a handful of companies implies risks for countries like Mexico.
The mere fact that a large part of society rejects new crops represents a phenomenon to analyze.
References
- "Genetically modified organisms: one more option" in Science and Development. Recovered in September 2017 in Science and Development from: cyd.conacyt.gob.mx
- "Mexico approved the biosecurity law - Transgenics" in Environment and Journalism (November 2008). Recovered in September 2017 in the Environment and Journalism from: ambienteyperiodismo.blogspot.com.ar
- "Mexico and its necessary biosafety law: economic-political interests and social movement" in Scielo (June 2006). Recovered in September 2017 in Scielo from: scielo.org.mx
- «Law of Biosafety of Genetically Modified Organisms of Mexico» in Wikipedia (August 2016). Recovered in September 2017 in Wikipedia from: es.wikipedia.org
- "Monsanto Law: It seems bad but it's worse" in La Jornada (January 2005). Recovered in September 2017 in La Jornada from: día.unam.mx
- "Law of Biosafety of Genetically Modified Organisms" in Wikisource (February 2014). Recovered in September 2017 in Wikisource from: es.wikisource.org
- "Law on biosafety of genetically modified organisms" in the Chamber of Deputies of the H Congress of the Union (March 2005). Recovered in September 2017 in the Chamber of Deputies of the H Congress of the Union of: diputados.gob.mx
- "Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety of the Convention on Biological Diversity" in Conacyt. Recovered in September 2017 from Conacyt at: conacyt.gob.mx