The “Cartagena Protocol on biosafety” came into force on 11 September. The protocol is intended to promote a safe use and correct management of genetically modified organisms (GMO) and is aimed to protect human health from the potential risks deriving from GMOs. Signed by 103 states, it has been ratified only by 57 countries, of which six belonging to the European Union (Spain, Holland, Austria, Denmark, Sweden, Luxembourg and France. Italy signed the protocol on 24 May 2000, but has still to ratify it). The document represents the first legally binding international accord that governs the cross-border movement of GMOs resulting from modern biotechnologies. The protocol is aimed in particular at safeguarding the developing countries, which are often devoid of the necessary resources to evaluate the risks deriving from biotechnologies. The wish is therefore to give these states the chance to choose their own policy in terms of GMO on the basis of reliable information.
