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January 18, 2000
The Honorable William J. Clinton
1600 Pennsylvania Ave, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20500
Re: The Biosafety Protocol to
the Convention on Biological Diversity
Dear President Clinton:
In the face of increasing evidence
that genetically engineered organisms pose a significant risk
to the environment, Friends of the Earth (FoE) urges you to support
the establishment of an effective Biosafety Protocol to the Convention
on Biological Diversity.
A strong Biosafety Protocol is
critical in order to regulate the growing use, handling and transfer
of genetically engineered organisms (or living modified organisms
(LMOs) worldwide. Scientific studies conducted over the past
year have shown that genetically engineered crops can harm non-target
insects such as the Monarch butterfly and beneficial insects
such as the lacewing and the ladybug. In addition, studies have
shown that toxins from genetically engineered B.t. crops leach
through plant roots into the soil where they persist and harm
soil health.
A century of severe environmental
consequences resulting from bio-invasions of non-indigenous species,
such as the kudzu vine or Dutch Elm disease, underscores the
importance of taking strong precautionary measures to prevent
ecological damage from genetically engineered organisms.
As witnessed in recent FDA public
hearings, U.S. citizens are increasingly concerned about the
effects of genetically engineered foods and crops on their health
and the environment and favor stronger regulations governing
genetically engineered products.
FoE believes that for a workable
and effective Protocol, a coherent package of measures is required
that ensures as a minimum the following:
· Safeguards covering
all LMOs, including those LMOs intended for food, feed or processing.
· That the development
of protective human health and environmental regulations not
be constrained by trade interests, and, therefore, that international
trade agreements including the WTO not be used to undermine biosafety.
· The right of all parties
to decline importation of LMO's based on scientific, socio-economic,
or cultural reasons.
· The right of Parties
to use the precautionary principle as the basis for decision-making
about LMOs. In other words, where an activity raises threats
of harm to the environment or human health, precautionary measures
should be taken, even if some cause and effect relationships
are not fully established.
· The establishment of
an effective regime for liability and compensation in the event
of harm arising as a consequence of LMO imports.
FoE is deeply concerned that
the U.S. Government, as a leader of the Miami Group of LMO export
nations, obstructed progress on these issues at the Biosafety
meeting in Cartagena last year, in direct contradiction to the
wishes of the majority of world governments and international
civil society.
Around the world, global public
opinion demonstrates a strong desire for transparency and accountability
in all environmental safety issues, including biosafety. It is
also in the interests of U.S. business to support the establishment
of fair and open safety precautions under the Biosafety Protocol.
For instance, importation of inadequately tested LMO's could
undermine U.S. farmers by damaging or contaminating their crops.
FoE urges the U.S. government
to show global leadership on this critical multilateral environmental
agreement. If the U.S. cannot support and does not intend to
sign a strong Protocol, then we urge you to refrain from undermining
the efforts of the majority of countries that do support a strong
protocol.
Sincerely,
Brent Blackwelder Sarah Newport
President Coordinator, Safer Food, Safer Farms Campaign
- Cc:
- David Sandalow, Assistant Secretary
of State, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and
Scientific Affairs
Dan Glickman, Secretary, U.S. Department of Agriculture
Charlene Barshefsky, U.S. Trade Representative
Carol Browner, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Jane Henney, U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Al Gore, Vice President
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