BIOSAFETY is essential in the sustainable management of the environment especially that Zambia is part of the global village and is affected by various factors.
Given the poor state of knowledge on biosafety, Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and biodiversity, among some citizens I presume, it is imperative to examine some of these issues.
According to Africa Crop Science, Biosafety is the prevention of large-scale loss of biological integrity, focusing both on ecology and human health.
The prevention mechanisms include conduction of regular reviews of the biosafety in laboratory settings, as well as strict guidelines to follow.
Biosafety is used to protect from harmful incidents.
High security facilities are necessary when working with synthetic biology as there are possibilities of bioterrorism acts or release of harmful chemicals or organisms into the environment.
A complete understanding of experimental risks associated with synthetic biology can help to enforce the knowledge and effectiveness of biosafety.
Biosafety is related to several fields that include ecology (referring to imported life forms from   beyond ecoregion borders).
Agriculture, medicine and several other fields also relates to biosafety.
It is, however, important to recognise the investment that is being ploughed in biosafety because science is a cornerstone of sustainable economic and social development of the country.
The establishment of the NBA was an important step towards that direction to secure the biodiversity.
Government adopted a precautionary principle as required by the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety by formulating Biotechnology and Biosafety Policy of 2003, and subsequently the Biosafety Act No. 10 of 2007 that led to the establishment of the National Biosafety Authority (NBA).
This is because Zambia accented to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety on April 7th, 2004 and consequently adopted the Precautionary Principles stipulated in the Protocol which is a supplement to the Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD- Zambia signed on June 11, 1992 and it was ratified on May 28, 1993).
The precautionary principle allows for a balance between public health and economic benefits.
Therefore, the NBA is a regulatory body for Biotechnology and Biosafety in Zambia.
The vision of the NBA is to ensure that Zambia derives benefits from safe modern Biotechnology.
The NBA’s Mission is to ensure safety in the development, use and handling of gene modification technologies and products.
The goal of the Authority is to regulate and monitor the development of gene technologies and products in Zambia.
The mission of the Biotechnology and Biosafety Policy is to guide the judicious use and regulation of modern Biotechnology for the sustainable development of the nation, with minimum risk to human and animal health, crop life and the environment.
The objective of Biotechnology and Biosafety Policy is to support the development of research and industrial capacity to safely apply Biotechnology techniques for the enhancement of Zambia’s socio-economic and environmental wellbeing.
The NBA, besides regulating, also takes measures to protect crops, humans and animal health, biological diversity and the environment from the risks that may be posed by any GMO.
The scope of the Biosafety Act No. 10 of 2007 applies to, research, import, export, development and contained use.
Release of placing on the market, of any genetically modified organism whether intended for release into the environment, for use as a pharmaceutical, for food, feed or processing or a product of a genetically modified organism is another scope of the Act.
The functions of the NBA include processing notifications and applications of GMOs or products of GMOs into the country, in accordance with the requirements of the Biosafety Act.
The Authority also approves the import, export, development, transit, research; contained use, release or placing on the market of any genetically modified organism or a product of a genetically modified organism.
Promoting public awareness and education concerning the activities regulated under the Act that is risk assessment, risk management and authorisation processes are other function of NBA.
NBA establishes and maintains a database of GMOs and their products as well as making available such information to the public.
The other functions include keeping any genetically modified organism or any product of a genetically modified organism under review and to ban its handling or release in Zambia.
This is where the Authority has reasonable grounds to believe that the genetically modified organism or product poses any risk to human and animal health, biological diversity or the environment.
NBA designates and undertakes inspection and other control measures to ensure compliance with the Act.
Currently, Zambia is not growing any GMOs but the perception among some citizens is the opposite but they are allowed once they have undergone risk assessment and have been authorised by NBA in writing.
What the people needs to know is that the country only allows processed foodstuffs with less than 0.9 per cent of GMO.
On the other hand, some people think hybrid foods like the chickens are genetically modified.
The public should not confuse GMO with hybrid products as, for example, some crops could grow bigger if they were to be grown in a proper way.
It is clear that GMOs have the potential to contribute positively to human livelihoods and well-being through increasing the productivity, adaptation to climate change and environmental sustainability of (among others) agriculture, forestry and fisheries.
As such they may provide a vital component in the future management of the country’s landscape, land and water resources.
A GMO is any biological entity capable of replication or transfer or transferring genetic material.
Alternatively, it is any plant animal or micro-organism whose genetic material has been altered through modern technology.
But what is cardinal is the regulation aspect to ensure that GMOs do not pollute both the environment and human.
However, it is indispensable that biosafety issues are examined in detail to allay fears of significant impacts to non-target organisms, and also any other potential changes in the environment especially agriculture of crop plants, and related health and social structure effects.
Let me conclude by producing the reaction from last week’s article that looked at how Mufulira’s Mopani Copper Mine has reduced sulphur dioxide emissions locally known as senta.
Hi Stanslous, I am here to comment on the matter of sulphur dioxide in Mufulira. I am Frank Simpamba, I have been in Mufulira for 20 years in Kankoyo Section D/80, and we have lost lives. Mopani Copper Mines brought some equipment to reduce emissions of the gases but nothing has happened.
Additionally, some bosses don’t even stay in affected areas thus see nothing or feel the pain. Some of us na skin colour yalichinja (our skin pigment has changed).
If Government can afford to construct University, schools and road, the State should also help reduce emissions. We need a conducive environment to live in.
I am sure relevant authorities like local authority and leadership would take interest into the matter because it is like people have not appreciated the level at sulphur dioxide emission have reduced in Mufulira.
Until next week, but remember that we should maintain peace as the country goes to the polls on August 11.
ENVIRONMENTAL TIP: Did you know that currently Zambia does not grow GMOs-NBA
For comments: stanslous.ngosa@times.co.zm ngosastan@gmail.com www.stanslousngosa.blogspot.com , twitter @ngosastan
+260977694310, +260955694310