LMOs/GMOs, the environment and the people: A critical exposition

Abstract

A continuous viable research used to develop living modified organisms/genetically modified organisms (LMOs/GMOs) by biotechnologists around the world is a sine qua non for providing subsistence to the ever growing populations in developing and least developed countries because they will continually experience rise in population till 2050. Moreover, it is necessary that all LMOs/GMOs are safe for human consumption and compatible with the environment; thus, they should save lives instead of taking lives by being spurious. This requires restraint on self-interests, economic and personal interests on the part of the developers of LMOs/GMOs, especially biotechnologists, companies engaged with biotechnology researches and governments. As a matter of fact, all LMOs/GMOs must pass through an intensive risk assessment provided in certain international legal instruments before they are allowed to be marketed for human consumption or introduced into the environment. So far international trade in LMOs/GMOs is concerned, it is the duty of the exporting as well as importing countries to perform universally acclaimed lab and field testing in order to ensure their safety to human health and to be environmentally friendly so that sustainability imperatives are adhered to. This study discusses ways and means to achieve these imperatives in the light of relevant international laws, and it offers certain amicable suggestions for ensuring pubic interests.

Key words: LMOs, GMOs, traditional knowledge, geographical indication, environment, international trade.