A624E35EC511A22EA96BE3E7265ABF72
Final Draft National Biosafety Framework
https://leaux.net/URLS/General/Seychelles_National_Biosafety_Framework_DZlhxr7.pdf
http://leaux.net/URLS/ConvertAPI Text Files/EB71A9702734E8B7960B06DF9D66A691.en.txt
Examining the file media/Synopses/EB71A9702734E8B7960B06DF9D66A691.html:
This file was generated: 2020-03-05 05:18:12
| Indicators in focus are typically shown highlighted in yellow; |
Peer Indicators (that share the same Vulnerability association) are shown highlighted in pink; |
"Outside" Indicators (those that do NOT share the same Vulnerability association) are shown highlighted in green; |
Trigger Words/Phrases are shown highlighted in gray. |
Link to Orphaned Trigger Words (Appendix (Indicator List, Indicator Peers, Trigger Words, Type/Vulnerability/Indicator Overlay)
Applicable Type / Vulnerability / Indicator Overlay for this Input
Political / Illegal Activity
Searching for indicator illegal:
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p.000001: 7.1 Agriculture
p.000001: 7.2 Fisheries
p.000001: 7.3 Environment
p.000001: 7.4 Health
p.000001: 7.5 Consumer protection
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p.000001: 8.0 Seychelles Biosafety Policy on Importation of GMOs or GMO Products
p.000001: 8.1 Introduction
p.000001: 8.2 The Mission
p.000001: 8.3 Government Goals for biosafety and the use of Modern Biotechnology
p.000001: 8.4 Policy of Modern Biotechnology and Biosafety in the Health Care
p.000001: 8.5 Policy of Modern Biotechnology and Biosafety in Agriculture
p.000001: 8.6 Policy of Modern Biotechnology and Biosafety in Industry
p.000001: 8.7 Policy of Modern Biotechnology and Biosafety in Social & Ethical Environment
p.000001: 8.8 Advance Informed Agreement
p.000001: 8.9 The Competent Authority
p.000001: 8.10 Notification and information
p.000001: 8.11 Decision for Importation
p.000001: 8.12 GMOs not subject to Protocol provisions
p.000001: 8.13 GMOs in transit
p.000001: 8.14 GMOs destined for contained used
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p.000002: 8.15 GMOs intended for direct use for food, feed, or for processing (GMO-FFPs)
p.000002: 8.16 GMOs for pharmaceutical use that are addressed by other relevant international agreements or organizations
p.000002: 8.17 GMOs identified by the meeting of parties to the Protocol as not being likely to have adverse effects
p.000002: 8.18 Biosafety Clearing-House (BCH)
p.000002: 8.19 Illegal Cases, Liability and Redress
p.000002:
p.000002: 9.0 The Administrative System to address GMOs in Seychelles
p.000002: 9.1 The National Biosafety Structures
p.000002: 9.2 The National Competent Authority
p.000002: 9.3 The Biosafety Administration Office
p.000002: 9.4 The National Biosafety Board
p.000002: 9.5 The Biosafety Advisory Bodies
p.000002: 9.6 Appeal System
p.000002: 9.7 Inspection Services
p.000002: 9.8 The Notification process
p.000002: 9.9 Decision Procedure
p.000002: 9.10 Summary of the Administrative Process
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p.000002: 10.0 Risk Assessment and Risk Management
p.000002: 10.1 Knowledge of risks base on Science
p.000002: 10.2 Risk Assessment – who does it?
p.000002: 10.3 The need to weigh the Risks against the Benefits
p.000002: 10.4 Risk Assessment – “case by case” and “step by step” approval
p.000002: 10.5 Procedures for Risk Assessment
p.000002: 10.6 Assessing Risk to Seychelles Ecological Environment
p.000002: 10.7 Assessing risk in the Medical Sector
p.000002: 10.8 The use of precautionary Principle
p.000002: 10.9 Assessing the risk in Socio-economics and ethics
p.000002: 10.10 Safety and Acceptability
p.000002: 10.11 Approval
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p.000002: 11.0 Public Awareness, Education and Participation
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p.000024:
p.000024: Based on Article 7(4) of the Protocol, Seychelles may decide to exclude specific GMOs or categories of GMOs from the
p.000024: application of the AIA Procedure, as and when decided by the Meeting of Parties. This would take into account of
p.000024: developments in the future if and when certain GMOs have been shown to be sufficiently safe to exempt their
p.000024: transboundary movement from the AIA procedure.
p.000024:
p.000024: 8.18 Biosafety Clearing-House (BCH)
p.000024:
p.000024: Under Article 18 (3) The protocol establishes a Biosafety Clearing-House to facilitates the exchange of scientific,
p.000024: technical, environmental and legal information on, and the experience with GMOs to assist parties to implement the
p.000024: protocol Seychelles as a party to the protocol will have to identified a Focal Point for the BCH and make
p.000024: available the following information amongst other:
p.000024:
p.000024: o To declare that Seychelles’ requires notification and risk assessment prior to the first import of a GMO-FPP;
p.000024: o National decisions taken with regards to GMOs in transit, contained use and for pharmaceutical use;
p.000024: o Laws, regulations and guidelines for implementation of the protocol;
p.000024: o Any Bilateral, regional and multilateral arrangements Seychelles may have in relation to GMOs and Biosafety;
p.000024: o Seychelles decisions on import or release of GMOs;
p.000024: o Summaries of risk assessments or environmental reviews of GMOs generated by the Seychelles regulatory process;
p.000024: o Any cases illegal transboudary movement of GMOs to Seychelles;
p.000024: o Any other relevant information that may be useful to share with other parties with regards to GMOs and
p.000024: Biosafety
p.000024:
p.000024: 8.19 Illegal Cases, Liability and Redress
p.000024:
p.000024: Seychelles will adopt in our national legislation measures to prevent and penalize transboundary
p.000024: movements of GMOs that occur in contravention of its domestic measures in implementing the protocol.
p.000024:
p.000024: In the case of such illegal movements, the Seychelles will request the Party of origin to dispose of the
p.000024: GMOs by repatriation or destruction.
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p.000025: Seychelles awaits the decision of the Meeting of Parties to adopt a process with respect to the appropriate elaboration
p.000025: of international rules and procedures for liability and redress for damage arising out of the transboundary movements
p.000025: of GMOs.
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p.000025: 9.0 The Administrative System to address GMOs in Seychelles
p.000025:
p.000025: 9.1 The National Biosafety Structures
p.000025:
p.000025: The National Biosafety structures under the present National Biosafety Framework are the structures required and
p.000025: relevant to the effective implementation of requests and applications involving Modern Biotechnology and its
p.000025: resulting products. Due to resources constraints (mainly financial, infrastructural and human resources) most
p.000025: of the structures proposed in this chapter are already in existence, but will be modified to also include
p.000025: the roles and responsibilities associated with Biosafety. These structures and their supporting procedures are all in
p.000025: compliance with The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, but tailored specifically for practical and local implementation
p.000025: based on national competences.
p.000025:
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p.000044: Seychelles Bureau of Standard (would benefit with the use of a PCR , Polymerase Chain Reaction).
p.000044: Seychelles have no University yet to conduct such test.
p.000044:
p.000044: However, as soon as our Laboratories are equipped even with a PCR, the Ministry of Environment & Natural
p.000044: Resources together with the Ministry of Health and Social Services and the National Consumer Forum will introduce a
p.000044: program for monitoring the presence of genetically modified products in food in Seychelles (especially agricultural
p.000044: products).
p.000044:
p.000044: Compliance with the Biosafety legislations as well as other related legislations such as the Veterinary, Quarantine
p.000044: procedures, EPA, Food Act, Public Health Act and SBS Act should be permanently and effectively controlled. All the
p.000044: relevant bodies of inspectorate mentioned above should monitor the shipment, propagation, content and use of
p.000044: GMO in Seychelles within their particular mandates. The detailed roles of each body and approaches in
p.000044: monitoring and inspections will be worked out by the individual government institutions (see survey results).
p.000044:
p.000044: Further monitoring and enforcement strategies will be developed during the implementation of the National Biosafety
p.000044: Framework. These issues will also be considered during the annual reviews of the Seychelles Biosafety Policy.
p.000044:
p.000044: Any illegal release of GMOs in the environment or on the market will be subjected to a penalty as will
p.000044: be stipulated in the Biosafety Act.
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p.000045: 12.1 Monitoring
p.000045:
p.000045: With regards to monitoring, the Department of Environment will monitor and take measures in order to ensure the project
p.000045: owner abides by the environmental management plan during the project construction, operation, and closure as per the
p.000045: EIA regulations under the Environment Protection Act, 1996. In practice, monitoring and reporting system on
p.000045: any effects to the environment and/or effects to human health and the nature of the GMOs will have to
p.000045: be addressed by the appropriate line ministries and simultaneously with the coordination of a concerted
p.000045: inter-ministerial effort. This would require committed cooperation from relevant line ministries, parastatal
p.000045: organizations, NGOs, media and the private sector.
p.000045:
p.000045: The monitoring of impact on the environment and human are conducted by the Environmental
p.000045: Impact Assessment Section within the Department of Environment. This section is responsible for carrying
p.000045: impact assessment on any proposed development of projects in the country. This includes GMO field trials
p.000045: projects intended for planting and commercial use in Seychelles.
p.000045:
p.000045: The Custom Officers, Environmental Health Officers and Natural Resources officers will be responsible to verify
p.000045: certificates, permits of import or export of goods and commodities. If any of these prove to contravene the Biosafety
p.000045: law or any other national legislation, these goods and commodities will be confiscated and will be sent to the relevant
p.000045: departments for further inspection and legal case development.
p.000045:
p.000045: In the event that there is an unintentional release, the Department of Environment would be the leading organization to
p.000045: ensure risks are immediately contained as soon as the unintended release is known. During normal inspection, the
p.000045: relevant ministries and groups should immediately report to the Biosafety Administration Office who in
p.000045: turn will notify the National Biosafety Board for urgent action, such as risk management and operation
p.000045: of an emergency response plan.
p.000045:
p.000045: Monitoring areas of priorities shall be:
p.000045:
p.000045: 1. Field trials of GMOs if they have been allowed into the Environment (DoE and NR);
p.000045: 2. GMO in contained use (if they have been allowed e.g. Laboratories) (DoH, DoE and NR);
p.000045: 3. Illegal transboundary movement (Custom, DoE, NR and DoH);
p.000045: 4. GMOs for direct use for food and feed (DoH, SBS, NATCOF and VET);
p.000045: 5. Impact of GMO on Biological Diversity (DoE);
p.000045: 6. GMO in transit (Custom and DoE).
p.000045:
p.000045: 12.2 Enforcement
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p.000045: Enforcement varies according to the nature and intended use of the GMO. The GMO will be subjected to different laws
p.000045: other than the Biosafety laws as the nature of imports and uses of the GMOs could come and be in various forms.
p.000045: Therefore, the different laws that exist in the country will be used. With regard to the Biosafety laws, the following
p.000045: agencies will have the responsibilities in this law to uphold and ensure effective enforcement.
p.000045:
p.000045: o Ensuring labelling compliance (DoH, NATCOF, DoF and SBS);
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p.000046: o Verification of permits, certificates or letters of approval (Custom and DoE, NR, DoH);
p.000046:
p.000046: o Ensure safe transfer, handling and use of GMO in Seychelles (All department, NGOs, and parastatals concerned);
p.000046:
p.000046: o Enforce Advance Informed Agreement procedure with parties and non-parties to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety
p.000046: (DoE);
p.000046:
p.000046: o Enforce fine or penalty for offenders related to the Biosafety Act (DoE and Police Department).
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Political / Political
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p.000023: form or as an active ingredient for the use of such dosage form, that is subject to control by
p.000023: pharmaceutical legislation in both the exporting State and the importing State.
p.000023:
p.000023: Due to our high dependence of medical, health care and pharmaceutical products from external, and with our
p.000023: limited capacity to conduct tests on medical products, the government is in agreement to follow the World
p.000023: Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines on the Certification Scheme on Pharmaceutical Products Moving in
p.000023: International Commerce.
p.000023:
p.000023: The following certification is required for those pharmaceutical Products:
p.000023:
p.000023: 1. “the specific product is authorized to be placed on the market within the exporting country jurisdiction or, if
p.000023: it is not thus authorized, the reason why that authorization has not been accorded”;
p.000023: 2. “the plant in which the pharmaceutical product is produced is subject to inspections at suitable intervals to
p.000023: establish that the manufacturer conforms to Good Practices in the Manufacture and quality control of drugs as
p.000023: recommended by WHO”;
p.000023: 3. “all submitted product information, including labelling, is currently authorized in the certifying country”.
p.000023:
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p.000024: The WHO Certification Scheme is consistent with the provisions of The 1970 Pharmaceutical
p.000024: Inspection Convention which Seychelles is a party to.
p.000024:
p.000024: GMOs for pharmaceutical use not approved by a recognised, reputed by relevant international
p.000024: agreements or organisations will be subjected to the full AIA procedure (Article 4 of the Protocol).
p.000024:
p.000024: 8.17 GMOs identified by the meeting of the Parties to the Protocol as being not likely to have adverse effects.
p.000024:
p.000024: Based on Article 7(4) of the Protocol, Seychelles may decide to exclude specific GMOs or categories of GMOs from the
p.000024: application of the AIA Procedure, as and when decided by the Meeting of Parties. This would take into account of
p.000024: developments in the future if and when certain GMOs have been shown to be sufficiently safe to exempt their
p.000024: transboundary movement from the AIA procedure.
p.000024:
p.000024: 8.18 Biosafety Clearing-House (BCH)
p.000024:
p.000024: Under Article 18 (3) The protocol establishes a Biosafety Clearing-House to facilitates the exchange of scientific,
p.000024: technical, environmental and legal information on, and the experience with GMOs to assist parties to implement the
p.000024: protocol Seychelles as a party to the protocol will have to identified a Focal Point for the BCH and make
p.000024: available the following information amongst other:
p.000024:
p.000024: o To declare that Seychelles’ requires notification and risk assessment prior to the first import of a GMO-FPP;
p.000024: o National decisions taken with regards to GMOs in transit, contained use and for pharmaceutical use;
p.000024: o Laws, regulations and guidelines for implementation of the protocol;
p.000024: o Any Bilateral, regional and multilateral arrangements Seychelles may have in relation to GMOs and Biosafety;
p.000024: o Seychelles decisions on import or release of GMOs;
p.000024: o Summaries of risk assessments or environmental reviews of GMOs generated by the Seychelles regulatory process;
p.000024: o Any cases illegal transboudary movement of GMOs to Seychelles;
p.000024: o Any other relevant information that may be useful to share with other parties with regards to GMOs and
p.000024: Biosafety
p.000024:
p.000024: 8.19 Illegal Cases, Liability and Redress
p.000024:
p.000024: Seychelles will adopt in our national legislation measures to prevent and penalize transboundary
p.000024: movements of GMOs that occur in contravention of its domestic measures in implementing the protocol.
p.000024:
p.000024: In the case of such illegal movements, the Seychelles will request the Party of origin to dispose of the
p.000024: GMOs by repatriation or destruction.
p.000024:
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p.000025:
p.000025: Seychelles awaits the decision of the Meeting of Parties to adopt a process with respect to the appropriate elaboration
p.000025: of international rules and procedures for liability and redress for damage arising out of the transboundary movements
p.000025: of GMOs.
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p.000025: 9.0 The Administrative System to address GMOs in Seychelles
p.000025:
p.000025: 9.1 The National Biosafety Structures
p.000025:
p.000025: The National Biosafety structures under the present National Biosafety Framework are the structures required and
p.000025: relevant to the effective implementation of requests and applications involving Modern Biotechnology and its
p.000025: resulting products. Due to resources constraints (mainly financial, infrastructural and human resources) most
p.000025: of the structures proposed in this chapter are already in existence, but will be modified to also include
p.000025: the roles and responsibilities associated with Biosafety. These structures and their supporting procedures are all in
p.000025: compliance with The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, but tailored specifically for practical and local implementation
p.000025: based on national competences.
p.000025:
p.000025: 9.2 The National Competent Authority
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p.000028: for a second review, totally independent of the first review may be allowed within the appeal process. The appeal
p.000028: process will be stringent so as not to be subjected to manipulation, but yet accessible and user friendly so as not to
p.000028: discourage appeals, particularly from the public.
p.000028:
p.000028: 9.7 Inspection Services
p.000028:
p.000028: Approvals for granting GMO activities and/or products containing GMOs in Seychelles will contain conditions, including
p.000028: risk management that need to be applied and will be restricted to a duration not exceeding 5 years. Approval may be
p.000028: renewable subjected to compliance with the conditions. Inspection services will check to ensure that the
p.000028: activities are carried out in accordance with the permit requirements and the Biosafety Act. Senior
p.000028: members of the Inspectorate teams will sit on an advisory committee for reviewing application(s) and should
p.000028: be conversant with both the local requirements as that of the protocol. They should also be competent in assessing
p.000028: the level of compliance and any unintended socio-economic effects.
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p.000029: 9.8 The Notification Process Procedure for Launching a Notification
p.000029: Before the first transboundary movement of a GMO or a GMO product regulated by the Biosafety Act is
p.000029: destined to arrive in Seychelles, or a local development of GMO is initiated a notification must take place.
p.000029:
p.000029: The Party of Export/designated authority or the party developing the GMO locally (Applicant) will
p.000029: have the legal obligation under the Biosafety Act to ensure that the National Competent Authority of Seychelles
p.000029: (through the Biosafety Administration Office) receives notification of the proposed transboundary movement
p.000029: or the proposed local development. For request from outside Seychelles the Notification must come from
p.000029: the party of export (mandated under the Cartagena Protocol) or designated authority (for countries not a party to
p.000029: the protocol).
p.000029:
p.000029: All Notifications must be made to the Biosafety Administration Office (The office of the Focal Point for
p.000029: Biosafety, Division of Nature & Conservation), and shall be accompanied by the appropriate processing fee to be
p.000029: specified by the Biosafety Act.
p.000029:
p.000029: A Notification must contain, at a minimum, the information specified in the Biosafety Act. In the case of
p.000029: transboundary movement, the Notification should be launched through The Party of Export. The Party of Export
p.000029: must ensure that legal requirement is imposed for the accuracy of information provided by the exporter. The language
p.000029: of the Notification can be in any of the Seychelles official languages (English, French and Creole).
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p.000030: The FIRST points of communications for importation/local production of GMOs & GMO products in Seychelles
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p.000030: Party of Export/Designated Authority
p.000030: The Seychelles Biosafety Administration Office (Focal Point for CPB)
p.000030: in
p.000030: The Ministry of Environment & Natural Resources
p.000030: (The National Competent Authority)
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p.000030: APPLICANT
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p.000030: For GMO coming from outside Seychelles,
p.000030: The Exporter)
p.000030:
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p.000030: APPLICANT
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p.000030: For GMO produced in Seychelles
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p.000030: 9.8 Acknowledgement of Receipt of Notification
p.000030:
p.000030: 1. The Biosafety Administration Office will acknowledge receipt of the notification, in writing, to the
p.000030: Applicant to the Party of Export or the Applicant (if local) within ninety (90) days of its receipt.
p.000030:
p.000030: 2. The acknowledgement shall state:
p.000030:
p.000030: (a) The date of receipt of the notification;
p.000030: (b) Whether the notification, prima facie, contains the information referred to in the Biosafety Act;
p.000030: (c) Whether to proceed according to the procedure described in the Biosafety Act (AIA procedure);
p.000030: (d) Confirms the date upon which the 270-day period begins within which Seychelles should reach a decision
p.000030: on the proposed application;
p.000030:
p.000030: 3. A failure by the Biosafety Administration Office to acknowledge receipt of a notification shall not imply its
p.000030: consent to the notification.
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p.000030: 9.9 Decision Procedure
p.000030:
p.000030: The Biosafety Administration Office within 270 days will inform the Party of Export or the Applicant (if request is
p.000030: made locally) and the BCH, in writing whether the intentional boundary movement or the local development of
p.000030: the GMO or GMO products may proceed.
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p.000031: The number of days the Biosafety Administration Officer has to wait for additional relevant information will not be
p.000031: included in the 270 days.
p.000031:
p.000031: This writing response will include the following:
p.000031:
p.000031: (a) Approving the import or local development, with or without conditions, including how the decision will
p.000031: apply to subsequent imports or local development of the same GMO or GMO products;
p.000031:
p.000031: (b) Prohibiting the import or local development;
p.000031:
p.000031: (c) Informing the Party of Export/designated authority or the Applicant that the period specified is extended by a
p.000031: defined period of time.
p.000031:
p.000031: Except in a case in which consent is unconditional, a decision will set out the reasons on which it is
p.000031: based;
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p.000031: A failure by the Biosafety Administration Office to communicate the decision within 270 days of the date of
p.000031: the receipt of the notification will not imply its consent to go ahead with the transboundary movement or the local
p.000031: development of the GMO or GMO products;
p.000031:
p.000031: Lack of scientific certainty due to insufficient relevant scientific information and knowledge regarding the extent of
p.000031: the potential adverse effects of a GMO (or GMO product) will not prevent the National Biosafety Board from taking a
p.000031: decision, as appropriate, with regards to the import or the local development of a GMO or GMO product in question, in
p.000031: order to avoid or minimize such potential adverse effects.
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p.000031:
p.000031:
p.000031:
p.000031:
p.000031:
p.000031:
p.000031:
p.000031:
p.000031:
p.000031:
p.000031:
p.000032: 32
p.000032:
p.000032: The Administrative Steps involve in the NOTIFICATION process of a new GMO in Seychelles
p.000032:
p.000032:
p.000032:
p.000032: Notification of 1st export or R&D of GMO or GMO product into Seychelles. made to the Focal Point for the Protocol at
...
p.000037: between various organisms, besides actual genetic modification. Such differences will be taken into consideration in
p.000037: the assessment of ecological risks.
p.000037:
p.000037: 10.7 Assessing risk in the Medical Sector
p.000037:
p.000037: Due to our high dependence of medical, health care and pharmaceutical products from external, and with our limited
p.000037: capacity to conduct tests on medical products, the government is in agreement to follow the World Health
p.000037: Organisation (WHO) guidelines on the Certification Scheme on Pharmaceutical Products Moving in International
p.000037: Commerce.
p.000037:
p.000037: The following certification is required for those pharmaceutical Products:
p.000037:
p.000037: 4. “the specific product is authorized to be placed on the market within the exporting country jurisdiction or, if
p.000037: it is not thus authorized, the reason why that authorization has not been accorded”;
p.000037: 5. “the plant in which the pharmaceutical product is produced is subject to inspections at suitable intervals to
p.000037: establish that the manufacturer conforms to Good Practices in the Manufacture and quality control of drugs as
p.000037: recommended by WHO”;
p.000037: 6. “all submitted product information, including labeling, is currently authorized in the certifying country”.
p.000037:
p.000037: The WHO Certification Scheme is consistent with the provisions of The 1970 Pharmaceutical
p.000037: Inspection Convention which Seychelles is a party to.
p.000037:
p.000037:
p.000037: 10.8 The use of Precautionary Principle
p.000037:
p.000037: For a small country like Seychelles, a central role in the consideration of risks will be allocated to the
p.000037: Precautionary Principle, as currently being defined in the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. This is very
p.000037: important for a small country of only 455 square km and with a high dependence on the local biodiversity for
p.000037: its economic growth and prosperity. Genetic changes are irreversible and by their nature self-reproducing. This is
p.000037: the most important reason why the people of Seychelles should be cautious with the application of Modern
p.000037: Biotechnology products within the jurisdiction of their country.
p.000037:
p.000037: In Seychelles the risks will be assessed on the basis of available information, or if this is not available, on the
p.000037: basis of a worst case scenario. In the case of an application for the release of a GMO in the environment, then
p.000037: if the risks are regarded as acceptable, permission will be granted for field trials of that GMO first. The
p.000037: introduction will always take place in line with the Precautionary Principle. If sufficient data is lacking then an
p.000037:
p.000037:
p.000037:
p.000038: 38
p.000038:
p.000038: acceptable risk level may also be obtained through the imposition of a series of additional regulations,
p.000038: such as confinement of working area, conducting the field trial only at certain period of the year,
p.000038: etc.., and such regulations and conditions can be adjusted in the course of time and as knowledge increases.
p.000038:
...
p.000045:
p.000045:
p.000045:
p.000046: 46
p.000046:
p.000046: o Verification of permits, certificates or letters of approval (Custom and DoE, NR, DoH);
p.000046:
p.000046: o Ensure safe transfer, handling and use of GMO in Seychelles (All department, NGOs, and parastatals concerned);
p.000046:
p.000046: o Enforce Advance Informed Agreement procedure with parties and non-parties to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety
p.000046: (DoE);
p.000046:
p.000046: o Enforce fine or penalty for offenders related to the Biosafety Act (DoE and Police Department).
p.000046:
p.000046:
p.000046:
p.000046:
p.000046:
p.000046:
p.000046:
p.000046:
p.000046:
p.000046:
p.000046:
p.000046:
p.000046:
p.000046:
p.000046:
p.000046:
p.000046:
p.000046:
p.000046:
p.000046:
p.000046:
p.000046:
p.000046:
p.000046:
p.000046:
p.000046:
p.000046:
p.000046:
p.000046:
p.000046:
p.000046:
p.000046:
p.000046:
p.000046:
p.000046:
p.000046:
p.000046:
p.000046:
p.000046:
p.000046:
p.000046:
p.000046:
p.000046:
p.000046:
p.000046:
p.000046:
p.000046:
p.000046:
p.000047: 47
p.000047:
p.000047: 13.0 Seychelles Biosafety Action Plan 2005 - 2010
p.000047:
p.000047: The Seychelles Action Plan 2005 – 2010 is a set of guidelines for the country to adopt and achieve throughout the
p.000047: coming five years in order for Seychelles to fully comply with the provision of the current framework and the
p.000047: Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. It was not possible to confirm fundings from International agencies to
p.000047: any of the mentioned actions during the time of the development of the current Biosafety Framework Project.
p.000047: However, being a Party to the Protocol Seychelles is expected to enrol on the Biosafety Clearing House project and the
p.000047: Implementation of National Biosafety Framework Project. In principle the two proposed projects should at least cover
p.000047: the majority of the required International short term funding for Seychelles to put in place the basic requirements of
p.000047: Biosafety.
p.000047:
p.000047: 1.0 Setting up of Biosafety Structures
p.000047:
p.000047: Objective:
p.000047: Support the implementation of the National Biosafety Framework through the setting up of the Biosafety Administration
p.000047: systems
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047: Actions
p.000047:
p.000047: Activities Funding
p.000047: Agency
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047: Responsible Agency
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047: Verifiable Indicator
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047: Time Frame
p.000047:
p.000047: To set up and equip a Biosafety Administration Office
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047: To establish a high level Biosafety Board to handling GMO Applications and to advise the
p.000047: Government on Modern Biotechnology issues (including capacity building,
p.000047: research possibilities and priorities, international links, public interest issues and ethical
p.000047: issues),
p.000047: To establish a rooster for experts available in the country that could be consulted to review GMO
p.000047: applications as and when required (to form the Biosafety Advisory Committees).
p.000047: To facilitate information sharing and access to international pool of experts through the
p.000047: Biosafety Clearing House.
...
Searching for indicator political:
(return to top)
p.000001:
p.000001: Forward
p.000001: Seychelles is endowed with an exceptional natural environment and a rich history in
p.000001: conservation. These have contributed to the nation’s high quality of life and socio-economic wellbeing.
p.000001: Despite the problems of human development such as land use pressure, pollution and climate change, our strong
p.000001: conservation policies have resulted in two world heritage sites, the protection of 45% of our land territory
p.000001: and the establishment of more than 12 marine protected areas.
p.000001:
p.000001: In 1997 Seychelles developed a comprehensive National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) to address
p.000001: biodiversity conservation. This was followed in 2000 by the Environment Management Plan of Seychelles (EMPS)
p.000001: 2000-2010 which laid the foundation for integrating development issues within our fragile but important natural
p.000001: resource base. Both these plans were developed through nation-wide stakeholder consultation.
p.000001:
p.000001: One of the major challenges we face is the impact of invasive species and other foreign organisms on our unique
p.000001: biodiveristy. Reports on the effects of invasive species which have reached disastrous proportions on many
p.000001: small islands highlight the wisdom of the precautionary approach adopted by Seychelles.
p.000001:
p.000001: It is important that biosafety issues and concerns are understood by the entire population, starting at the highest
p.000001: political levels. Understanding that the development of the islands should be consistent with the
p.000001: preservation of their environmental and cultural heritage, for example, the Government is accordingly
p.000001: concerned about the potentially unsafe use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in such fragile island
p.000001: ecosystems.
p.000001:
p.000001: The need to ensure adequate safeguards to address any reasonable doubts concerning the proliferation of
p.000001: such organisms therefore led Seychelles to sign the Convention on Biological Diversity in 1992 and ratify the
p.000001: Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety in 2004.
p.000001: The consequent development of this National Biosafety Framework is an expression of Seychelles’
p.000001: policy and approach to GMOs.
p.000001:
p.000001: While we recognize the importance of such organisms to many areas of human development such as health and agriculture,
p.000001: we are also concerned about their inherent risks and potential to impact on our unique biodiveristy in ways
p.000001: similar to invasive species. We have therefore specified institutional re-arrangements, modified existing legal
p.000001: frameworks and proposed a framework to minimise risks.
p.000001:
p.000001: However this is not sufficient in itself, as we need the resources, technical and financial, to
p.000001: implement these changes and undertake sufficient risk analyses. Seychelles being part of the global
p.000001: village, the future of our biodiversity is a joint responsibility of the people of our islands and the international
p.000001: community if we are to preserve such a unique corner of the world.
...
p.000008:
p.000008:
p.000008:
p.000008:
p.000008:
p.000008:
p.000009: 9
p.000009:
p.000009: The Archipelago covers a total land area of 458 sq. km of islands of two geological types (Coralline and Granitic
p.000009: Islands). The Granitic islands physical features are characterized by high, rugged mountains of granite boulders
p.000009: interspersed by human settlements on the main islands, while the barely inhabited coralline islands are characterized
p.000009: by extensive coastlines of clear, sky blue water and often pristine lagoons of rich coral reefs and
p.000009: marine biological diversity. The components of the biotic features are as diverse as its geophysical elements;
p.000009: broadened further by the consequent climatic attributes of the equatorial region. The special group of
p.000009: oceanic islands, especially the central granitic islands have undergone unique biological and geological
p.000009: evolution through isolation for millions of years. There are numerous species whose ancestors on mainland areas have
p.000009: long gone extinct. Many of the coral islands themselves contain unique biota and some are regarded as living
p.000009: laboratories (e.g. Aldabra, Cosmoledo). Through this natural endowment, the country has acquired a special
p.000009: significance at the global level.
p.000009:
p.000009: The Seychelles economy is predominantly based on tourism and fisheries both contributing to 42 %
p.000009: and 46% of its Gross National Products respectively (2004 figures from MISD).
p.000009:
p.000009: The Seychelles is endowed with a rich natural environment. The islands are known to be repositories for over one
p.000009: thousand living species of animals and plants found nowhere else in the world. With stable and
p.000009: farsighted political leadership, low population size, traditional reverence for nature, cautious
p.000009: modernization, environmentally sensitive development policies the country has succeeded in keeping the environment
p.000009: as one of the most pristine in the world. The importance of the islands to global biological diversity conservation
p.000009: is therefore preeminent.
p.000009:
p.000009:
p.000009: 3.0 Seychelles and The Catagena Protocol for Biosafety
p.000009:
p.000009: The Government of Seychelles has always ensured that the development process of the islands are consistent with the
p.000009: maintenance of its environmental cultural integrity and the commitment to protecting the many rare, endangered and
p.000009: endemic species in Seychelles. This decision to uphold the national and global responsibility was demonstrated when the
p.000009: Seychelles was the second country to sign the Convention for Biological Diversity (CBD) in 1993. The CBD is the main
p.000009: international instrument for addressing biodiversity issues. It provides a comprehensive and holistic approach
p.000009: to the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of natural resources and the fair and
p.000009: equitable sharing of benefits deriving from the use of genetic resources. In article 19(3) of the CBD
p.000009: convention text states “ The Parties shall consider the need for modalities of a protocol setting out appropriate
p.000009: procedures, including, in particular, advance informed agreement, in the field of the safe transfer,
p.000009: handling and use of any living modified organism resulting from biotechnology that may have adverse effect on the
...
p.000010:
p.000010: 4.0 Environment Plans and Strategies in Seychelles
p.000010:
p.000010: 4.1 The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP)
p.000010:
p.000010: The dependence of the Seychelles’ population on very limited natural resource base makes conservation of
p.000010: biodiversity a real challenge. Realising this, Seychelles with the technical coorperation of UNEP and the World
p.000010: Conservation Union (IUCN), funded by GEF developed a comprehensive National Biodiversity Strategy and
p.000010: Action Plan (NBSAP) in 1997 to address a holistic approach to biodiversity conservation and sustainable
p.000010: development programmes. The NBSAP comprises of a summary of Seychelles Biodiversity Assessment.
p.000010: The document addresses the opportunities and challenges of protecting and mobilizing the country’s
p.000010: biological diversity. It also describes the gaps and constraints currently hindering Seychelles’s efforts in
p.000010: biodiversity conservation and sustainable use, including gaps in capacity, partnerships, coordination, and management
p.000010: of species and ecosystems. The document also provides a timetable for action over a Plan period of 5 years, the
p.000010: funding requirements and the list of partner organizations involved in its implementation.
p.000010:
p.000010:
p.000010: 4.2 The Environment Management Plan of Seychelles
p.000010:
p.000010: With the extensive interrelationship of environment issues in the economic, social and political sectors,
p.000010: their direct and indirect implications on the fragile natural ecosystems of the Small Island Development State,
p.000010: a comprehensive multi-disciplinary strategic document with the participation and involvement of all local
p.000010: agencies though a process of active consultations and participations was required for Seychelles. With assistance from
p.000010: the World Bank, the result process gave rise to a document that would promote, coordinate and integrate
p.000010: sustainable development programmes that cut across all sectors of society in the Seychelles in order to achieve
p.000010: environmental excellence. The document is called The Environment Management Plan of Seychelles (EMPS). The first plan
p.000010: came about in 1990 and was for duration of 10 years (1990 – 2000). This was followed by a second plan of the EMPS
p.000010: for 2000 – 2010. In fact, Seychelles was the first African country to prepare the so-called second
p.000010: generation of environment management plans.
p.000010:
p.000010: Some of the key common elements of the EMPS 2000 – 2010 and the NBSAP of Seychelles are studies on the
p.000010: relevance of impacts of new organisms and pests on local biodiversity of Seychelles; the sustainable management
p.000010: of marine resources including coral reefs, capacity building for assessing, monitoring and forecasting
p.000010: environmental problems, establishment of appropriate sanitary and phytosanitary standards. All projects and programmes
p.000010: projected from year 2000 to 2010 in Seychelles that have a direct effect on the natural environment are
p.000010: featured in the EMPS document including the development of local Biosafety legislations and policy to
p.000010: address the use of GMOs. In
p.000010:
...
p.000040: other national and community issues are discussed.
p.000040:
p.000040: Public information on Biosafety and biotechnology in Seychelles is being viewed as information provided to
p.000040: the public about modern biotechnology and the safe use of biotechnology; including the benefits, risks, and
p.000040: systems set in place to promote safety for the environment and human health in Seychelles. Such information is useful
p.000040:
p.000040:
p.000040:
p.000041: 41
p.000041:
p.000041: to inform, raise awareness and educate the public, whilst promoting transparency. In Seychelles, good
p.000041: public information leads to public participation, trust and confidence. The four most relevant sector organisation to
p.000041: the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety in Seychelles enjoy credibility among the public. Thus, for the implementation of
p.000041: the National Biosafety Framework the mentioned organizations will conduct public information and participation
p.000041: programmes. However, these organizations need to enroll on a capacity building programme to be well equipped to
p.000041: provide the public with the right information on the activities of Biosafety and Biotechnology, to the
p.000041: consumers on the scientific, environmental, educational and ecological issues. These organisations should also be well
p.000041: trained to be able to provide such information to the media.
p.000041:
p.000041: The national media will be used as the principal means to disseminate Biosafety and Biotechnology
p.000041: information to the Seychellois Public. The different political papers will also be used to reach politicians and
p.000041: political activists. The various groups representing the Seychelles’ population structures will be used
p.000041: as means for raising public awareness and public participation. Formal educational programme on Biosafety
p.000041: and biotechnology is currently being integrated into the school curricula at secondary and post secondary
p.000041: institutions such as the Farmer’s Training Center, National Institutes of Education etc..,
p.000041:
p.000041: In Seychelles, for the purpose of Biosafety and Modern Biotechnology the public is defined as all the person, groups
p.000041: and institutions who are, and will be affected by the activities of Biosafety and biotechnology within the country.
p.000041: The persons, organizations and institutions can be categorized into the following groups:
p.000041:
p.000041: • Users: Persons, organizations, which will be directly involved in the introduction and use of biotechnology;
p.000041:
p.000041: • Consumers: The end users or consumers of GMOs;
p.000041:
p.000041: • Regulators: Persons and institutions involved in developing rules, regulations and framework to govern
p.000041: the safe handling and use of biotechnology;
p.000041:
p.000041: • Implementers: Persons and institutions with a particular knowledge and training related to the safe
p.000041: introduction, handling and use of biotechnology;
p.000041:
p.000041: • Interest groups: Organizations and institutions in the public and private sectors who have an interest in the
p.000041: development, safe use and handling of biotechnology;
p.000041:
p.000041: In Seychelles, information is better understood when it is tailored to address the specific needs of the
...
Political / Trade Union Membership
Searching for indicator union:
(return to top)
p.000009: conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity”. In line with its commitment, Seychelles
p.000009: participated very actively in the development of the protocol called the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety.
p.000009: Upon its adoption and coming into force in September 2003, the Biosafety Protocol hails an important step
p.000009: forward in providing an international regulatory framework to reconcile the respective needs of trade
p.000009: and environmental protection with respect to a rapidly growing global industry, the biotechnology industry. By
p.000009: ratifying the Biosafety Protocol in August 2004, The Seychelles showed the world
p.000009:
p.000009:
p.000009:
p.000010: 10
p.000010:
p.000010: that it fully supports the creation of an enabling environment for the environmentally sound application of
p.000010: biotechnology, making it possible to derive maximum benefit from the potential that biotechnology has to offer, while
p.000010: minimizing the possible risks to the Seychelles fragile environment and to the health of its population of 82,000
p.000010: individuals.
p.000010:
p.000010:
p.000010: 4.0 Environment Plans and Strategies in Seychelles
p.000010:
p.000010: 4.1 The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP)
p.000010:
p.000010: The dependence of the Seychelles’ population on very limited natural resource base makes conservation of
p.000010: biodiversity a real challenge. Realising this, Seychelles with the technical coorperation of UNEP and the World
p.000010: Conservation Union (IUCN), funded by GEF developed a comprehensive National Biodiversity Strategy and
p.000010: Action Plan (NBSAP) in 1997 to address a holistic approach to biodiversity conservation and sustainable
p.000010: development programmes. The NBSAP comprises of a summary of Seychelles Biodiversity Assessment.
p.000010: The document addresses the opportunities and challenges of protecting and mobilizing the country’s
p.000010: biological diversity. It also describes the gaps and constraints currently hindering Seychelles’s efforts in
p.000010: biodiversity conservation and sustainable use, including gaps in capacity, partnerships, coordination, and management
p.000010: of species and ecosystems. The document also provides a timetable for action over a Plan period of 5 years, the
p.000010: funding requirements and the list of partner organizations involved in its implementation.
p.000010:
p.000010:
p.000010: 4.2 The Environment Management Plan of Seychelles
p.000010:
p.000010: With the extensive interrelationship of environment issues in the economic, social and political sectors,
p.000010: their direct and indirect implications on the fragile natural ecosystems of the Small Island Development State,
p.000010: a comprehensive multi-disciplinary strategic document with the participation and involvement of all local
p.000010: agencies though a process of active consultations and participations was required for Seychelles. With assistance from
p.000010: the World Bank, the result process gave rise to a document that would promote, coordinate and integrate
...
Political / stateless persons
Searching for indicator nation:
(return to top)
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001: The Republic of Seychelles
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001: Final Draft National Biosafety Framework
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001: DISCLAIMER: Information contained in this document is provided by the Division of Nature and
p.000001: Conservation, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, (MENR), Seychelles, and the views presented are those of
p.000001: MENR. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is not responsible for the information provided in
p.000001: this document. UNEP does not make any warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, including, but
p.000001: not limited to, warranties of accuracy, reliability, completeness, or content of such information in this
p.000001: document. Under no circumstances shall UNEP be responsible for any loss, damage or liability or expense
p.000001: incurred or suffered which is claimed to have resulted from the use of or reliance upon the information contained in
p.000001: this document, including, but not limited to, any fault error, mistake, omission or defect. Under no
p.000001: circumstances shall UNEP be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, punitive or consequential damages.
p.000001:
p.000001: Forward
p.000001: Seychelles is endowed with an exceptional natural environment and a rich history in
p.000001: conservation. These have contributed to the nation’s high quality of life and socio-economic wellbeing.
p.000001: Despite the problems of human development such as land use pressure, pollution and climate change, our strong
p.000001: conservation policies have resulted in two world heritage sites, the protection of 45% of our land territory
p.000001: and the establishment of more than 12 marine protected areas.
p.000001:
p.000001: In 1997 Seychelles developed a comprehensive National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) to address
p.000001: biodiversity conservation. This was followed in 2000 by the Environment Management Plan of Seychelles (EMPS)
p.000001: 2000-2010 which laid the foundation for integrating development issues within our fragile but important natural
p.000001: resource base. Both these plans were developed through nation-wide stakeholder consultation.
p.000001:
p.000001: One of the major challenges we face is the impact of invasive species and other foreign organisms on our unique
p.000001: biodiveristy. Reports on the effects of invasive species which have reached disastrous proportions on many
p.000001: small islands highlight the wisdom of the precautionary approach adopted by Seychelles.
p.000001:
p.000001: It is important that biosafety issues and concerns are understood by the entire population, starting at the highest
p.000001: political levels. Understanding that the development of the islands should be consistent with the
p.000001: preservation of their environmental and cultural heritage, for example, the Government is accordingly
p.000001: concerned about the potentially unsafe use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in such fragile island
p.000001: ecosystems.
p.000001:
p.000001: The need to ensure adequate safeguards to address any reasonable doubts concerning the proliferation of
p.000001: such organisms therefore led Seychelles to sign the Convention on Biological Diversity in 1992 and ratify the
p.000001: Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety in 2004.
p.000001: The consequent development of this National Biosafety Framework is an expression of Seychelles’
p.000001: policy and approach to GMOs.
p.000001:
p.000001: While we recognize the importance of such organisms to many areas of human development such as health and agriculture,
p.000001: we are also concerned about their inherent risks and potential to impact on our unique biodiveristy in ways
...
p.000007:
p.000007: 5. Ensure that information required in the National Biosafety Framework are obtained from the public, local, and
p.000007: national authorities;
p.000007:
p.000007: 6. Communicate pertinent issues with the relevant partners and actors influencing the development of the National
p.000007: Biosafety Framework;
p.000007:
p.000007: 7. Complete the drafting of the National Biosafety Framework
p.000007:
p.000007:
p.000007: 1.5 Public Awareness and Public Participation Committee (PAPPC)
p.000007:
p.000007: 1.5.1 Role of PAPPC
p.000007: PAPPC consists of three members from the National Coordinating Committee and a journalist. The main roles
p.000007: of the PAPPC were to facilitate the dissemination of information and to ensure public awareness and participation
p.000007: for the duration of the project. As Seychelles is more likely to be impacted from Modern Biotechnology
p.000007: through commodity import, a committee was set up under the chairmanship of National Consumer Forum
p.000007: (NATCOF) to design ways to communicate Biosafety issues, techniques, practices and the application of modern
p.000007: biotechnology to the public.
p.000007:
p.000007:
p.000007:
p.000007:
p.000007:
p.000007:
p.000007:
p.000007:
p.000007:
p.000008: 8
p.000008:
p.000008: 1.5.2 Composition of PAPPC
p.000008:
p.000008: The PAPPC consists of the following three members:
p.000008: Mrs. Rachel Maire - National Consumer Forum (Chairperson) Mrs. Lynn Bastienne
p.000008: - Education, Information and Communication,
p.000008: Department of Environment
p.000008:
p.000008: Mr. Nick Watson - Journalist (Seychelles Nation)
p.000008:
p.000008: 1.5.3 Responsibilities of PAPPC
p.000008: As responsibilities the PAPPC was mandated to;
p.000008:
p.000008: 1. Advise the NCC of the best possible public awareness systems to disseminate information related to biosafety;
p.000008:
p.000008: 2. Devise awareness information for the public during the development of the National Biosafety Framework Project;
p.000008:
p.000008: 3. Advise the NBFDC on the most workable public participation and methods for raising public awareness and tools to
p.000008: ensure compliance to the Cartagena Protocol for Biosafety.
p.000008:
p.000008: 4. To facilitate mobilisation of the public in public awareness workshops
p.000008:
p.000008:
p.000008: 2.0 Background Information on Seychelles
p.000008:
p.000008: The Republic of Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands scattered over one million square kilometers in the
p.000008: Western Indian Ocean. It is situated 5 degrees south of the equator and between 630 to 1300 miles off the
p.000008: east coast of Africa.
p.000008:
p.000008:
p.000008:
p.000008:
p.000008:
p.000008:
p.000008:
p.000008:
p.000008:
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p.000009: 9
p.000009:
p.000009: The Archipelago covers a total land area of 458 sq. km of islands of two geological types (Coralline and Granitic
p.000009: Islands). The Granitic islands physical features are characterized by high, rugged mountains of granite boulders
p.000009: interspersed by human settlements on the main islands, while the barely inhabited coralline islands are characterized
p.000009: by extensive coastlines of clear, sky blue water and often pristine lagoons of rich coral reefs and
...
p.000011: In Seychelles, neither the Government nor the private sectors have shown much interest in modern biotechnology or in
p.000011: its commercial application for the country. This is due to both lack of awareness of potential benefits and risk of
p.000011: modern biotechnology, and the little need to produce products on a large scale. As a result, the need to regulate GMOs
p.000011: was considered not a priority until the development of the present framework.- However, there is likely to be an
p.000011: increasing interest in biotechnology in the country with new emerging and controversial issues from
p.000011: international press as well as in our effort to diversify the local economy and involve more private sector
p.000011: participation in the country’s economy. This is more likely to occur in the Agriculture sector as projected
p.000011: by the Agricultural Policy 2003 – 2013 (awaits adoption).
p.000011:
p.000011:
p.000011:
p.000011:
p.000011:
p.000012: 12
p.000012:
p.000012: However, the society cannot ignore the potential environmental and economical impacts of the proliferation of GMOs or
p.000012: its product. There is an increasing and urgent need for enforcement of biosafety guidelines, rules and
p.000012: regulations in order to manage any risk from the deliberate or accidental release of GMOs into the environment.
p.000012:
p.000012: Realizing the potential of both the benefits and risks of GMOs not only for Seychelles, but also for the region,
p.000012: Seychelles is proactively identifying strategies and policies that are needed at the national level to take a
p.000012: precautionary approach to the introduction, use and dissemination of GMOs. Being an island nation, Seychelles is
p.000012: particularly threatened by GMOs of marine and coastal origin and in these areas the country stresses the need for
p.000012: regional corporation as well especially in a collaborative effort to address issues of technical capacity
p.000012: building among the SIDS and the use of external assessors for assessing GMO applications. Realizing this
p.000012: Seychelles joined the effort of other Indian Ocean SIDS (Mauritius and the Maldives) and ratified the
p.000012: Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, in August 2004.
p.000012:
p.000012: The issue of unintentional imports and/or deliberate imports is a critical issue in Seychelles, since most
p.000012: of its food products are imported mainly from South Africa, USA, Europe and South East Asia which are already
p.000012: handling GMO products commercially. To date in Seychelles, there is neither technical capability nor the required
p.000012: infrastructure to assess them. Thus, there is no certainty that products containing GMO have not already entered the
p.000012: country. This makes it more difficult when there is inadequate public awareness on this issue.
p.000012:
p.000012: Even though Seychelles lacks the capacity to develop products of modern biotechnology in the foreseeable future; it is
p.000012: possible that it will either be a transit point or destination of GMOs. Hence, the Seychelles decided to take a
p.000012: more proactive approach with the development of its NBF with linkages to priority activities identified in the EMPS
p.000012: 2000 - 2010.
p.000012:
p.000012: 6.1 Biotechnology in Agriculture
p.000012:
p.000012: The Seychelles does not subsist on any integrated system of agriculture, livestock and forest products use.
...
p.000039: (vi) The method of risk assessment will be evaluated and adjusted if necessary. The risk assessment will devote a
p.000039: lot of attention to the possible ecological effects of introducing GMOs into the environment and of market approval of
p.000039: GMOs, while on health products international guidelines and the minimum requirement of the protocol will be used where
p.000039: applicable as much as possible.
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
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p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000040: 40
p.000040:
p.000040: 11.0 Public Awareness, Education and Participation
p.000040:
p.000040: In Seychelles every citizen has access to environment, agriculture, health and consumer related
p.000040: information. Such information is even incorporated in the school curricula. Systematic modes of
p.000040: transferring information to the general public through the national media are shown below:
p.000040:
p.000040:
p.000040: Type of Media
p.000040: The Seychelles Nation
p.000040:
p.000040: (national newspaper)
p.000040:
p.000040: National Radio
p.000040:
p.000040: (SBC)
p.000040:
p.000040:
p.000040:
p.000040: National Television
p.000040:
p.000040: (SBC)
p.000040:
p.000040:
p.000040: Newsletters
p.000040: Name of Programme Environment articles Agriculture and fisheries articles Consumer articles
p.000040: Nou Lanvironman Depans Radio clinic Resours
p.000040:
p.000040:
p.000040: Seychelles Que J’aime Resours
p.000040:
p.000040:
p.000040: Ou Lavi Enviro
p.000040:
p.000040: Konsomater
p.000040: Length of programme One full page
p.000040: One full page
p.000040:
p.000040: Half a page 30 minutes
p.000040: 30 minutes
p.000040: 30 minutes
p.000040: 30 minutes
p.000040:
p.000040:
p.000040: 35 minutes
p.000040:
p.000040: 35 minutes
p.000040:
p.000040:
p.000040: 35 minutes Entire newsletter Entire newsletter
p.000040: Frequency Weekly Fortnightly
p.000040:
p.000040: Weekly Bi-weekly
p.000040: Fortnightly Weekly Weekly
p.000040:
p.000040:
p.000040: Fortnightly Fortnightly
p.000040:
p.000040: Monthly Yearly
p.000040:
p.000040: Twice a year
p.000040: Sector involved Environment sector Agriculture and Fisheries sectors Consumers
p.000040:
p.000040: Environment sector Consumers Health Agriculture and Fisheries sector Environment sector Agriculture and Fisheries
p.000040: sector
p.000040: Health Environment sector Consumers
p.000040:
p.000040: Regular workshops and meetings are held for the four main sector stakeholders to the Biosafety Protocols
...
Health / Drug Dependence
Searching for indicator dependence:
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p.000009: convention text states “ The Parties shall consider the need for modalities of a protocol setting out appropriate
p.000009: procedures, including, in particular, advance informed agreement, in the field of the safe transfer,
p.000009: handling and use of any living modified organism resulting from biotechnology that may have adverse effect on the
p.000009: conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity”. In line with its commitment, Seychelles
p.000009: participated very actively in the development of the protocol called the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety.
p.000009: Upon its adoption and coming into force in September 2003, the Biosafety Protocol hails an important step
p.000009: forward in providing an international regulatory framework to reconcile the respective needs of trade
p.000009: and environmental protection with respect to a rapidly growing global industry, the biotechnology industry. By
p.000009: ratifying the Biosafety Protocol in August 2004, The Seychelles showed the world
p.000009:
p.000009:
p.000009:
p.000010: 10
p.000010:
p.000010: that it fully supports the creation of an enabling environment for the environmentally sound application of
p.000010: biotechnology, making it possible to derive maximum benefit from the potential that biotechnology has to offer, while
p.000010: minimizing the possible risks to the Seychelles fragile environment and to the health of its population of 82,000
p.000010: individuals.
p.000010:
p.000010:
p.000010: 4.0 Environment Plans and Strategies in Seychelles
p.000010:
p.000010: 4.1 The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP)
p.000010:
p.000010: The dependence of the Seychelles’ population on very limited natural resource base makes conservation of
p.000010: biodiversity a real challenge. Realising this, Seychelles with the technical coorperation of UNEP and the World
p.000010: Conservation Union (IUCN), funded by GEF developed a comprehensive National Biodiversity Strategy and
p.000010: Action Plan (NBSAP) in 1997 to address a holistic approach to biodiversity conservation and sustainable
p.000010: development programmes. The NBSAP comprises of a summary of Seychelles Biodiversity Assessment.
p.000010: The document addresses the opportunities and challenges of protecting and mobilizing the country’s
p.000010: biological diversity. It also describes the gaps and constraints currently hindering Seychelles’s efforts in
p.000010: biodiversity conservation and sustainable use, including gaps in capacity, partnerships, coordination, and management
p.000010: of species and ecosystems. The document also provides a timetable for action over a Plan period of 5 years, the
p.000010: funding requirements and the list of partner organizations involved in its implementation.
p.000010:
p.000010:
p.000010: 4.2 The Environment Management Plan of Seychelles
p.000010:
p.000010: With the extensive interrelationship of environment issues in the economic, social and political sectors,
p.000010: their direct and indirect implications on the fragile natural ecosystems of the Small Island Development State,
...
p.000020:
p.000020: Being both a member of WHO and FAO, Seychelles presently uses the CODEX Alimentarius guidelines as well as
p.000020: the WHO guidelines for the harmonization of safety assessments of foods in international trade. Presently, the
p.000020: government is in agreement on the way in which food safety is guaranteed and assessed by international organisations.
p.000020: The government is currently adopting the standards formulated in CODEX when it comes to GMOs in food, and FDA for
p.000020: drugs and other pharmaceutical products. With new research and discoveries taking place in the medical sector,
p.000020: the government will remain on alert to address any potential harm that GMOs or products may have on human health. The
p.000020: government would react appropriately to any proven danger in that field and would not hesitate to review its policy vis
p.000020: a vis GMOs in the Pharmaceutical and medical sector.
p.000020:
p.000020:
p.000020: 8.5 Policy of Modern Biotechnology and Biosafety in Agriculture
p.000020:
p.000020: In the field of plant improvement and cultivation this development in knowledge means that the genetic origin of
p.000020: valuable qualities can be quickly identified, thus, enabling plants and trees to be improved in shorter times
p.000020: that were previously possible. Two trends of applications have been recognised as potential opportunities to
p.000020: improve the local agricultural sector:
p.000020:
p.000020: 1. The improvement of characteristics important to commercial production, such as the building-in of resistance
p.000020: genes in order to reduce the use of, and dependence on synthetic plant protection such as herbicide and
p.000020: insecticide, or to increase yield
p.000020:
p.000020:
p.000020: 2. The introduction of genes to improve quality, such as a longer storage life, or improvement in
p.000020: nutritional compositions.
p.000020:
p.000020:
p.000020: The same knowledge can also be used in animal breeding to select the desired genes for breeding
p.000020: animals, build in resistance or to improve livestock’s meat, or even improve on products produce in
p.000020: aquaculture.
p.000020:
p.000020: In any case before the introduction of Modern Biotechnology or its products in the field of Agriculture, all procedures
p.000020: mentioned in the Risk Assessment and Risk Management must be met, as well as compliance with any relevant
p.000020: national laws related to the intended development.
p.000020:
p.000020:
p.000020: 8.6 Policy of Modern Biotechnology and Biosafety in Industry
p.000020:
p.000020:
p.000020:
p.000020:
p.000021: 21
p.000021:
p.000021: In the processing industry, the use of biocatalysts enables production in more selective manner. Direct
p.000021: application of Modern Biotechnology in the Environment Sector in the cleaning technology, to locate
p.000021: contamination, to improve waste management are areas of opportunities for Seychelles.
p.000021:
p.000021: Before the introduction of Modern Biotechnology or its products in the above field, all procedures
...
p.000023:
p.000023: GMOs use for food, feed or for processing covers activities such as genetically modified agricultural
p.000023: commodities, such as GM Maize or GM soybeans for food or feed use. GMO- FFPs in Seychelles are subjected to the same
p.000023: AIA procedure set out in the Article 4 of the protocol. In principle such products were not meant to be
p.000023: planted into the natural environment, but in the context of Seychelles it is without doubt that such products will
p.000023: be planted mostly in back yard farming. Thus, a full AIA would be required for GMO-FFPs with prior
p.000023: consent for import of GMO-FFPs to be included in the national legislation. Such laws and regulation will be made
p.000023: available to the Biosafety Clearing House .
p.000023:
p.000023: 8.16 GMOs for pharmaceutical use that are addressed by other relevant international agreements or organizations
p.000023:
p.000023: Under Article 5, these GMOs as long are they are addressed by other relevant international agreements or
p.000023: organizations are excluded from the AIA procedure, and from the other provisions of the Protocol
p.000023: related to transboundary movement. The definition for Pharmaceutical products in Seychelles is adopted
p.000023: from The 1970 Pharmaceutical Inspection Convention which defines “pharmaceutical products” as any medicine
p.000023: intended for human use or veterinary product administered to food-producing animals, presented in its finished dosage
p.000023: form or as an active ingredient for the use of such dosage form, that is subject to control by
p.000023: pharmaceutical legislation in both the exporting State and the importing State.
p.000023:
p.000023: Due to our high dependence of medical, health care and pharmaceutical products from external, and with our
p.000023: limited capacity to conduct tests on medical products, the government is in agreement to follow the World
p.000023: Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines on the Certification Scheme on Pharmaceutical Products Moving in
p.000023: International Commerce.
p.000023:
p.000023: The following certification is required for those pharmaceutical Products:
p.000023:
p.000023: 1. “the specific product is authorized to be placed on the market within the exporting country jurisdiction or, if
p.000023: it is not thus authorized, the reason why that authorization has not been accorded”;
p.000023: 2. “the plant in which the pharmaceutical product is produced is subject to inspections at suitable intervals to
p.000023: establish that the manufacturer conforms to Good Practices in the Manufacture and quality control of drugs as
p.000023: recommended by WHO”;
p.000023: 3. “all submitted product information, including labelling, is currently authorized in the certifying country”.
p.000023:
p.000023:
p.000023:
p.000023:
p.000024: 24
p.000024:
p.000024: The WHO Certification Scheme is consistent with the provisions of The 1970 Pharmaceutical
p.000024: Inspection Convention which Seychelles is a party to.
p.000024:
p.000024: GMOs for pharmaceutical use not approved by a recognised, reputed by relevant international
p.000024: agreements or organisations will be subjected to the full AIA procedure (Article 4 of the Protocol).
p.000024:
...
p.000036: proposed genetically modified crop.
p.000036:
p.000036: By combining practical knowledge and experience with available information given or obtained during the “step by step”
p.000036: method and the development process of the GM crop, The National Biosafety Board will be able to make an estimate of the
p.000036: possible risks that the introduction or market approval could bring to the ecosystem.
p.000036:
p.000036: However, on the other hand, it is widely recognized that the current knowledge of ecology in Seychelles is
p.000036: very limited to safely allow any large-scale field trials or market
p.000036:
p.000036:
p.000036:
p.000037: 37
p.000037:
p.000037: approval. It is believed that more research is required on the possible effects of GMOs on the tropical
p.000037: ecosystems, especially into the country which the GMOs are to be introduced. Furthermore, Seychelles
p.000037: believes that extreme precaution should be taken to prevent irreversible situations. In general fundamental knowledge
p.000037: of tropical ecosystems and possible ecological effects of GMOs are limited. Extension of the knowledge on the possible
p.000037: effects of GMOs on the tropical and ecological systems is expected to continue and expand in Seychelles. At this
p.000037: juncture, it is noted with regard to the manageability of any ecological risks that there are important differences
p.000037: between various organisms, besides actual genetic modification. Such differences will be taken into consideration in
p.000037: the assessment of ecological risks.
p.000037:
p.000037: 10.7 Assessing risk in the Medical Sector
p.000037:
p.000037: Due to our high dependence of medical, health care and pharmaceutical products from external, and with our limited
p.000037: capacity to conduct tests on medical products, the government is in agreement to follow the World Health
p.000037: Organisation (WHO) guidelines on the Certification Scheme on Pharmaceutical Products Moving in International
p.000037: Commerce.
p.000037:
p.000037: The following certification is required for those pharmaceutical Products:
p.000037:
p.000037: 4. “the specific product is authorized to be placed on the market within the exporting country jurisdiction or, if
p.000037: it is not thus authorized, the reason why that authorization has not been accorded”;
p.000037: 5. “the plant in which the pharmaceutical product is produced is subject to inspections at suitable intervals to
p.000037: establish that the manufacturer conforms to Good Practices in the Manufacture and quality control of drugs as
p.000037: recommended by WHO”;
p.000037: 6. “all submitted product information, including labeling, is currently authorized in the certifying country”.
p.000037:
p.000037: The WHO Certification Scheme is consistent with the provisions of The 1970 Pharmaceutical
p.000037: Inspection Convention which Seychelles is a party to.
p.000037:
p.000037:
p.000037: 10.8 The use of Precautionary Principle
p.000037:
p.000037: For a small country like Seychelles, a central role in the consideration of risks will be allocated to the
p.000037: Precautionary Principle, as currently being defined in the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. This is very
p.000037: important for a small country of only 455 square km and with a high dependence on the local biodiversity for
p.000037: its economic growth and prosperity. Genetic changes are irreversible and by their nature self-reproducing. This is
p.000037: the most important reason why the people of Seychelles should be cautious with the application of Modern
p.000037: Biotechnology products within the jurisdiction of their country.
p.000037:
p.000037: In Seychelles the risks will be assessed on the basis of available information, or if this is not available, on the
p.000037: basis of a worst case scenario. In the case of an application for the release of a GMO in the environment, then
p.000037: if the risks are regarded as acceptable, permission will be granted for field trials of that GMO first. The
p.000037: introduction will always take place in line with the Precautionary Principle. If sufficient data is lacking then an
p.000037:
p.000037:
p.000037:
p.000038: 38
p.000038:
p.000038: acceptable risk level may also be obtained through the imposition of a series of additional regulations,
p.000038: such as confinement of working area, conducting the field trial only at certain period of the year,
p.000038: etc.., and such regulations and conditions can be adjusted in the course of time and as knowledge increases.
p.000038:
p.000038: 10.9 Assessing the risk in socio-economics and ethics
p.000038:
p.000038: In addition to the scientific issues, for a country with a population of 82,000 people, ethical and
p.000038: social considerations also demand considerable attention. Especially as most of the products that will enter the
...
Health / Drug Usage
Searching for indicator influence:
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p.000013: tested at present, but with the new proposed Agricultural Policy 2003 – 2013 such possibility may exist and Seychelles
p.000013: will need to improve on its capacity to monitor and assess GMOs in the field of Agriculture.
p.000013:
p.000013: 6.2 Biotechnology in other economic sectors
p.000013:
p.000013: Tourism and Fisheries, the most important sectors of our economy are both directly dependent on the
p.000013: pristine, natural ecosystems. The Government of Seychelles is conscious that the use and release into the
p.000013: environment of GMOs produced by modern biotechnology could have adverse impacts on the conservation and
p.000013: sustainable use of biological diversity. For this reason, Seychelles supports through
p.000013: international agreements, principles of risk assessment and management to ensure a safe development, application,
p.000013: exchange and transfer of biotechnology products. As a result of these concerns and the realization that our
p.000013: capacity to detect such products are limited in the country, the Government of Seychelles strongly supports Advance
p.000013: Informed Agreement procedures in the field of the safe transfer, handling and use of GMOs resulting from
p.000013: modern biotechnology.
p.000013:
p.000013: The rapid developments in modern biotechnology create opportunities for improvement in health care, agriculture, food
p.000013: and the environment. Modern Biotechnology can exert a strong influence on developments in society. The
p.000013: Government of Seychelles believes that while these opportunities should be explored and used, this should be
p.000013: accompanied by measures to safeguard and ensure safety, transparency in decision-making, freedom of choice for our
p.000013: citizens and ethical acceptability. It is with this objective that the Government hereby develops this
p.000013: National Biosafety Framework.
p.000013:
p.000013: Development in modern biotechnology is strongly knowledge-driven, and at present the local expertise is insufficient to
p.000013: effectively deal with issues of modern biotechnology and Biosafety. In order to keep pace with the development
p.000013: in modern biotechnology, the Government of Seychelles needs support to strengthen local capacity to be
p.000013: able to address the needs of modern biotechnology and biosafety.
p.000013:
p.000013:
p.000013:
p.000013:
p.000013:
p.000013:
p.000013:
p.000013:
p.000013:
p.000013:
p.000013:
p.000013:
p.000013:
p.000013:
p.000013:
p.000013:
p.000014: 14
p.000014:
p.000014: 7.0 EXISTING REGULATORY REGIMES
p.000014:
p.000014: Existing legislation and policies in areas relating to Biosafety
p.000014:
p.000014: The biological diversity of the Seychelles, as well as the local population, enjoys a significant amount
p.000014: of protection through various pieces of legislation. This is being administered by a number of governmental
p.000014: organisations.
p.000014:
p.000014: Different pieces of legislation in the fields that have a bearing in the management of Biotechnology or
p.000014: Biotechnology products in the Seychelles have been identified as follows:
p.000014:
p.000014: 7.1 Agriculture
...
p.000037: the most important reason why the people of Seychelles should be cautious with the application of Modern
p.000037: Biotechnology products within the jurisdiction of their country.
p.000037:
p.000037: In Seychelles the risks will be assessed on the basis of available information, or if this is not available, on the
p.000037: basis of a worst case scenario. In the case of an application for the release of a GMO in the environment, then
p.000037: if the risks are regarded as acceptable, permission will be granted for field trials of that GMO first. The
p.000037: introduction will always take place in line with the Precautionary Principle. If sufficient data is lacking then an
p.000037:
p.000037:
p.000037:
p.000038: 38
p.000038:
p.000038: acceptable risk level may also be obtained through the imposition of a series of additional regulations,
p.000038: such as confinement of working area, conducting the field trial only at certain period of the year,
p.000038: etc.., and such regulations and conditions can be adjusted in the course of time and as knowledge increases.
p.000038:
p.000038: 10.9 Assessing the risk in socio-economics and ethics
p.000038:
p.000038: In addition to the scientific issues, for a country with a population of 82,000 people, ethical and
p.000038: social considerations also demand considerable attention. Especially as most of the products that will enter the
p.000038: jurisdiction of Seychelles will be commodity import and would thus, directly influence the consumer market.
p.000038: When addressing the risk assessments in Seychelles, divergent values and interests and issues will be weighed up
p.000038: against each other. The Government is fully aware that some people will judge that for reasons of faith or respect for
p.000038: life. E.g. genetic modification of any organism, whatsoever is not acceptable under any circumstances, while others
p.000038: will, due to the advantages of genetic modification in medical, environmental, industry and agricultural areas,
p.000038: will regard the application of this technology as highly desirable. The Government is aware that such considerations
p.000038: and the resulting choices are far from simple, especially as this technology is quite recent. Such matters will be
p.000038: carefully treated in the Biosafety Act in order to provide the consumers with informed choices.
p.000038:
p.000038: 10.10 Safety and Acceptability
p.000038:
p.000038: In general, Seychelles recognizes the opportunities that Modern Biotechnology provides for sustainable farming,
p.000038: cleaner production methods, better health care and a better environment. There is no doubt that such
p.000038: opportunities should not be explored. However, these opportunities should be accompanied by optimum safeguards
p.000038: to ensure safety; transparency in decision-making; freedom of choice for the individual; and ethical
p.000038: acceptability. Thus, it is not surprising that Seychelles opted for optimum safety and acceptability to
p.000038: come with every new GMO or GMO product entering the country.
p.000038:
p.000038: 10.11 Approval
p.000038:
...
Searching for indicator drug:
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p.000017: to human health; the sale of poisonous or unwholesome food; deception of character, nature, composition and quality of
p.000017: food (including clear labelling, packaging or advertisements); sanitation in premises where food is being prepared
p.000017: (including restaurants, slaughter houses), as well as regulating importation of food with strong emphasis on proper and
p.000017: adequate labelling. The administration of the Act is made by the Food Control Board, which is made up of different
p.000017: stakeholders in the field of food safety. Its members are appointed by the Department of Health for a
p.000017: period of 3 years. Officers of the Division of Community Health, who are also involved in the community,
p.000017: enforce the Act. The powers vested in the officers under the Food Act are rather comprehensive and makes
p.000017: provision for preventive approaches to food safety as well as the power to act timely and effectively in the event of
p.000017: emergencies. The Act also makes provision for food samples to be analysed in official laboratories. Such analysis is
p.000017: however, limited due to the lack of appropriate and modern equipment and facilities. The Act does not make
p.000017: any reference to food derived from Modern Biotechnology nor from any form of technology. However, if food derived
p.000017: from Modern Biotechnology is injurious to human health it will automatically be regulated by this set of laws.
p.000017:
p.000017:
p.000017: c) Pharmacy and Drug use Act 1970
p.000017:
p.000017: The Pharmacy and Drug Use Act 1970 details the protocol for the safe use of drugs and pharmaceutical products.
p.000017: Specific references are made to products that have been approved and considered safe by relevant
p.000017: international organizations such as WHO, FDA, as well as local procedures for the safe use of the drugs
p.000017: and pharmaceutical products. The Act is being administered by the Pharmacy Section in the Department of Health.
p.000017: The Act is currently under revision to address new emerging issues and to address the rapid changes in
p.000017: the decentralisation of Pharmacies and Chemists through private practices. The Act makes no specific reference
p.000017: to pharmaceutical products that have been resulted from the use of Modern Biotechnology.
p.000017:
p.000017:
p.000017: d) Food and Nutrition Policy
p.000017:
p.000017: A national food and nutrition policy is currently being developed.
p.000017:
p.000017:
p.000017:
p.000017:
p.000018: 18
p.000018:
p.000018: 7.5 Consumer Protection
p.000018:
p.000018: a) Consumer Protection Act 1997
p.000018:
p.000018: The Consumer Protection Act 1997 regulates trade practices, ensures consumer rights, and imposes duties on
p.000018: producers and suppliers of goods. The Act makes provision for the appointment of a Director for Consumer
p.000018: Protection and the establishment of a Consumer Protection Board. The Director of Consumer Protection is
...
p.000055: provide suggestion and feel a sense of ownership about the projects, activities, programmers placed at their
p.000055: disposal by either the government or other stakeholders.
p.000055:
p.000055: The Seychelles have tried as per the country’s constitution to make sure that the public are informed and educated
p.000055: on various issues and bio-safety is no exception. As per its international obligations such as the
p.000055: Cartage Protocol, the country has tried to assess the effectiveness of the existing mechanisms for public
p.000055: participation that are already in place.
p.000055:
p.000055: Within the Ministry of Health, there exist a unit for health education and promotion as well as a public relations
p.000055: unit. These two units have been set up with the aim of giving the public the necessary and appropriate information on
p.000055: health matters. There is no specific system for public participation although at several clinics there are
p.000055: complaints and suggestion, boxes, whereby the public can place their complaints and suggestions. How the
p.000055: complaints and suggestions are then used this is not clear.
p.000055:
p.000055: At regular intervals the ministry has also tried to organize decentralized meetings, where the public are invited to
p.000055: participate and air their views and give their suggestions.
p.000055:
p.000055: The ministry has always reserved the right not to disclose information to the public if they wish not to do so.
p.000055: The public for example might not be informed if such a drug is genetically modified if the ministry thinks this should
p.000055: be the case and so far their has not been any such obligation from the ministry, although a patient always reserves his
p.000055: or her right to such information.
p.000055:
p.000055: The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources on the other hand has in place a system for public can participate
p.000055: and give their views on any environment development through the Environment Impact Assessment procedure (EIA)
p.000055: which has an avenue for public participation. The EIA process makes provision for public notification
p.000055: through the mass media. This is done through the daily paper, over a certain period of time. The public is able to
p.000055: view the project plan at the Ministry of Environment or the National Library and comments.
p.000055:
p.000055: The comments and suggestions put forward by the public are then taken into consideration. If found to be valid a
p.000055: project might not start due to the public involvement and viewpoint. Another avenue for public
p.000055: participation is through the Education Information & Communication section which is responsible for
p.000055: the creation of public awareness and
p.000055:
p.000055:
p.000055:
p.000056: 56
p.000056:
p.000056: education on environmental issues; living modified organisms and GMO’s included. The public can express
p.000056: their opinion through the various media programmes that are aired, especially vox pop, which is one avenue for
p.000056: public participation.
p.000056:
...
Health / Health
Searching for indicator health:
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p.000001: 2000-2010 which laid the foundation for integrating development issues within our fragile but important natural
p.000001: resource base. Both these plans were developed through nation-wide stakeholder consultation.
p.000001:
p.000001: One of the major challenges we face is the impact of invasive species and other foreign organisms on our unique
p.000001: biodiveristy. Reports on the effects of invasive species which have reached disastrous proportions on many
p.000001: small islands highlight the wisdom of the precautionary approach adopted by Seychelles.
p.000001:
p.000001: It is important that biosafety issues and concerns are understood by the entire population, starting at the highest
p.000001: political levels. Understanding that the development of the islands should be consistent with the
p.000001: preservation of their environmental and cultural heritage, for example, the Government is accordingly
p.000001: concerned about the potentially unsafe use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in such fragile island
p.000001: ecosystems.
p.000001:
p.000001: The need to ensure adequate safeguards to address any reasonable doubts concerning the proliferation of
p.000001: such organisms therefore led Seychelles to sign the Convention on Biological Diversity in 1992 and ratify the
p.000001: Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety in 2004.
p.000001: The consequent development of this National Biosafety Framework is an expression of Seychelles’
p.000001: policy and approach to GMOs.
p.000001:
p.000001: While we recognize the importance of such organisms to many areas of human development such as health and agriculture,
p.000001: we are also concerned about their inherent risks and potential to impact on our unique biodiveristy in ways
p.000001: similar to invasive species. We have therefore specified institutional re-arrangements, modified existing legal
p.000001: frameworks and proposed a framework to minimise risks.
p.000001:
p.000001: However this is not sufficient in itself, as we need the resources, technical and financial, to
p.000001: implement these changes and undertake sufficient risk analyses. Seychelles being part of the global
p.000001: village, the future of our biodiversity is a joint responsibility of the people of our islands and the international
p.000001: community if we are to preserve such a unique corner of the world.
p.000001: It is our wish that our position based upon the precautionary principle will be supported and further
p.000001: adopted by many other countries as we embrace progress towards the bio-age.
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001: Ronnie Jumeau
p.000001: Minister of Environment & Natural Resources
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001: 1
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001: Table of Contents
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001: 1.0 General Introduction
p.000001: 1.1 The National Executing Agency (NEA)
p.000001: 1.2 The National Project Coordinator (NPC)
p.000001: 1.3 The National Coordinating Committee (NCC)
p.000001: 1.4 The National Biosafety Framework Drafting Committee (NBFDC)
p.000001: 1.5 Public Awareness and Public Participation Committee (PAPPC)
p.000001:
p.000001: 2.0 Background Information on Seychelles
p.000001:
p.000001: 3.0 Seychelles and the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety
p.000001:
p.000001: 4.0 Environment Plans and strategies in Seychelles
p.000001:
p.000001: 5.0 The challenges facing the Seychelles Natural Environment
p.000001:
p.000001: 6.0 Biotechnology in Seychelles
p.000001: 6.1 Biotechnology in Agriculture
p.000001: 6.2 Biotechnology in other economic sectors
p.000001:
p.000001: 7.0 Existing Regulatory Regimes
p.000001: 7.1 Agriculture
p.000001: 7.2 Fisheries
p.000001: 7.3 Environment
p.000001: 7.4 Health
p.000001: 7.5 Consumer protection
p.000001:
p.000001: 8.0 Seychelles Biosafety Policy on Importation of GMOs or GMO Products
p.000001: 8.1 Introduction
p.000001: 8.2 The Mission
p.000001: 8.3 Government Goals for biosafety and the use of Modern Biotechnology
p.000001: 8.4 Policy of Modern Biotechnology and Biosafety in the Health Care
p.000001: 8.5 Policy of Modern Biotechnology and Biosafety in Agriculture
p.000001: 8.6 Policy of Modern Biotechnology and Biosafety in Industry
p.000001: 8.7 Policy of Modern Biotechnology and Biosafety in Social & Ethical Environment
p.000001: 8.8 Advance Informed Agreement
p.000001: 8.9 The Competent Authority
p.000001: 8.10 Notification and information
p.000001: 8.11 Decision for Importation
p.000001: 8.12 GMOs not subject to Protocol provisions
p.000001: 8.13 GMOs in transit
p.000001: 8.14 GMOs destined for contained used
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000002: 2
p.000002:
p.000002: 8.15 GMOs intended for direct use for food, feed, or for processing (GMO-FFPs)
p.000002: 8.16 GMOs for pharmaceutical use that are addressed by other relevant international agreements or organizations
p.000002: 8.17 GMOs identified by the meeting of parties to the Protocol as not being likely to have adverse effects
p.000002: 8.18 Biosafety Clearing-House (BCH)
p.000002: 8.19 Illegal Cases, Liability and Redress
p.000002:
p.000002: 9.0 The Administrative System to address GMOs in Seychelles
p.000002: 9.1 The National Biosafety Structures
p.000002: 9.2 The National Competent Authority
p.000002: 9.3 The Biosafety Administration Office
p.000002: 9.4 The National Biosafety Board
p.000002: 9.5 The Biosafety Advisory Bodies
p.000002: 9.6 Appeal System
p.000002: 9.7 Inspection Services
p.000002: 9.8 The Notification process
p.000002: 9.9 Decision Procedure
p.000002: 9.10 Summary of the Administrative Process
p.000002:
...
p.000002: 10.4 Risk Assessment – “case by case” and “step by step” approval
p.000002: 10.5 Procedures for Risk Assessment
p.000002: 10.6 Assessing Risk to Seychelles Ecological Environment
p.000002: 10.7 Assessing risk in the Medical Sector
p.000002: 10.8 The use of precautionary Principle
p.000002: 10.9 Assessing the risk in Socio-economics and ethics
p.000002: 10.10 Safety and Acceptability
p.000002: 10.11 Approval
p.000002:
p.000002: 11.0 Public Awareness, Education and Participation
p.000002:
p.000002: 12.0 Monitoring and Enforcement
p.000002: 12.1 Monitoring
p.000002: 12.2 Enforcement
p.000002:
p.000002: 12.0 Seychelles Biosafety Action Plan 2005 – 2010 Appendix I
p.000002: Appendix II
p.000002:
p.000002:
p.000002:
p.000002:
p.000002:
p.000002:
p.000002:
p.000002:
p.000002:
p.000003: 3
p.000003:
p.000003: 1.0 General Introduction
p.000003:
p.000003: The National Biosafety Framework of Seychelles is a combination of policy, legal, administrative
p.000003: and technical instruments that have been developed to ensure a high level of protection in the field of transfer,
p.000003: handling and Genetically Modified Organisms resulting from modern Biotechnology that may have adverse
p.000003: effects on the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, taking into account risks to human
p.000003: health..
p.000003:
p.000003: The UNEP-GEF Project on the Development of the National Biosafety Framework of Seychelles started in January 2003 and
p.000003: ended in May 2005. As supporting structures in the implementation of the projects were: a National Executive Agency; a
p.000003: National Project Coordinator; a National Coordinating Committee, a National Biosafety Framework Drafting Committee, and
p.000003: a Public Awareness & Public Participation Committee.
p.000003:
p.000003: 1.1 The National Executing Agency (NEA)
p.000003:
p.000003: The NEA for the UNEP/GEF Project, which was appointed by the Government of Seychelles after consultation with the
p.000003: UNEP/GEF and ICCP, was:
p.000003:
p.000003: Director of Conservation Section
p.000003: Division of Nature & Conservation
p.000003: Ministry of Environment & Natural Resources
p.000003: P. O. BOX 445 Botanical Gardens Mont Fleuri
p.000003: Mahe Seychelles
p.000003: Tel (+248) 22 26 44
p.000003: Fax:(+248) 22 45 00
p.000003: E-mail: s.remie@env.gov.sc
p.000003:
p.000003: 1.1.1 The Role and Responibilities of the National Executive Agency
p.000003: The NEA was the Ministry responsible for the portfolio of Environment and represented by the Director of Conservation
p.000003: Section. The NEA was the legal entity responsible for executing the National project.
p.000003:
p.000003: 1.2 The National Project Coordinator (NPC)
p.000003:
p.000003: The NPC for the UNEP/GEF Project which was appointed by the NEA after consultation with UNEP was:
p.000003:
p.000003: Mr. Joseph Francois
p.000003: Division of Nature & Conservation
p.000003: Ministry of Environment & Natural Resources
p.000003: P. O. BOX 445 Botanical Gardens Mont Fleuri
p.000003: Mahe Seychelles
p.000003: Tel (+248) 670553
p.000003: Fax:(+248) 610628
p.000003: E-mail: j.francois@env.gov.sc
p.000003:
p.000003:
p.000003:
p.000004: 4
p.000004:
p.000004:
...
p.000004: stakeholders with mandates relevant to the implementation of the Cartagena Protocol for Biosafety. The Role of the
p.000004: National Coordinating Committee was to advise and guide the preparation of the National Biosafety Framework ensuring
p.000004: that its components are the results of the national requirements of the country.
p.000004:
p.000004: 1.3.2 Composition of NCC
p.000004: The NCC was made up of 17 members representing government agencies, private sector and public interest groups and
p.000004: represented by the following members:
p.000004:
p.000004: 1. Agriculture Sector
p.000004:
p.000004: - Dr. Jimmy Melanie - Veterinary Division
p.000004:
p.000004: - Mrs. Helda Antoine - Plant Genetic
p.000004: Section/Agricultural Planning
p.000004:
p.000004: - Mr. Wills Dogley - Crop Protection &
p.000004: Promotion/Technical Advisor
p.000004:
p.000004: 2. Environment Sector
p.000004:
p.000004: • Mr. Selby Remie - Conservation Section (Chairperson).
p.000004:
p.000004: • Mr. Denis Matatiken - Botanical Gardens Section
p.000004:
p.000004: • Mrs. Bergeon Nageon - Environment Management Plan for Seychelles
p.000004: 2000-2010
p.000004:
p.000004: • Mrs. Lynn Bastienne - Education, Information & Communication
p.000004: Section
p.000004:
p.000004: 3. Health Sector
p.000004:
p.000004: • Mr. Daniel Bresson - Food Control Section
p.000004:
p.000004: • Mr. Philip Palmye - Public Health Laboratories
p.000004:
p.000004: 4. Trade and Finance Sector
p.000004:
p.000004: • Mrs. Raymond Course - Import and Export Division
p.000004:
p.000004:
p.000004:
p.000004:
p.000005: 5
p.000005:
p.000005: 5. Parastatal Organisation
p.000005:
p.000005: • Mr. Riaz Aumeerudy - Seychelles Fishing Authority
p.000005:
p.000005: • Mr. Jude Shroff - Seychelles Bureau of Standard
p.000005:
p.000005: 6. NGOs, Private Sectors
p.000005:
p.000005: • National Consumers Organisation
p.000005:
p.000005: • Lungos (Unity for Non-Government Mrs.Rachel Marie organisation)
p.000005:
p.000005: • Mr. Marlon Montano - Roman Catholic Church
p.000005:
p.000005: • Mr. Kantilal Shah - Seychelles Chambers of Commerce
p.000005:
p.000005: 7. Legal Affairs
p.000005:
p.000005: • Mrs. Laura Valabjee/Iris Carolus
p.000005: Caroline Hoareau/Joel Camille - Attorney General Office/Private Lawyers
p.000005:
p.000005: Others
p.000005:
p.000005: 8. Joseph Francois - National Project Coordinator
p.000005: (Secretary to NCC)
p.000005:
p.000005:
p.000005: 1.3.3 Responsibility of NCC
p.000005: The National Coordinating Committee worked together as a team for the management of the project. The members met at
p.000005: least on a monthly basis performing the following duties:
...
p.000006:
p.000006: 10. Ensure that Government’s policy is fully reflected in the project output;
p.000006:
p.000006: 11. Review and approve the Biosafety Assessment, projects outputs and frameworks documents.
p.000006:
p.000006: 1.4 The National Biosafety Framework Drafting Committee (NBFDC)
p.000006:
p.000006: 1.4.1 Role of NBFDC
p.000006:
p.000006: The NBFDC is a sub-committee of the NCC having the task to draft the National Biosafety Framework document. Some extra
p.000006: members opted for providing assistance with the drafting and reviewing of the document as and when the need arose. To
p.000006: ensure that the document is in compliance with the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, the Focal Point to the Cartagena
p.000006: Protocol on Biosafety who is also - the National Project Coordinator was given the mandate to chair the drafting
p.000006: process.
p.000006:
p.000006: 1.4.2 Composition of NBFDC
p.000006:
p.000006: The NBFDC consisted of 9 members mostly derived from or the National Coordinating Committee. - When required,
p.000006: assistance were obtained from Ms. Iris Carollus (a private lawyer), Ms. Li Lim Ling (Biosafety Lawyer for Thirld World
p.000006: Network) and Mr. Alex Owusu-Biney, (National Projector Coordinator for Ghana). The committee was comprised as follows:
p.000006:
p.000006: Mr. Joseph Francois - Chairperson (National Project Coordinator)
p.000006:
p.000006: Mr. Selby Remie - Director of Conservation Section, Dept. of Environment
p.000006:
p.000006: Mrs. Rachel Marie - Executive Director of National Consumer Forum (NATCOF)
p.000006:
p.000006: Mrs. Raymonde Course - Director of Public Affairs, President Office Mr. Daniel Bresson
p.000006: - Head of Food Control Unit, Dept. of Health
p.000006: Mr. Philip Palmyre - Director of Public Health Laboratories, Dept. of Health
p.000006:
p.000006: Mr. Denis Matatiken - Acting Director of Botanical Gardens, Dept. of Environment
p.000006:
p.000006: Mrs. Helda Antoine - Asst. Director of Agricultural Planning, Dept. of Natural Resources
p.000006:
p.000006: Mr. Joel Camille - State Lawyer, Attorney General’s Office
p.000006:
p.000006:
p.000006:
p.000007: 7
p.000007:
p.000007: Local Reviewer: Ms. Iris Carolus (Lawyer, Private/Freelance)
p.000007:
p.000007: International Reviewers: Ms. Li Lim Ling (Biosafety Lawyer for ThirdXWorld
p.000007: Network)
p.000007: Mr. Alex Owusu-Biney (National Project Coordinator for Ghana)
p.000007:
p.000007: 1.4.3 Responsibilities of NBFDC
p.000007:
p.000007: The duties of the NBFDC were as follows:
p.000007:
p.000007: 1. To collect and analyse all information and data relevant to the drafting of the National Biosafety Framework;
p.000007:
p.000007: 2. To identify and fill gaps that has arisen in the result of the national surveys;
p.000007:
p.000007: 2. To actively participate in the drafting of the National Biosafety Framework;
p.000007:
p.000007: 3. To mobilise the necessary expertise required for the proper execution of the framework components;
p.000007:
p.000007: 4. Ensure that Government’s policies are fully reflected in the National Biosafety Framework;
p.000007:
p.000007: 5. Ensure that information required in the National Biosafety Framework are obtained from the public, local, and
p.000007: national authorities;
p.000007:
p.000007: 6. Communicate pertinent issues with the relevant partners and actors influencing the development of the National
p.000007: Biosafety Framework;
p.000007:
p.000007: 7. Complete the drafting of the National Biosafety Framework
p.000007:
p.000007:
...
p.000009: to the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of natural resources and the fair and
p.000009: equitable sharing of benefits deriving from the use of genetic resources. In article 19(3) of the CBD
p.000009: convention text states “ The Parties shall consider the need for modalities of a protocol setting out appropriate
p.000009: procedures, including, in particular, advance informed agreement, in the field of the safe transfer,
p.000009: handling and use of any living modified organism resulting from biotechnology that may have adverse effect on the
p.000009: conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity”. In line with its commitment, Seychelles
p.000009: participated very actively in the development of the protocol called the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety.
p.000009: Upon its adoption and coming into force in September 2003, the Biosafety Protocol hails an important step
p.000009: forward in providing an international regulatory framework to reconcile the respective needs of trade
p.000009: and environmental protection with respect to a rapidly growing global industry, the biotechnology industry. By
p.000009: ratifying the Biosafety Protocol in August 2004, The Seychelles showed the world
p.000009:
p.000009:
p.000009:
p.000010: 10
p.000010:
p.000010: that it fully supports the creation of an enabling environment for the environmentally sound application of
p.000010: biotechnology, making it possible to derive maximum benefit from the potential that biotechnology has to offer, while
p.000010: minimizing the possible risks to the Seychelles fragile environment and to the health of its population of 82,000
p.000010: individuals.
p.000010:
p.000010:
p.000010: 4.0 Environment Plans and Strategies in Seychelles
p.000010:
p.000010: 4.1 The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP)
p.000010:
p.000010: The dependence of the Seychelles’ population on very limited natural resource base makes conservation of
p.000010: biodiversity a real challenge. Realising this, Seychelles with the technical coorperation of UNEP and the World
p.000010: Conservation Union (IUCN), funded by GEF developed a comprehensive National Biodiversity Strategy and
p.000010: Action Plan (NBSAP) in 1997 to address a holistic approach to biodiversity conservation and sustainable
p.000010: development programmes. The NBSAP comprises of a summary of Seychelles Biodiversity Assessment.
p.000010: The document addresses the opportunities and challenges of protecting and mobilizing the country’s
p.000010: biological diversity. It also describes the gaps and constraints currently hindering Seychelles’s efforts in
p.000010: biodiversity conservation and sustainable use, including gaps in capacity, partnerships, coordination, and management
p.000010: of species and ecosystems. The document also provides a timetable for action over a Plan period of 5 years, the
p.000010: funding requirements and the list of partner organizations involved in its implementation.
p.000010:
p.000010:
p.000010: 4.2 The Environment Management Plan of Seychelles
p.000010:
...
p.000011: economy and an equitable sharing of benefits for all citizens. As a SIDS, the country combines land
p.000011: scarcity and a small population with great distance from market sources and consequently high import and
p.000011: export costs (NBSAP, 1997).
p.000011:
p.000011: With the expansion of tourism, fisheries and agriculture in the country over the last two decades, the demand for the
p.000011: importation of products has greatly increased. The influx of plant materials, fruits and vegetables and other plant
p.000011: products from neighboring countries without effective quarantine measures locally has led to an increase build up of
p.000011: pests and diseases in the country. The Government of Seychelles quickly realizes that the isolated and scattered
p.000011: nature of the islands no longer provides an effective barrier to the importation of alien species into the
p.000011: country. It was clearly recognized that biodiversity loss can lead to wide range of costs in biodiversity-dependent
p.000011: activities.
p.000011:
p.000011: The recognition that our islands’ environment and the inhabitants are vulnerable to the introduction of devastating
p.000011: new pests and diseases led to the setting up of an invasive species committee in July 2004. This
p.000011: committee involves the participation of officers from a wide range of relevant stakeholders. Just months after its
p.000011: set up, the committee made several recommendations on the proper sanitary and phytosanitary measures necessary
p.000011: for conservation of biological diversity, animal and plant life and health. More importantly the committee
p.000011: emphasized strongly on re-enforcing quarantine laws and other regulations to control import of alien
p.000011: species, and to adopt risk assessment techniques for identification of potentially harmful species, their
p.000011: entry, establishment and control. Furthermore, the committee has recommended the establishment of suitable quarantine
p.000011: facilities at entry points.
p.000011:
p.000011:
p.000011: 6.0 Biotechnology in Seychelles
p.000011:
p.000011: In Seychelles, neither the Government nor the private sectors have shown much interest in modern biotechnology or in
p.000011: its commercial application for the country. This is due to both lack of awareness of potential benefits and risk of
p.000011: modern biotechnology, and the little need to produce products on a large scale. As a result, the need to regulate GMOs
p.000011: was considered not a priority until the development of the present framework.- However, there is likely to be an
p.000011: increasing interest in biotechnology in the country with new emerging and controversial issues from
p.000011: international press as well as in our effort to diversify the local economy and involve more private sector
p.000011: participation in the country’s economy. This is more likely to occur in the Agriculture sector as projected
p.000011: by the Agricultural Policy 2003 – 2013 (awaits adoption).
p.000011:
p.000011:
p.000011:
p.000011:
p.000011:
p.000012: 12
p.000012:
p.000012: However, the society cannot ignore the potential environmental and economical impacts of the proliferation of GMOs or
p.000012: its product. There is an increasing and urgent need for enforcement of biosafety guidelines, rules and
...
p.000013: and thus, there is no question of production of GMOs being developed nor intentional propagated or field
p.000013: tested at present, but with the new proposed Agricultural Policy 2003 – 2013 such possibility may exist and Seychelles
p.000013: will need to improve on its capacity to monitor and assess GMOs in the field of Agriculture.
p.000013:
p.000013: 6.2 Biotechnology in other economic sectors
p.000013:
p.000013: Tourism and Fisheries, the most important sectors of our economy are both directly dependent on the
p.000013: pristine, natural ecosystems. The Government of Seychelles is conscious that the use and release into the
p.000013: environment of GMOs produced by modern biotechnology could have adverse impacts on the conservation and
p.000013: sustainable use of biological diversity. For this reason, Seychelles supports through
p.000013: international agreements, principles of risk assessment and management to ensure a safe development, application,
p.000013: exchange and transfer of biotechnology products. As a result of these concerns and the realization that our
p.000013: capacity to detect such products are limited in the country, the Government of Seychelles strongly supports Advance
p.000013: Informed Agreement procedures in the field of the safe transfer, handling and use of GMOs resulting from
p.000013: modern biotechnology.
p.000013:
p.000013: The rapid developments in modern biotechnology create opportunities for improvement in health care, agriculture, food
p.000013: and the environment. Modern Biotechnology can exert a strong influence on developments in society. The
p.000013: Government of Seychelles believes that while these opportunities should be explored and used, this should be
p.000013: accompanied by measures to safeguard and ensure safety, transparency in decision-making, freedom of choice for our
p.000013: citizens and ethical acceptability. It is with this objective that the Government hereby develops this
p.000013: National Biosafety Framework.
p.000013:
p.000013: Development in modern biotechnology is strongly knowledge-driven, and at present the local expertise is insufficient to
p.000013: effectively deal with issues of modern biotechnology and Biosafety. In order to keep pace with the development
p.000013: in modern biotechnology, the Government of Seychelles needs support to strengthen local capacity to be
p.000013: able to address the needs of modern biotechnology and biosafety.
p.000013:
p.000013:
p.000013:
p.000013:
p.000013:
p.000013:
p.000013:
p.000013:
p.000013:
p.000013:
p.000013:
p.000013:
p.000013:
p.000013:
p.000013:
p.000013:
p.000014: 14
p.000014:
p.000014: 7.0 EXISTING REGULATORY REGIMES
p.000014:
p.000014: Existing legislation and policies in areas relating to Biosafety
p.000014:
p.000014: The biological diversity of the Seychelles, as well as the local population, enjoys a significant amount
p.000014: of protection through various pieces of legislation. This is being administered by a number of governmental
p.000014: organisations.
p.000014:
...
p.000014: agricultural, forestry resources and ecological environment of Seychelles. This is attained through the regulation
p.000014: of the importation of organisms, of plants and of plant products. A comprehensive quarantine
p.000014: administration system exists under the Act, but is rather under- practiced due to limited human resources
p.000014: capacity and appropriate technology and technical expertise particularly at the ports of entry. The PPA
p.000014: does not make any reference to products of Modern Biotechnology nor does the proposal which is currently being
p.000014: submitted to review the Act.
p.000014:
p.000014: ii. The Animal and Diseases Act, 1981
p.000014:
p.000014: The Act provides for the notification of notifiable diseases and the related powers of inspectors of the
p.000014: Veterinary Section in the Department of Natural Resources to act in such cases. The Act also makes provides
p.000014: for imports and quarantine procedures
p.000014:
p.000014: iii. The Agriculture and Fisheries Incentives Act, 2005
p.000014:
p.000014: The Act provides for the grant of certain incentives to persons engaged in Agriculture, Fisheries and related
p.000014: activities.
p.000014:
p.000014: iv. The National Agricultural Policy
p.000014:
p.000014: The National Agricultural Policy 2003-2013 is in the process of being submitted for approval. The overall
p.000014: objective of the policy is the achievement of higher food security through sustainable agricultural production.
p.000014: Furthermore, the policy envisages exploiting proven technology packages for intensive production with due regard for
p.000014: human health and the environment. One of the strategies envisaged under the policy is that Government would respect
p.000014: any eventual policy on genetically modified crops, foods and the use of
p.000014:
p.000014:
p.000014:
p.000014:
p.000015: 15
p.000015:
p.000015: plant and animal growth growers as well as enforce any legislation subsequently enacted.
p.000001: 1
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001: 7.2 Fisheries
p.000001:
p.000001: a) The Fisheries Act 1986
p.000001:
p.000001: The Fisheries Act 1986 addresses the conditions and regulations for fishing in Seychelles. The Seychelles Fishing
p.000001: Authority (SFA) administers the Act. The Act has a practical set of administrative systems that address aquaculture in
p.000001: Seychelles with a clear system of permit and post permit monitoring protocols. The SFA also has a mechanism for close
p.000001: consultation with the Department of Environment before making such a grant under this Act. However, aquaculture
p.000001: practices have so far been very limited and almost exclusively centred around the large-scale commercialisation of
p.000001: prawns on Coetivy Island. The SFA boosts a relatively high level of expertise in the Fisheries Sector with a number of
p.000001: its staff with postgraduate qualifications in marine sciences. However, the small number of staff and low level of
p.000001: technology that exist in the organisation does not make it possible to monitor the entire1.3 million sq km of the
p.000001: Seychelles Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
p.000001:
p.000001: b) The Agriculture and Fisheries Incentives Act, 2005
p.000001:
p.000001: See above comments.
p.000001:
p.000001: c) The National Fisheries Policy 2003 – 2013
p.000001:
...
p.000016: minimisation of wastes and hazardous substances.
p.000016: The Act also makes provisions for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) studies and authorisation for particular
p.000016: projects and activities. A person wishing to undertake any prescribed project or activity in a protected or
p.000016: ecologically sensitive area is required to produce an EIA document to the Ministry of Environment. The primary aim of
p.000016: the EIA is to assess the risk associated with the development and to come up with a risk management
p.000016: protocol before the development is authorised.
p.000016: The officers under the EPA are empowered to enter premises and to seize and destroy products that are in contravention
p.000016: of the Act.
p.000016: The penalties ranging from Rs. 5000 to Rs. 250,000 are seen as elevated to discourage potential offenders from spoiling
p.000016: the much dependable natural resources of the country. Despite the fact that there are no specific provisions under this
p.000016: Act relating to GMOs per se, we have seen that a number of general provisions that tackle any
p.000016: adverse environmental consequences, which introduced organisms, may cause to the natural environment.
p.000016:
p.000016: II. Draft Access and Benefit Sharing Legislation
p.000016:
p.000016: Draft legislation is currently being developed on Access and Benefit Sharing pursuant to the Convention on Biological
p.000016: Diversity.
p.000016:
p.000016:
p.000016: 7.4 Health
p.000016:
p.000016: a) Public Health Act 1960
p.000016:
p.000016: The Public Health Act 1960 contains a comprehensive set of provisions which cover general sanitation and
p.000016: hygiene in the Seychelles population with the view to controlling formidable epidemic diseases and to preventing
p.000016: or suppressing infectious diseases including venereal diseases. The Act also provides for the protection of water
p.000016: supplies as
p.000016:
p.000016:
p.000016:
p.000017: 17
p.000017:
p.000017: well as any mal practices that could lead to health problems. The Act is currently under a thorough revision as a
p.000017: number of its provisions are outdated and have failed to evolve with the emerging health issues of a modern society
p.000017: with sufficient provisions for means and ways to prevent or contain them. Furthermore, the penalties under
p.000017: this Act are no longer deterrent. The Act is being administered by the Department of Health. The
p.000017: provisions of this Act make no reference to issues of Modern Biotechnology in the health sector.
p.000017:
p.000017: b) Food Act 1991
p.000017:
p.000017: The Food Act 1991 contains a comprehensive set of provisions, which address food safety in relation to
p.000017: human health in Seychelles through a detailed regulatory system. The Division of Community Health in
p.000017: the Department of Health is currently administering the Act. The Act regulates any food which is injurious
p.000017: to human health; the sale of poisonous or unwholesome food; deception of character, nature, composition and quality of
p.000017: food (including clear labelling, packaging or advertisements); sanitation in premises where food is being prepared
p.000017: (including restaurants, slaughter houses), as well as regulating importation of food with strong emphasis on proper and
p.000017: adequate labelling. The administration of the Act is made by the Food Control Board, which is made up of different
p.000017: stakeholders in the field of food safety. Its members are appointed by the Department of Health for a
p.000017: period of 3 years. Officers of the Division of Community Health, who are also involved in the community,
p.000017: enforce the Act. The powers vested in the officers under the Food Act are rather comprehensive and makes
p.000017: provision for preventive approaches to food safety as well as the power to act timely and effectively in the event of
p.000017: emergencies. The Act also makes provision for food samples to be analysed in official laboratories. Such analysis is
p.000017: however, limited due to the lack of appropriate and modern equipment and facilities. The Act does not make
p.000017: any reference to food derived from Modern Biotechnology nor from any form of technology. However, if food derived
p.000017: from Modern Biotechnology is injurious to human health it will automatically be regulated by this set of laws.
p.000017:
p.000017:
p.000017: c) Pharmacy and Drug use Act 1970
p.000017:
p.000017: The Pharmacy and Drug Use Act 1970 details the protocol for the safe use of drugs and pharmaceutical products.
p.000017: Specific references are made to products that have been approved and considered safe by relevant
p.000017: international organizations such as WHO, FDA, as well as local procedures for the safe use of the drugs
p.000017: and pharmaceutical products. The Act is being administered by the Pharmacy Section in the Department of Health.
p.000017: The Act is currently under revision to address new emerging issues and to address the rapid changes in
p.000017: the decentralisation of Pharmacies and Chemists through private practices. The Act makes no specific reference
p.000017: to pharmaceutical products that have been resulted from the use of Modern Biotechnology.
p.000017:
p.000017:
p.000017: d) Food and Nutrition Policy
p.000017:
p.000017: A national food and nutrition policy is currently being developed.
p.000017:
p.000017:
p.000017:
p.000017:
p.000018: 18
p.000018:
p.000018: 7.5 Consumer Protection
p.000018:
p.000018: a) Consumer Protection Act 1997
p.000018:
p.000018: The Consumer Protection Act 1997 regulates trade practices, ensures consumer rights, and imposes duties on
p.000018: producers and suppliers of goods. The Act makes provision for the appointment of a Director for Consumer
p.000018: Protection and the establishment of a Consumer Protection Board. The Director of Consumer Protection is
p.000018: required to keep under review the carrying of commercial activities in Seychelles, which relate to goods supplied to
p.000018: consumers or produced with a view to being so supplied. Furthermore, the Director is required to collect information
p.000018: to ascertain circumstances relating to practices, which may adversely affect the interests, whether economic, or with
p.000018: respect to health or safety of consumers in Seychelles. The Act also makes provision for clear and
p.000018: appropriate labeling of products. The Act is currently under review.
p.000018:
p.000018: b) Competition Policy
p.000018:
p.000018: A national competition policy is also currently under preparation.
p.000018:
p.000018: CONCLUSION
p.000018:
p.000018: The pieces of legislation that have a bearing in the management of Biotechnology or Biotechnology
p.000018: products in the Seychelles have been identified and discussed above. A number of provisions in the
p.000018: existing legislations offer to some degree protection and safety to human health, food safety and the protection
p.000018: of the local biological diversity. These, however, are rather inadequate. Seychelles lacks an enabling
p.000018: legislative framework in the area of Biosafety. As the existing framework fails to cover new and emerging
p.000018: issues particularly that of Modern Biotechnology. More importantly it has limited technical capacity and
p.000018: institutional limitations to address a number of concerns in the development in that field. Furthermore, the various
p.000018: pieces of legislation are being administered by a number of organisations and departments and which needs
p.000018: to be harmonised as the current administrative system is rather fragmented and uncoordinated. The
p.000018: National Biosafety Framework is currently developing a draft Biosafety legislation that will propose to facilitate
p.000018: implementation of biosafety with a more coordinated permit. enforcement and monitoring system.
p.000018:
p.000018:
p.000018:
p.000018:
p.000018:
p.000018:
p.000018:
p.000018:
p.000018:
p.000018:
p.000018:
p.000018:
p.000018:
p.000018:
p.000018:
p.000018:
p.000018:
p.000018:
p.000018:
p.000018:
p.000019: 19
p.000019:
p.000019: 8.0 SEYCHELLES BIOSAFETY POLICY ON IMPORTATION OF GMOS OR GMO PRODUCTS
p.000019:
p.000019: 8.1 Introduction
p.000019:
p.000019: Over the last 25 years biotechnology has undergone major developments. These developments have taken
p.000019: place rapidly worldwide, and this progress seems sure to continue for a long time to come. In Seychelles even
p.000019: before we were made aware of it, we were utilizing two of the products resulted from Modern Biotechnology in the Health
p.000019: sector: Monotard Insulin, and Hepatitis B vaccine. The two products are being widely used and, according to
p.000019: Department of Health they are much preferred to the past types. It is very possible due to our direct commodity import
p.000019: with GMO producing countries such as South Africa, India, China for vegetables and vegetables products we might have
p.000019: been exposed to other commodity imports that are products of Modern Biotechnology.
p.000019:
p.000019:
p.000019: 8.2 The Mission
p.000019:
p.000019: • Ensure effective regulation to provide a high level of protection to the environment and human health;
p.000019: • Provide accurate and updated information to the public in a timely manner;
p.000019: • Ensure effective decision making through a coherent and transparent system
p.000019:
p.000019: 8.3 Government Goals for Biosafety and the use of Modern Biotechnology:
p.000019:
p.000019: • To ensure that human health and the environment are safeguarded, in particular through a rigorous, efficient
p.000019: and transparent system of regulation and administrative systems for use and application of Modern
p.000019: Biotechnology and its resulting products;
p.000019: • To ensure adequate capacity building in the safe use and handling of modern biotechnology and its
p.000019: products;
p.000019: • To ensure that the general public has access to information about modern biotechnology including, the
p.000019: potential risks and benefits of GMOs;
p.000019: • To maintain the ethical standards through active public participation in decision making;
p.000019: • To enhance economic benefit through the development of sustainable agriculture;
p.000019: • To ensure that public is informed on what they consume and utilize and the right for them to make a choice.
p.000019: • To ensure public confidence in the way risks are assessed and managed;
p.000019:
p.000019: 8.4 Policy of Modern Biotechnology and Biosafety in the Health Care
p.000019:
p.000019: The application of modern biotechnology knowledge in the health care sector has already led to new methods of
p.000019: diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases such as Diabetes and Hepatitis B in Seychelles. The importance
p.000019: of biotechnology for health care in Seychelles is expected to increase further with the several hundreds
p.000019: health care and
p.000019:
p.000019:
p.000019:
p.000019:
p.000020: 20
p.000020:
p.000020: pharmaceutical products currently in clinical testing stages or awaiting approval in the United States,
p.000020: Canada, the EU and other ‘modern biotechnology advanced’ countries.
p.000020:
p.000020: However, assessment of impacts on change in health care, risk perception, acceptance of biotechnology, legislation
p.000020: and liability needs to be done as a matter of urgency before widespread use of such products in Seychelles.
p.000020:
p.000020: Being both a member of WHO and FAO, Seychelles presently uses the CODEX Alimentarius guidelines as well as
p.000020: the WHO guidelines for the harmonization of safety assessments of foods in international trade. Presently, the
p.000020: government is in agreement on the way in which food safety is guaranteed and assessed by international organisations.
p.000020: The government is currently adopting the standards formulated in CODEX when it comes to GMOs in food, and FDA for
p.000020: drugs and other pharmaceutical products. With new research and discoveries taking place in the medical sector,
p.000020: the government will remain on alert to address any potential harm that GMOs or products may have on human health. The
p.000020: government would react appropriately to any proven danger in that field and would not hesitate to review its policy vis
p.000020: a vis GMOs in the Pharmaceutical and medical sector.
p.000020:
p.000020:
p.000020: 8.5 Policy of Modern Biotechnology and Biosafety in Agriculture
p.000020:
p.000020: In the field of plant improvement and cultivation this development in knowledge means that the genetic origin of
p.000020: valuable qualities can be quickly identified, thus, enabling plants and trees to be improved in shorter times
p.000020: that were previously possible. Two trends of applications have been recognised as potential opportunities to
p.000020: improve the local agricultural sector:
p.000020:
p.000020: 1. The improvement of characteristics important to commercial production, such as the building-in of resistance
p.000020: genes in order to reduce the use of, and dependence on synthetic plant protection such as herbicide and
p.000020: insecticide, or to increase yield
p.000020:
p.000020:
p.000020: 2. The introduction of genes to improve quality, such as a longer storage life, or improvement in
p.000020: nutritional compositions.
p.000020:
p.000020:
p.000020: The same knowledge can also be used in animal breeding to select the desired genes for breeding
p.000020: animals, build in resistance or to improve livestock’s meat, or even improve on products produce in
p.000020: aquaculture.
p.000020:
p.000020: In any case before the introduction of Modern Biotechnology or its products in the field of Agriculture, all procedures
...
p.000021:
p.000021: The apparent endless and more or less rapidly realizable possibilities of genetic modification raise many questions.
p.000021: On the one hand, they promise many developments, such as new medicines and a reduction in the use of plant
p.000021: protection products. While on the other hand, some applications raise the question of whether everything which is
p.000021: technically possible is also desirable, safe and acceptable in social and ethical terms. These questions are becoming
p.000021: increasing pressing in the recent years as more products of Modern Biotechnology are appearingly on the
p.000021: market. The world have passed the stage of the first laboratory experiments in the 1970s and the first
p.000021: field trials in the 1980s;now we are confronted with actual products, such as foods and medicine, that are available to
p.000021: the consumers.
p.000021:
p.000021: In order to protect the individual consumer choices, the population must at all times be informed of what
p.000021: they are consuming. The population must be sufficiently equipped through vigorous public awareness programmes in order
p.000021: for them to make informed decisions based on choices, and should be at any given time be able to identify such
p.000021: products.
p.000021:
p.000021: 8.8 Advance Informed Agreement (AIA) procedure
p.000021:
p.000021: The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety’s general scope includes the transboundary movement, transit, handling and use of
p.000021: all LMOs that may have adverse effects on the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, taking into
p.000021: account also risks to human health (Article 4). However, some categories of LMOs or transboundary movements
p.000021: are excluded by the protocol. In some cases the exclusions are limited to specific provisions relating to the AIA
p.000021: procedure, while in others they are not covered by protocol’s provisions.
p.000021:
p.000021: For Seychelles, all GMOs (LMOs and products of LMOs) will be subjected to regulations under our national legislation
p.000021: through appropriate AIA procedures. This will remain in application until sufficient scientific evidence
p.000021: proves otherwise. Even when certain GMOs are excluded from the Protocol’s provisions, in the context of Seychelles
p.000021: they may still be subjected to national regulations depending on decisions made nationally. Such decisions
p.000021: will be made available to all parties on the BCH.
p.000021:
p.000021: The AIA procedures will only apply to the first occasion that a GMO is intentionally moved into Seychelles from any
p.000021: exporting countries or exporting parties.
p.000021:
p.000021: 8.9 The Competent Authority
p.000021:
p.000021:
p.000021:
p.000021:
p.000022: 22
p.000022:
p.000022: In line with Article 19, The Ministry responsible for Environment in Seychelles which also house the Focal Point for
p.000022: the Convention for Biological Diversity and the Cartagena Protocol for Biosafety will be responsible for performing the
p.000022: administration functions required by the Protocol, and is authorized to act on behalf of Seychelles with regard to
p.000022: those functions (as per Article 19).
p.000022:
p.000022: 8.10 Notification and information
p.000022:
p.000022: All GMOs subjected to transboundary movement into Seychelles must be notified to the Government of
...
p.000023: commodities, such as GM Maize or GM soybeans for food or feed use. GMO- FFPs in Seychelles are subjected to the same
p.000023: AIA procedure set out in the Article 4 of the protocol. In principle such products were not meant to be
p.000023: planted into the natural environment, but in the context of Seychelles it is without doubt that such products will
p.000023: be planted mostly in back yard farming. Thus, a full AIA would be required for GMO-FFPs with prior
p.000023: consent for import of GMO-FFPs to be included in the national legislation. Such laws and regulation will be made
p.000023: available to the Biosafety Clearing House .
p.000023:
p.000023: 8.16 GMOs for pharmaceutical use that are addressed by other relevant international agreements or organizations
p.000023:
p.000023: Under Article 5, these GMOs as long are they are addressed by other relevant international agreements or
p.000023: organizations are excluded from the AIA procedure, and from the other provisions of the Protocol
p.000023: related to transboundary movement. The definition for Pharmaceutical products in Seychelles is adopted
p.000023: from The 1970 Pharmaceutical Inspection Convention which defines “pharmaceutical products” as any medicine
p.000023: intended for human use or veterinary product administered to food-producing animals, presented in its finished dosage
p.000023: form or as an active ingredient for the use of such dosage form, that is subject to control by
p.000023: pharmaceutical legislation in both the exporting State and the importing State.
p.000023:
p.000023: Due to our high dependence of medical, health care and pharmaceutical products from external, and with our
p.000023: limited capacity to conduct tests on medical products, the government is in agreement to follow the World
p.000023: Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines on the Certification Scheme on Pharmaceutical Products Moving in
p.000023: International Commerce.
p.000023:
p.000023: The following certification is required for those pharmaceutical Products:
p.000023:
p.000023: 1. “the specific product is authorized to be placed on the market within the exporting country jurisdiction or, if
p.000023: it is not thus authorized, the reason why that authorization has not been accorded”;
p.000023: 2. “the plant in which the pharmaceutical product is produced is subject to inspections at suitable intervals to
p.000023: establish that the manufacturer conforms to Good Practices in the Manufacture and quality control of drugs as
p.000023: recommended by WHO”;
p.000023: 3. “all submitted product information, including labelling, is currently authorized in the certifying country”.
p.000023:
p.000023:
p.000023:
p.000023:
p.000024: 24
p.000024:
p.000024: The WHO Certification Scheme is consistent with the provisions of The 1970 Pharmaceutical
p.000024: Inspection Convention which Seychelles is a party to.
p.000024:
p.000024: GMOs for pharmaceutical use not approved by a recognised, reputed by relevant international
p.000024: agreements or organisations will be subjected to the full AIA procedure (Article 4 of the Protocol).
p.000024:
p.000024: 8.17 GMOs identified by the meeting of the Parties to the Protocol as being not likely to have adverse effects.
p.000024:
p.000024: Based on Article 7(4) of the Protocol, Seychelles may decide to exclude specific GMOs or categories of GMOs from the
p.000024: application of the AIA Procedure, as and when decided by the Meeting of Parties. This would take into account of
...
p.000027: simultaneously keep and maintain a database on all products containing GMOs produced or imported into Seychelles;
p.000027: • Verify the content of the notification to ensure that the information specified by the regulations is contained
p.000027: at a minimum, in any of the Seychelles official languages (English, French and Creole).
p.000027: • Provide official acknowledgement of receipts of the notification and communicate the decision taken on the
p.000027: notification the Applicant(s) and BCH.
p.000027:
p.000027: In line with the Protocol the Biosafety Administration Office shall issue acknowledgement
p.000027: letter stating:
p.000027:
p.000027: a) The date of receipt of the notification;
p.000027: b) Whether the notification, prima facie, contains the information referred to in the Biosafety Act;
p.000027: c) Whether to proceed according to the Seychelles regulations.
p.000027:
p.000027: The acknowledgement will identify the next steps in the process, and will confirm the date upon which
p.000027: the 270-day period begins within which Seychelles should reach a decision on the proposed import or local
p.000027: development of the GMO in question.
p.000027:
p.000027: 9.4 The National Biosafety Board
p.000027:
p.000027: The decision making body for the implementation of the National Biosafety Framework will be the National Biosafety
p.000027: Board. It will comprise of highly technical personnel coming from relevant sectors and stakeholders as
p.000027: requested by the Cartagena Protocol for Biosafety. The Board which will be composed on not more than 11
p.000027: members from a wide range of national authorities including representatives from the Health Sector,
p.000027: Environment, Agriculture, Economic Planning, Commerce, the Private sector, the National Consumer Forum,
p.000027: Import and Export regulators as well as representatives from the General Public. The Board will elect a
p.000027: chairperson, a vice chairperson and a secretary during its first official meeting. The members of the Board will
p.000027: be nominated by their respective ministers or head of organization, while the Minister responsible for the
p.000027: implementation of the Cartagena Protocol will nominate the non-governmental organizations and individuals from
p.000027: the private sector.
p.000027:
p.000027: The National Biosafety Board will set up the procedure for consultations with other advisory bodies
p.000027: whenever required before any decision on a proposed import, research, field trial, release or place on the market of a
p.000027: GMO or a GMO product will be taken. The decision taken by the Board will then be endorsed by the Minister
p.000027: responsible for administering the Cartagena Protocol for Biosafety.
p.000027:
p.000027: The National Biosafety Board will make all decisions regarding GMOs in Seychelles. The specific terms
p.000027: of reference will be established in the Biosafety Act. Key stakeholders shall be represented on
p.000027: this decision making body as Board Members. Members of the Board must be persons of credibility and
p.000027: free from any conflicts of
p.000027:
p.000027:
p.000027:
p.000028: 28
p.000028:
p.000028: interests. The decisions of the body shall be based on recommendations of the Advisory Committees and public
p.000028: input. The Board shall operate independently of any manipulation. The source of funding for its
...
p.000033:
p.000033: In the case that approval is granted the relevant body (ies) of inspectorate shall be involved in control, enforcement
p.000033: and monitoring of the conditions and progress. Periodic reports and findings shall be communicated to the
p.000033: National Biosafety Board.
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033: MINISTER RESPONSIBLE FOR ENVIRONMENT (MENR)
p.000033:
p.000033: Appeal
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033: APPLICANT
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033: National Biosafety Board
p.000033: Public/consumer interest group
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033: Biosafety Administration (CPB Focal Point Office)
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033: Advisory & Inspectorate Committees
p.000033: National Needs (Social, economic & ethical)
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033: BCH
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000034: 34
p.000034:
p.000034: 10.0 Risk Assessment and Risk Management
p.000034:
p.000034: 10.1 Knowledge of risks base on Science
p.000034:
p.000034: Before Seychelles decides to import ANY GMO and/or promote the application of modern biotechnology locally, the people
p.000034: of Seychelles have to be aware as far as possible of the following:
p.000034:
p.000034: • The effects of both intentional and unintentional release and;
p.000034: • The possible harmful effects of the GMO or the technology that may impact on human health and on the natural
p.000034: environment of the country.
p.000034: This applies to GMOs as commodity imports, research, field and laboratory tests, as well as in any other forms of
p.000034: introduction into Seychelles.
p.000034:
p.000034: The knowledge on all the effects of modern biotechnology and its applications is necessary for the Government and
p.000034: the people of Seychelles to have in order to allow them to make proper founded scientific decision of
p.000034: the risks, the chances that something untoward may happen and the nature and intensity of the consequences.
p.000034:
p.000034: Each decision will be made based primarily on the scientific knowledge available at the time of the application. As
p.000034: a result, all available knowledge in various disciplines should be increased through capacity building
p.000034: programmes. The government realizes that it is impossible to achieve zero risks. Therefore, the
p.000034: continuous flow and exchange of the information will result in knowledge increase. This knowledge will
p.000034: allow maximum transparency in research and policy formulation. It will allow responsible decision making on
p.000034: applications and close monitoring and enforcement which would serve to keep these risks at a minimum.
p.000034:
p.000034: 10.2 Risk assessment – Who does it?
p.000034:
p.000034: The National Biosafety Board of Seychelles will have the mandate to make decisions on GMO applications.
p.000034: In order to assist the board to come up with well-informed decisions, pools of expertise on specific
p.000034: requests of the Applications will be brought together on committees called Advisory Committees. One of the main
...
p.000035: and Biotechnology this will be no exception and Seychelles will continue to seek international support to effectively
p.000035: ensure that unbiased risk assessments are made. Capacity building in the field of risk assessment is of
p.000035: overriding importance to Seychelles. It is noted that at the moment, Seychelles, cannot afford the cost of
p.000035: assembling such experts as well as the cost to conduct assessments. In such instances Seychelles will
p.000035: have to seek support from the international community to meet such costs.
p.000035:
p.000035:
p.000035:
p.000035: REVIEWERS
p.000035: (Advisory Committees)
p.000035:
p.000035:
p.000035:
p.000035:
p.000035:
p.000035:
p.000035: Response to requests for additional information
p.000035:
p.000035: RISK ASSESSMENT
p.000035: Requests for additional information
p.000035:
p.000035:
p.000035:
p.000035:
p.000035:
p.000035: APPLICANT
p.000035:
p.000035:
p.000035:
p.000035: Figure 4: Risk Assessment: an interactive process between reviewers and applicant
p.000035:
p.000035: 10.3 The need to weigh the Risks against the Benefits
p.000035:
p.000035: As Seychelles is a Small Island Development State (SIDS), it is absolutely necessary for a proper assessment of the
p.000035: possible risk of any introduction of GMO against its intended benefit to the society. The areas in Seychelles that
p.000035: warrant risk assessment to be carried out are health and GMO release into the environment where the potential risks are
p.000035: often considered irreversible. When these benefits outweigh the potential risks, the products may be considered
p.000035: acceptable. Seychelles, being a SIDS, with a fragile economy base on its limited local natural resources, it is
p.000035: very important for the country to take extra precaution with regard to risks especially when alternatives are
p.000035: already available.
p.000035:
p.000035:
p.000035:
p.000035:
p.000035:
p.000035:
p.000035:
p.000035:
p.000036: 36
p.000036:
p.000036: 10.4 Risk Assessment - “case by case’ and “step by step” approval
p.000036:
p.000036: The Government of Seychelles firmly believes that Risk Assessment of GMOs either for consumption, field trials or
p.000036: commercial release should take place using a “case by case” and “step by step” assessment techniques method. This
p.000036: means that each use of GMOs in a permit application will be judged separately and that the risk assessment is geared to
p.000036: the specific situation of the GMO application. It also means that a permit application must be accompanied by a
p.000036: detailed profile of the GMO and a detailed description of the proposed procedures with the GMO as will be listed in
p.000036: Annex I of the Biosafety Act.
p.000036:
p.000036: 10.5 Procedures for Risk Assessment
p.000036:
p.000036: The risk assessment will begin with an identification of potential harmful effects on human and the
...
p.000036: proposed genetically modified crop.
p.000036:
p.000036: By combining practical knowledge and experience with available information given or obtained during the “step by step”
p.000036: method and the development process of the GM crop, The National Biosafety Board will be able to make an estimate of the
p.000036: possible risks that the introduction or market approval could bring to the ecosystem.
p.000036:
p.000036: However, on the other hand, it is widely recognized that the current knowledge of ecology in Seychelles is
p.000036: very limited to safely allow any large-scale field trials or market
p.000036:
p.000036:
p.000036:
p.000037: 37
p.000037:
p.000037: approval. It is believed that more research is required on the possible effects of GMOs on the tropical
p.000037: ecosystems, especially into the country which the GMOs are to be introduced. Furthermore, Seychelles
p.000037: believes that extreme precaution should be taken to prevent irreversible situations. In general fundamental knowledge
p.000037: of tropical ecosystems and possible ecological effects of GMOs are limited. Extension of the knowledge on the possible
p.000037: effects of GMOs on the tropical and ecological systems is expected to continue and expand in Seychelles. At this
p.000037: juncture, it is noted with regard to the manageability of any ecological risks that there are important differences
p.000037: between various organisms, besides actual genetic modification. Such differences will be taken into consideration in
p.000037: the assessment of ecological risks.
p.000037:
p.000037: 10.7 Assessing risk in the Medical Sector
p.000037:
p.000037: Due to our high dependence of medical, health care and pharmaceutical products from external, and with our limited
p.000037: capacity to conduct tests on medical products, the government is in agreement to follow the World Health
p.000037: Organisation (WHO) guidelines on the Certification Scheme on Pharmaceutical Products Moving in International
p.000037: Commerce.
p.000037:
p.000037: The following certification is required for those pharmaceutical Products:
p.000037:
p.000037: 4. “the specific product is authorized to be placed on the market within the exporting country jurisdiction or, if
p.000037: it is not thus authorized, the reason why that authorization has not been accorded”;
p.000037: 5. “the plant in which the pharmaceutical product is produced is subject to inspections at suitable intervals to
p.000037: establish that the manufacturer conforms to Good Practices in the Manufacture and quality control of drugs as
p.000037: recommended by WHO”;
p.000037: 6. “all submitted product information, including labeling, is currently authorized in the certifying country”.
p.000037:
p.000037: The WHO Certification Scheme is consistent with the provisions of The 1970 Pharmaceutical
p.000037: Inspection Convention which Seychelles is a party to.
p.000037:
p.000037:
p.000037: 10.8 The use of Precautionary Principle
p.000037:
p.000037: For a small country like Seychelles, a central role in the consideration of risks will be allocated to the
p.000037: Precautionary Principle, as currently being defined in the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. This is very
p.000037: important for a small country of only 455 square km and with a high dependence on the local biodiversity for
p.000037: its economic growth and prosperity. Genetic changes are irreversible and by their nature self-reproducing. This is
...
p.000038:
p.000038: 10.9 Assessing the risk in socio-economics and ethics
p.000038:
p.000038: In addition to the scientific issues, for a country with a population of 82,000 people, ethical and
p.000038: social considerations also demand considerable attention. Especially as most of the products that will enter the
p.000038: jurisdiction of Seychelles will be commodity import and would thus, directly influence the consumer market.
p.000038: When addressing the risk assessments in Seychelles, divergent values and interests and issues will be weighed up
p.000038: against each other. The Government is fully aware that some people will judge that for reasons of faith or respect for
p.000038: life. E.g. genetic modification of any organism, whatsoever is not acceptable under any circumstances, while others
p.000038: will, due to the advantages of genetic modification in medical, environmental, industry and agricultural areas,
p.000038: will regard the application of this technology as highly desirable. The Government is aware that such considerations
p.000038: and the resulting choices are far from simple, especially as this technology is quite recent. Such matters will be
p.000038: carefully treated in the Biosafety Act in order to provide the consumers with informed choices.
p.000038:
p.000038: 10.10 Safety and Acceptability
p.000038:
p.000038: In general, Seychelles recognizes the opportunities that Modern Biotechnology provides for sustainable farming,
p.000038: cleaner production methods, better health care and a better environment. There is no doubt that such
p.000038: opportunities should not be explored. However, these opportunities should be accompanied by optimum safeguards
p.000038: to ensure safety; transparency in decision-making; freedom of choice for the individual; and ethical
p.000038: acceptability. Thus, it is not surprising that Seychelles opted for optimum safety and acceptability to
p.000038: come with every new GMO or GMO product entering the country.
p.000038:
p.000038: 10.11 Approval
p.000038:
p.000038: (i) Field trials or market introductions into the country will only be permitted if it has been sufficiently
p.000038: shown in a scientific manner that it does not pose any social, economic and ethical threats to the country
p.000038: and its population; and that these trials or introductions constitute an acceptable risk to human and the environment.
p.000038: (ii) Only when application of the “step by step” method and an exhaustive risk analysis (either by
p.000038: local experts or with the assistance of foreign experts) has reasonably indicated that a GMO or GMO product
p.000038: constitutes an acceptable risk to human and the environment will it be authorized to be placed on the
p.000038: local market.
p.000038: (iii) If uncertainties in the assessment indicate that the risk may be too great because the effect may be serious
p.000038: and the chance of them occurring are too high, then in accordance with the Precautionary Principle the
p.000038: introduction will not be authorized in Seychelles.
p.000038: (iv) Since field trials are to be permitted only if the risks are acceptably low this means that a
p.000038: field trial is more likely to be approved if the organism:
p.000038:
p.000038:
p.000038:
p.000038:
p.000039: 39
p.000039:
p.000039: a) shows that there is a high degree of certainty about the possible effects on human, and the
p.000039: environment;
p.000039: b) does not cross-breed with wild relatives of local economic importance;
p.000039: c) cannot survive unassisted in the environment.
p.000039: (v) If the reverse situation applies to an organism, approval will not be made. This means that in the case,
p.000039: for instance of a field trial, more data would be needed on the behaviour of the GMO plant in order to judge
p.000039: whether the risks can be reduced to an acceptable level.
p.000039: (vi) The method of risk assessment will be evaluated and adjusted if necessary. The risk assessment will devote a
p.000039: lot of attention to the possible ecological effects of introducing GMOs into the environment and of market approval of
p.000039: GMOs, while on health products international guidelines and the minimum requirement of the protocol will be used where
p.000039: applicable as much as possible.
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000040: 40
p.000040:
p.000040: 11.0 Public Awareness, Education and Participation
p.000040:
p.000040: In Seychelles every citizen has access to environment, agriculture, health and consumer related
p.000040: information. Such information is even incorporated in the school curricula. Systematic modes of
p.000040: transferring information to the general public through the national media are shown below:
p.000040:
p.000040:
p.000040: Type of Media
p.000040: The Seychelles Nation
p.000040:
p.000040: (national newspaper)
p.000040:
p.000040: National Radio
p.000040:
p.000040: (SBC)
p.000040:
p.000040:
p.000040:
p.000040: National Television
p.000040:
p.000040: (SBC)
p.000040:
p.000040:
p.000040: Newsletters
p.000040: Name of Programme Environment articles Agriculture and fisheries articles Consumer articles
p.000040: Nou Lanvironman Depans Radio clinic Resours
p.000040:
p.000040:
p.000040: Seychelles Que J’aime Resours
p.000040:
p.000040:
p.000040: Ou Lavi Enviro
p.000040:
p.000040: Konsomater
p.000040: Length of programme One full page
p.000040: One full page
p.000040:
p.000040: Half a page 30 minutes
p.000040: 30 minutes
p.000040: 30 minutes
p.000040: 30 minutes
p.000040:
p.000040:
p.000040: 35 minutes
p.000040:
p.000040: 35 minutes
p.000040:
p.000040:
p.000040: 35 minutes Entire newsletter Entire newsletter
p.000040: Frequency Weekly Fortnightly
p.000040:
p.000040: Weekly Bi-weekly
p.000040: Fortnightly Weekly Weekly
p.000040:
p.000040:
p.000040: Fortnightly Fortnightly
p.000040:
p.000040: Monthly Yearly
p.000040:
p.000040: Twice a year
p.000040: Sector involved Environment sector Agriculture and Fisheries sectors Consumers
p.000040:
p.000040: Environment sector Consumers Health Agriculture and Fisheries sector Environment sector Agriculture and Fisheries
p.000040: sector
p.000040: Health Environment sector Consumers
p.000040:
p.000040: Regular workshops and meetings are held for the four main sector stakeholders to the Biosafety Protocols
p.000040: (Environment, Health, and Agriculture and Social) to encourage public awareness and participation in national
p.000040: policies. Formal structures such as the Youth National Assembly, Senior Citizens Committee, Women’s
p.000040: Leagues, Youth Leagues, the Farmer’s Association, the Fishermen Association and Young Citizens are among some of the
p.000040: various groups found in the country representing the population structure of Seychelles.
p.000040:
p.000040: These groups hold regular workshops and meetings where national policies, local developments and
p.000040: other national and community issues are discussed.
p.000040:
p.000040: Public information on Biosafety and biotechnology in Seychelles is being viewed as information provided to
p.000040: the public about modern biotechnology and the safe use of biotechnology; including the benefits, risks, and
p.000040: systems set in place to promote safety for the environment and human health in Seychelles. Such information is useful
p.000040:
p.000040:
p.000040:
p.000041: 41
p.000041:
p.000041: to inform, raise awareness and educate the public, whilst promoting transparency. In Seychelles, good
p.000041: public information leads to public participation, trust and confidence. The four most relevant sector organisation to
p.000041: the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety in Seychelles enjoy credibility among the public. Thus, for the implementation of
p.000041: the National Biosafety Framework the mentioned organizations will conduct public information and participation
p.000041: programmes. However, these organizations need to enroll on a capacity building programme to be well equipped to
p.000041: provide the public with the right information on the activities of Biosafety and Biotechnology, to the
p.000041: consumers on the scientific, environmental, educational and ecological issues. These organisations should also be well
p.000041: trained to be able to provide such information to the media.
p.000041:
p.000041: The national media will be used as the principal means to disseminate Biosafety and Biotechnology
p.000041: information to the Seychellois Public. The different political papers will also be used to reach politicians and
p.000041: political activists. The various groups representing the Seychelles’ population structures will be used
p.000041: as means for raising public awareness and public participation. Formal educational programme on Biosafety
...
p.000042: to be disseminated to the population by targeting the different public groupings in Seychelles mentioned
p.000042: above.
p.000042:
p.000042:
p.000042:
p.000042:
p.000042:
p.000042:
p.000042:
p.000042:
p.000042:
p.000042:
p.000042:
p.000042:
p.000042:
p.000042:
p.000042:
p.000042:
p.000042:
p.000042:
p.000042:
p.000042:
p.000042:
p.000042:
p.000042:
p.000043: 43
p.000043:
p.000043: 12.0 Monitoring and Enforcement
p.000043:
p.000043: According to the proposed Biosafety Act, the Ministry responsible for the portfolio of Environment shall be
p.000043: responsible for the administrative functions required to implement the Biosafety law and consequently, the focal
p.000043: point to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety is housed within the Ministry responsible for Environment.
p.000043: The administrative functions include timely notification to other states, the BCH and relevant international
p.000043: organizations of any event in Seychelles involving GMOs.
p.000043:
p.000043: The effective implementation of the National Biosafety Framework will include monitoring and enforcement of
p.000043: decisions taken by the National Biosafety Board. The Biosafety Act empowers the bodies of inspectorate
p.000043: mentioned below to inspect and monitor the use of GMOs and GMO products in Seychelles:
p.000043:
p.000043: 1. Department of Finance (Customs Division) – monitoring of commodity imports and exports, verifying permits
p.000043: and certificates at the ports of entry/exit.
p.000043: 2. Department of Environment – monitoring GMOs in the field as field trials, research and commercial propagation.
p.000043: 3. Department of Health (Division of Community Health) – monitoring food safety standards, labeling requirements, use
p.000043: of GMOs and laboratory testing.
p.000043: 4. Department of Natural Resources (Plant Protection Section) – monitoring GMOs in the field of Agriculture as
p.000043: field trials, research or commercial release, verifying permits and certificates at the ports of entry for plants
p.000043: and plant products.
p.000043: 5. Department of Natural Resources (Veterinary Section) – monitoring GMOs in the livestock segment of Agriculture,
p.000043: verifying permits and certificate at the port of entry and conduct fish inspection.
p.000043: 6. Seychelles Bureau of Standard – monitoring food standards, research documents as well as verifying laboratory
p.000043: standards (Reference laboratory).
p.000043: 7. Department of Finance (Consumer Protection Section) – monitor GMOs and GMO products in the country
p.000043: with the aim of ensuring consumer protection, inspecting goods to ensure compliance with labelling
p.000043: requirements as per the Biosafety Act. Monitoring public awareness and public participation systems and
p.000043: programmes to ensure compliance with the Biosafety Act, the National Consumer Act, the National Biosafety
p.000043: Framework and the Catagena Protocol for Biosafety.
p.000043:
p.000043: Apart from the present duties of the inspectorate officers mentioned above, these inspectors will be empowered to seize
p.000043: and destroy GMOs or products of GMOs that contravene the law. These powers to be vested into the inspectors will
p.000043: complement and will not affect existing powers to search and seize under the Plant Protection Act, Animal Disease
p.000043: (Import control) Act, Import and Export (customs) regulations, Food Act and Environment Protection Act. The
p.000043: implementation of the Biosafety Act would not require a specialize group of officers to be stationed at the ports
p.000043: of entry to check for GMOs import or inspect field trials or commodities on the market. Instead, the
p.000043: custom officers and officers of Environmental Health and Natural Resources would play an important role
p.000043: in checking certificates and permits for GMO imports. Each department will monitor and enforce the Biosafety Act in
p.000043: its line of duties.
p.000043: Collaboration and coordination are have been identified as very paramount among the various departments
p.000043: and organisations for GMO identification, risk assessment, and risk
p.000043:
p.000043:
p.000043:
p.000044: 44
p.000044:
p.000044: management (DoE, DNR, DoH, DoF, MoEP, NATCOF and, SBS). Such joint efforts are therefore essential for the
p.000044: effective implementation of the Biosafety legislations.
p.000044:
p.000044: As there were neither Biosafety policies nor legislation in Seychelles before the execution of the National Biosafety
p.000044: Framework project, the above bodies of inspectorate have not yet been trained in GMO detection, field trial,
p.000044: or market release inspection. Intensive training will be required for the mentioned bodies for
p.000044: inspectorate activities. As per the administrative systems, a senior inspectorate officer from each of the
p.000044: mentioned departments and organisations involved in the monitoring and enforcement will sit on the
p.000044: Biosafety Advisory Committees and will also be able to provide practical situation reports on any
p.000044: particular GMO application in relation to monitoring and enforcement. This would ensure effective implementation of
p.000044: the Biosafety Act through an update and informed monitoring and enforcement system. The National Biosafety
p.000044: Board will monitor the enforcement, monitoring systems and mechanisms to ensure its efficiency.
p.000044:
p.000044: So far no applications for GMO have been received in the country and as a result no permits have been issued yet.
p.000044:
p.000044: From the Survey results of the Institution capacity it was found out that there are no laboratories
p.000044: equipped enough to conduct or carry out GMO analysis in Seychelles (See Institution Survey result). The
p.000044: closest laboratories that can be enhanced to allow some basic tests to be carried out are the Clinical and
p.000044: Public Health Laboratory in the Department of Health and the Laboratories to monitor standards at the
p.000044: Seychelles Bureau of Standard (would benefit with the use of a PCR , Polymerase Chain Reaction).
p.000044: Seychelles have no University yet to conduct such test.
p.000044:
p.000044: However, as soon as our Laboratories are equipped even with a PCR, the Ministry of Environment & Natural
p.000044: Resources together with the Ministry of Health and Social Services and the National Consumer Forum will introduce a
p.000044: program for monitoring the presence of genetically modified products in food in Seychelles (especially agricultural
p.000044: products).
p.000044:
p.000044: Compliance with the Biosafety legislations as well as other related legislations such as the Veterinary, Quarantine
p.000044: procedures, EPA, Food Act, Public Health Act and SBS Act should be permanently and effectively controlled. All the
p.000044: relevant bodies of inspectorate mentioned above should monitor the shipment, propagation, content and use of
p.000044: GMO in Seychelles within their particular mandates. The detailed roles of each body and approaches in
p.000044: monitoring and inspections will be worked out by the individual government institutions (see survey results).
p.000044:
p.000044: Further monitoring and enforcement strategies will be developed during the implementation of the National Biosafety
p.000044: Framework. These issues will also be considered during the annual reviews of the Seychelles Biosafety Policy.
p.000044:
p.000044: Any illegal release of GMOs in the environment or on the market will be subjected to a penalty as will
p.000044: be stipulated in the Biosafety Act.
p.000044:
p.000044:
p.000044:
p.000044:
p.000044:
p.000044:
p.000044:
p.000044:
p.000045: 45
p.000045:
p.000045: 12.1 Monitoring
p.000045:
p.000045: With regards to monitoring, the Department of Environment will monitor and take measures in order to ensure the project
p.000045: owner abides by the environmental management plan during the project construction, operation, and closure as per the
p.000045: EIA regulations under the Environment Protection Act, 1996. In practice, monitoring and reporting system on
p.000045: any effects to the environment and/or effects to human health and the nature of the GMOs will have to
p.000045: be addressed by the appropriate line ministries and simultaneously with the coordination of a concerted
p.000045: inter-ministerial effort. This would require committed cooperation from relevant line ministries, parastatal
p.000045: organizations, NGOs, media and the private sector.
p.000045:
p.000045: The monitoring of impact on the environment and human are conducted by the Environmental
p.000045: Impact Assessment Section within the Department of Environment. This section is responsible for carrying
p.000045: impact assessment on any proposed development of projects in the country. This includes GMO field trials
p.000045: projects intended for planting and commercial use in Seychelles.
p.000045:
p.000045: The Custom Officers, Environmental Health Officers and Natural Resources officers will be responsible to verify
p.000045: certificates, permits of import or export of goods and commodities. If any of these prove to contravene the Biosafety
p.000045: law or any other national legislation, these goods and commodities will be confiscated and will be sent to the relevant
p.000045: departments for further inspection and legal case development.
p.000045:
p.000045: In the event that there is an unintentional release, the Department of Environment would be the leading organization to
p.000045: ensure risks are immediately contained as soon as the unintended release is known. During normal inspection, the
p.000045: relevant ministries and groups should immediately report to the Biosafety Administration Office who in
p.000045: turn will notify the National Biosafety Board for urgent action, such as risk management and operation
p.000045: of an emergency response plan.
p.000045:
p.000045: Monitoring areas of priorities shall be:
p.000045:
p.000045: 1. Field trials of GMOs if they have been allowed into the Environment (DoE and NR);
p.000045: 2. GMO in contained use (if they have been allowed e.g. Laboratories) (DoH, DoE and NR);
p.000045: 3. Illegal transboundary movement (Custom, DoE, NR and DoH);
p.000045: 4. GMOs for direct use for food and feed (DoH, SBS, NATCOF and VET);
p.000045: 5. Impact of GMO on Biological Diversity (DoE);
p.000045: 6. GMO in transit (Custom and DoE).
p.000045:
p.000045: 12.2 Enforcement
p.000045:
p.000045: Enforcement varies according to the nature and intended use of the GMO. The GMO will be subjected to different laws
...
p.000050: Funding Agency
p.000050: Local (Gov.) and international (yet to be identified)
p.000050: Local (Gov.) and international (yet to be identified)
p.000050: Responsible Agency NCA/NBB
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050: NCA/NBB
p.000050: Verifiable Indicator Assessment reports, workshop reports, field monitoring reports
p.000050:
p.000050: Awareness programmes made, educational materials produced
p.000050: Time Frame Ongoing
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050: Ongoing
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000051: 51
p.000051:
p.000051: and awareness activities.
p.000051: To advise decision makers of ‘proven safe’ Modern Biotechnology applications that
p.000051: can be used to enhance food security in Seychelles.
p.000051: To ensure that the views of farmers are reflected in local policies (especially where importation of GMOs
p.000051: for agricultural purposes is concerned)
p.000051:
p.000051: Local (Gov.) and international (yet to be identified)
p.000051:
p.000051: Local (Gov.) and international (yet to be identified)
p.000051:
p.000051: NCA/NBB/Ad visory committees
p.000051:
p.000051:
p.000051:
p.000051: NCA/NBB
p.000051:
p.000051: Scientific docs reproduced, case studies analysed, BCH docs and notifications from MoPs.
p.000051: Concerns taken into consideration in GMO application procedures
p.000051:
p.000051: Ongoing
p.000051:
p.000051:
p.000051:
p.000051:
p.002005: 2005
p.002005: onwards
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005: 6.0 Maintaining Food and Pharmaceutical use safety in Seychelles: a public health priority.
p.002005:
p.002005: Objective:
p.002005: Pursue the economic and public benefits of improved health care through products of Modern Biotechnology,
p.002005: but at all times ensuring that the products have been considered safe for human health (by reputed,
p.002005: recognised organisations/institution).
p.002005:
p.002005: Actions:
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.000052: 52
p.000052:
p.000052: Activities
p.000052:
p.000052: To advocate and support the development of objective, rigorous risk-based, sustainable, integrated
p.000052: food safety systems.
p.000052: To improve on existing systems of assessment and management of food borne risks, risks from
p.000052: pharmaceuticals and other drugs products, and communicating information, in cooperation with
p.000052: other sectors and partners
p.000052: To conduct a survey on impacts on change in health care, risk perception, acceptance of MB, legislation and liability
p.000052: in Seychelles.
p.000052: Funding Agency International (yet to be identified)
p.000052:
p.000052: International (yet to be identified)
p.000052:
p.000052:
p.000052:
p.000052:
p.000052: International (yet to be identified)
p.000052: Responsible Agency DoH
p.000052:
p.000052:
p.000052:
p.000052: DoH
p.000052:
p.000052:
p.000052:
p.000052:
p.000052:
p.000052:
p.000052: DoH
p.000052: Verifiable Indicator
p.000052: Food safety system protocol fully in place
p.000052:
p.000052: Systems improved and tested
p.000052:
p.000052:
p.000052:
p.000052:
p.000052:
p.000052: Survey results
p.000052: Time Frame
p.000052: By Dec. 2006
p.000052:
p.000052:
p.000052: By Dec. 2006
p.000052:
p.000052:
p.000052:
p.000052:
p.000052:
p.000052: By Dec. 2006
p.000052:
p.000052:
p.000052:
p.000052: To ensure effective management of potential hazards of GMO foods and Pharmaceutical products
p.000052: through the use of preventive approaches
p.000052: To promote a holistic approach to the safe use of food and medical products derived from modern
p.000052: biotechnology.
p.000052: To keep abreast with internationally agreed methodologies and guidelines for evaluation of safety
p.000052: in the use of food, food ingredients and medical products resulting from Modern Biotechnology based on WHO and
p.000052: CODEX standards and guidelines.
p.000052: National (Gov.)
p.000052:
p.000052:
p.000052:
p.000052:
p.000052: National (Gov.)
p.000052:
p.000052:
p.000052:
p.000052: National (Gov.)
p.000052: DoH/NBB/NCA
p.000052:
p.000052:
p.000052:
p.000052:
p.000052: DoH/Public Sensitisation Committee
p.000052:
p.000052: DoH/NCA
p.000052: No of Applications denied for the mentioned reasons
p.000052:
p.000052:
p.000052: Programmes and materials made
p.000052:
p.000052:
p.000052: Regular revision of health policies on GMOs and GMO products
p.000052: Ongoing
p.000052:
p.000052:
p.000052:
p.000052:
p.000052: Ongoing
p.000052:
p.000052:
p.000052:
p.000052: Ongoing
p.000052:
p.000052:
p.000052: 7.0 Ensuring effective sets regulations and policies that are in line with constant changes
p.000052:
p.000052: Objective:
p.000052: Adopt appropriate legislation and policies to ensure that the local biological diversity of Seychelles is given
p.000052: adequate protection taking into account safety to human health.
p.000052:
p.000052:
p.000052:
p.000052:
p.000052:
p.000052:
p.000052:
p.000052:
p.000052:
p.000053: 53
p.000053:
p.000053: Actions:
p.000053:
p.000053:
p.000053: Activities
p.000053:
p.000053: Finalise the Biosafety Act
p.000053:
p.000053:
p.000053: To ensure that the existing bodies of inspections and control systems that safeguards the Seychelles
p.000053: public and the environment against possible risks are enforcing the regulations, procedures and policies in
p.000053: place.
p.000053: To revise and update the regulations and policies periodically to take into consideration the evolving
p.000053: issues that occurs in that field.
p.000053: Funding Agency International (under the GEF/UNEP
p.000053: NBF Project) National (Gov.)
p.000053:
p.000053:
p.000053:
p.000053:
p.000053:
p.000053:
p.000053: National (Gov.)
p.000053: Responsible Agency AG’s
p.000053: Office/NCA
p.000053:
p.000053:
p.000053: All Inspections and Monitoring bodies with appropriate mandates mentioned in the NBF
p.000053: NBB/NCA/AG
p.000053: ’s Office
p.000053: Verifiable Indicator Biosafety Act
p.000053: approved by National Assembly
p.000053:
p.000053: A workable, enforceable and a system based on good cooperation and collaboration
p.000053:
p.000053:
p.000053: Revised regulations
p.000053: Time Frame June. 2006
p.000053:
p.000053:
p.000053: Continuous
p.000053:
p.000053:
p.000053:
p.000053:
p.000053:
p.000053:
p.000053: Continuous
p.000053:
p.000053:
p.000053: Below are the details of the basic activities that require urgent regional and international attention and financial
p.000053: support in order for Seychelles to fully comply with the National Biosafety Framework and the Cartagena Protocol for
p.000053: Biosafety.
p.000053:
p.000053:
p.000053: Field
p.000053: Institution Building for Biosafety Regime Development
p.000053:
p.000053:
p.000053: General Risk Assessment Capacities
p.000053:
p.000053:
p.000053:
p.000053:
p.000053:
p.000053:
p.000053:
p.000053:
p.000053: Science and socio-economic capacities
p.000053: Activities
p.000053: • Finalise the Biosafety Act;
p.000053: • Develop/strengthen administrative structures and processes to support the Biosafety Act;
p.000053:
p.000053: • Develop/strengthen administrative processes to conduct Risk Assessment and to manage Risk;
p.000053: • Develop local risk assessment capacity to coordinate multi-disciplinary analyses;
p.000053: • Enhancement of technological and institution capacities for risk assessment;
p.000053: • To identify outside experts for Reviewing GMO Applications;
p.000053: • Understanding of relevant biotechnological processes and applications;
p.000053: • Analyse risks to conservation and sustainable use of diversity;
p.000053: • Evaluation of genetic modifications;
p.000053: • Analyse risks to human health of the effects on biodiversity;
p.000053: • Analyse ecosystem effects of GMO introduction;
p.000053: • Assess food security issues arising from risks to biodiversity;
p.000053: • Enhancement of existing related scientific, technical capacities
p.000053:
p.000053:
p.000053:
p.000053:
p.000054: 54
p.000054:
p.000054: General risk management capacities
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054: Decision-making capacities
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054: Monitoring and Enforcement
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054: Data management and information-sharing
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054: Human Resources Strengthening and development
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054: Public awareness and participation
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054: Involvement of stakeholders, e.g. non- governmental organisations, local communities, private sector
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054: Financial assistance for Biosafety
p.000054: • Understanding of application of risk management tools to different Modern Biotechnology sectors;
p.000054:
p.000054: • Identification and quantification of risks, including through sound application of the precautionary approach;
p.000054: • Capacity to assess relative effectiveness of management options for import, handling and use of Modern
p.000054: Biotechnology and its products, where appropriate;
p.000054: • Capacity to assess relative trade impacts of management options, where appropriate;
p.000054:
...
p.000054: • Processes for community, NGO consultation in development of risk assessment and management regimes;
p.000054: • Processes for community, NGO consultation prior to decisions.
p.000054:
p.000054: • Actively search for funding to support Biosafety in Seychelles
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000055: 55
p.000055:
p.000055: ANNEX I
p.000055:
p.000055: PUBLIC AWARENESS AND PARTICIPATION IN BIO-SAFETY
p.000055: (Rachel Marie)
p.000055:
p.000055: It is a well known fact that information dissemination is never enough. From environmental and developmental viewpoints
p.000055: there has been a conscientious effort by the various ministries, organizations and institutions to put in place
p.000055: mechanisms for promoting and facilitating public awareness, education and participation.
p.000055:
p.000055: Such initiatives have been very well appreciated by the general public as its gives them an opportunity to air views
p.000055: provide suggestion and feel a sense of ownership about the projects, activities, programmers placed at their
p.000055: disposal by either the government or other stakeholders.
p.000055:
p.000055: The Seychelles have tried as per the country’s constitution to make sure that the public are informed and educated
p.000055: on various issues and bio-safety is no exception. As per its international obligations such as the
p.000055: Cartage Protocol, the country has tried to assess the effectiveness of the existing mechanisms for public
p.000055: participation that are already in place.
p.000055:
p.000055: Within the Ministry of Health, there exist a unit for health education and promotion as well as a public relations
p.000055: unit. These two units have been set up with the aim of giving the public the necessary and appropriate information on
p.000055: health matters. There is no specific system for public participation although at several clinics there are
p.000055: complaints and suggestion, boxes, whereby the public can place their complaints and suggestions. How the
p.000055: complaints and suggestions are then used this is not clear.
p.000055:
p.000055: At regular intervals the ministry has also tried to organize decentralized meetings, where the public are invited to
p.000055: participate and air their views and give their suggestions.
p.000055:
p.000055: The ministry has always reserved the right not to disclose information to the public if they wish not to do so.
p.000055: The public for example might not be informed if such a drug is genetically modified if the ministry thinks this should
p.000055: be the case and so far their has not been any such obligation from the ministry, although a patient always reserves his
p.000055: or her right to such information.
p.000055:
p.000055: The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources on the other hand has in place a system for public can participate
p.000055: and give their views on any environment development through the Environment Impact Assessment procedure (EIA)
p.000055: which has an avenue for public participation. The EIA process makes provision for public notification
p.000055: through the mass media. This is done through the daily paper, over a certain period of time. The public is able to
p.000055: view the project plan at the Ministry of Environment or the National Library and comments.
p.000055:
p.000055: The comments and suggestions put forward by the public are then taken into consideration. If found to be valid a
p.000055: project might not start due to the public involvement and viewpoint. Another avenue for public
...
p.000056: The proposed plan that the country is working on does ensure public participation at various stages, if and when the
p.000056: country does decide to either import, produce or handle genetically or living modified organisms in the near future.
p.000056: The proposed document makes provision for representative of the public or civil society organizations to sit on
p.000056: committees to represent the public. It also ensures an avenue for direct public comments and opinion within
p.000056: a define period of time.
p.000056:
p.000056:
p.000056:
p.000056:
p.000057: 57
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000058: 58
p.000058:
p.000058: ANNEX II
p.000058:
p.000058: Inventory of existing infrastructures and equipment to address Biosafety in Seychelles (Helda Antoine)
p.000058:
p.000058: 1.0 Introduction
p.000058:
p.000058: In Seychelles there are three reference laboratories, which carry out scientific tests and there are no accredited
p.000058: or independent laboratories. The operating reference laboratories in Seychelles are namely the Seychelles Public
p.000058: Health Laboratory (SPHL), Seychelles Bureau of Standards (SBS), and the Public Utilities Corporation (PUC).
p.000058: There are other small organizational and departmental laboratories operating in the country and they carry
p.000058: out specific tests which are specifically related to their scope of work and mandates and have also been
p.000058: included in this inventory exercise such as the Soil and Diagnostic Laboratory, Plant Clinic
p.000058: Laboratory, the Pollution and Control Laboratory, the Fish Inspection Laboratory, the National
p.000058: Institute of Education Laboratory and the Seychelles Polytechnic Laboratory. The mandates as well as the
p.000058: types of tests performed by the reference laboratories are outlined below.
p.000058:
p.000058: 2.0 The Seychelles Public Health Laboratory (SPHL),
p.000058:
p.000058: The Seychelles Public Health Laboratory (SPHL), which is based at the Victoria Hospital within the
p.000058: Ministry of Health and Social Affairs has the mandate under the Food Act of Seychelles to support the
p.000058: importation and consumption of safe and wholesome foods consume or be consumed by the population. It is divided
p.000058: into four units, which are the Food microbiology, Water microbiology, Sexually Transmitted Disease and Disease
p.000058: Surveillance. The Seychelles Public Health Laboratory is the focal point for lab-based disease surveillance and is
p.000058: the government’s designated reference laboratory. The list of main analytical equipment in operation at the
p.000058: Seychelles Public Health Laboratory is appended at Annex 1A while the list of tests per unit and their respective
p.000058: Maximum Turnover time is appended as Annex 1B.
p.000058:
p.000058: 2.1.1 The main responsibilities of the Seychelles Public Health Laboratory are:
p.000058:
p.000058: (i) Monitor the quality of food and water.
p.000058: (ii) Being the national laboratory focal point the SPHL laboratory is involved in the integration and creation of
p.000058: more efficient disease surveillance activities.
p.000058:
p.000058: 2.1.2 Present case at the SPHL
p.000058:
p.000058: At the moment the analysis being performed by the SPHL in many cases are presumptive as confirmatory tests are
p.000058: unavailable. Over the past decade the SPHL has been called upon to confirm the epidemiology of certain sporadic
p.000058: and recurring outbreaks of diseases such as Influenza, Hand foot and Mouth, Measles, Mumps, Diphtheria,
p.000058: Anthrax, SARS and viral hemorrhagic amongst others. The SPHL has also assisted in the containment
p.000058: (through laboratory confirmation) of community-acquired infections such as Tuberculosis and Sexually
p.000058: Transmitted Infections.
p.000058:
p.000058:
p.000058:
p.000058:
p.000059: 59
p.000059:
p.000059: 2.1.3 Handicap
p.000059: However, in past situations of epidemic outbreak in the country samples for diagnosis for example measles
p.000059: and dengue have been sent to reference laboratories overseas. This has meant that delays in sending
p.000059: samples and receiving diagnostic results for particular epidemic/outbreak situations have also led to
p.000059: decreased response time in preventing its spread.
p.000059:
p.000059: 2.1.4 Future plans
p.000059: With the recent advent of the deadly outbreaks of SARS and Bird Flu there has been hopeful plans for the
p.000059: construction of an Isolation Unit to include a Bio-Safety Level 3 (BSL3) laboratory facility, which will
p.000059: fall under the responsibility of SPHL.
p.000059:
p.000059: 2.1.5 Testing for GMOs
...
p.000059: country as a whole and not only for the testing of GMOs. Acquiring a real PCR would be of benefit as it enables rapid,
p.000059: cost-effective routine testing of GMOs, diagnostic and epidemiological purposes. The details of costing of some of the
p.000059: equipments that the SPHL would envisage to have in order to fully meet the objectives of its mandate is attached as
p.000059: Annex 1C.
p.000059:
p.000059:
p.000059: 3.0 The Seychelles Bureau of Standards (SBS)
p.000059: This organization is based at Pointe Larue on Mahe. The postal address is P.O.Box 953, Victoria
p.000059: Mahe, Seychelles, home page www.seychelles.net/sbsorg. E-mail: sbsorg@seychelles.net. Phone
p.000059: number (0248) 380400) and Fax Number: (0248) 375151.
p.000059:
p.000059: The Seychelles Bureau of Standard Laboratory is divided into several units, which perform different tests from the
p.000059: Environmental Pollution Laboratory, Chemical Analysis Laboratory, Microbiology Laboratory and Food Chemistry
p.000059: Laboratory. Note also that the SBS carries out other tests such as Physical Test, which are not covered, as the scope
p.000059: of this inventory is to cover tests and equipment, which cover the scope of Biotechnology and Biosafety. The list of
p.000059: equipment found at SBS are attached at Annex 2
p.000059:
p.000059: 3.1 The most important tests carried out at the SBS Laboratory are:
p.000059:
p.000059: (i) Environmental Pollution Laboratory
p.000059:
p.000059:
p.000059:
p.000059:
p.000060: 60
p.000060:
p.000060: • Water analysis (potable, bottled, boiler, swimming pool, industrial waste and domestic waste)
p.000060: for compliance to Public Health Regulations, Environment and Protection Act etc.,
p.000060: • Soil test for trace elements and physico-chemical properties,
p.000060: • Fish and fishery products and oils for trace elements and,
p.000060: • Ambient air monitoring and noise emission tests,
p.000060: • Testing of paint for quality factors.
p.000060:
p.000060: (ii) Chemical Analysis Laboratory
p.000060: • Quality of soaps, detergents and javals,
p.000060: • Quality of toilet paper, candles and corrugated iron sheets,
p.000060: • Quality of petroleum products,
p.000060: • Testing of plant materials (including medicinal) plants for active ingredients and other quality factors
p.000060: and,
p.000060:
p.000060: (iii) Microbiology Laboratory
p.000060: • Isolation, purification, enumeration and identification of microbes in all sorts of food, animal feed and water,
p.000060: • Air and surface contamination monitoring.
p.000060:
p.000060: (iv) Food chemistry Laboratory
p.000060: • Quality of food products such as fish and fishery products, milk and diary products, fruit and fruit products,
p.000060: cereals and cereal products, spices and condiment and meat and meat products,
p.000060: • Monitoring of fruits and vegetables for organochloride pesticides,
p.000060: • Quality and nutritional parameters of animal feed,
p.000060: • Quality of alcoholic beverages.
p.000060:
p.000060: 4.0. The Public Utilities Cooperation Laboratory
p.000060: The Seychelles Public Utilities Cooperation is the body responsible for the treatment of potable water and
p.000060: its distribution to its clientele. PUC is also responsible for the treatment of sewage. The list of equipment and
p.000060: tests performed by the PUC laboratory is attached as Annex 3
p.000060:
p.000060: The list of equipment and the tests performed by other departmental and sectional laboratories are appended
p.000060: in the annex listed below:
p.000060:
p.000060: Soil and Diagnostic Laboratory as Annex 4, the Plant Clinic Laboratory as Annex 5 the Fish Inspection Laboratory as
p.000060: Annex 6, the Pollution and Control Laboratory Annex 7, the National Institute of Education Laboratory as
p.000060: Annex 8 and the Seychelles Polytechnic Laboratory as Annex 9.
p.000060:
p.000060:
p.000060:
p.000060:
p.000060:
p.000060:
p.000060:
p.000060:
p.000060:
p.000060:
p.000060:
p.000060:
p.000061: 61
p.000061:
p.000061: ANNEX 1A
p.000061:
p.000061: MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS
p.000061:
p.000061: LIST OF MAIN ANALYTICAL EQUIPMENTS IN OPERATION AT THE SEYCHELLES PUBLIC HEALTH LABORATORY
p.000061:
p.000061:
p.000061:
p.000061: ITEM
p.000061:
p.000061: Water Distiller Centrifuge
p.000061:
p.000061:
p.000061:
p.000061: Centrifuge 16A
p.000061:
p.000061: Rota Mixer Water bath
p.000061:
p.000061: Waterbath-Haake /BN2 Waterbath (with set of 12 holes)
p.000061: (GS) Microscope Vacuum Pump
p.000061: 3-Brch Manfold-500ml Vacuum Pump
p.000061: Air Sampler Electrical Balance Incubator
p.000061: Lamina Flow Cabinet Heating Block Chiller
p.000061: Fluorescence Microscope Mina Vidas Analyser Slide Drying Bench Microscope
p.000061: (OLYMPUS-CH2)
p.000061: LTE scientific incubator Deep Freezer
p.000061: Hot Air Oven (Model D15)
p.000061: Autoclave
p.000061: Autoclave- computerise Colony Counter
p.000061: Vortex Mixer
p.000061: Safety Cabinet –CL 1 II Safety Cabinet –CL 1
p.000061: QUANTITY IN UNITS
p.000001: 01
p.000005: 05
p.000005:
p.000005:
p.000005:
p.000001: 01
p.000001:
p.000001: 01
p.000005: 05
p.000005:
p.000002: 02
p.000001: 01
p.000001:
p.000001: 01
p.000001: 01
p.000002: 02
p.000001: 01
p.000001: 01
p.000001: 01
p.000003: 03
p.000001: 01
p.000001: 01
p.000001: 01
p.000001: 01
p.000001: 01
p.000001: 01
p.000002: 02
p.000002:
p.000001: 01
p.000002: 02
p.000002: 02
p.000002:
p.000003: 03
p.000003:
p.000001: 01
p.000001: 01
p.000002: 02
p.000002: 02
p.000002: PURPOSE
p.000002:
p.000002: Distilled water for analytical work Water & Environment microbiology Food Micro & Enteric Pathogens Testing
p.000002: Chemical Analysis
p.000002: Food Micro & Enteric Pathogens Testing
p.000002: Water & Environment microbiology Water & Environment microbiology Food Micro & Enteric Pathogens Testing
p.000002: Chemicals Analysis Chemicals Analysis
p.000002: Water & Environment microbiology Water & Environment microbiology Water & Environment microbiology Water & Environment
...
p.000065: automated and there is no need for any other external manipulation which eliminates errors and
p.000065: cross-contamination, as is the case when using traditional PCR systems.
p.000065:
p.000065: Summary of the Main Benefits of the Light Cycler ™2.0 System.
p.000065: • 6 colour detection channels,
p.000065: • Software Version 4.0,suited to Research and Diagnostic applications,
p.000065: • Closed, single-tube assay for implication and detection,
p.000065: • No post –PCR manipulation (e.g. gels), which minimizes the risk of amp icon cross contamination,
p.000065: • Reliable, high speed amplification,
p.000065: • Has a broad dynamic range from 10 to 10 copies in a single run,
p.000065: • Has high reproducibility,
p.000065: • High sensitivity. Single copy gene detection in one genome equipment.
p.000065: • No manual human intervention is required –everything is software driven. This makes it ideal in a multi-user
p.000065: facility.
p.000065: • Uses Windows 2000.User-friendly and easy access controlled.
p.000065: • Multi –colour multiplex PCR reactions possible (6 detection channels).
p.000065: • Automatic sample report generation.
p.000065: • Extensive application expertise available from Roche South Africa.
p.000065:
p.000065:
p.000065:
p.000066: 66
p.000066:
p.000066: • Service engineers available to service all instrumentation.
p.000066:
p.000066: Availability of trained personnel locally
p.000066: A technologist was attached at the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) and the National Institute of
p.000066: Communicable Diseases (NICD) in South Africa for two months, and was able to gain experience in latest technologies
p.000066: including PCR testing.
p.000066:
p.000066: Pricing Information
p.000066:
p.000066: Below are the pricing information obtained from (RAS) comparing four real- time PCR options to give an idea
p.000066: of the costs. Note that the preferred one is option 4.
p.000066:
p.000066:
p.000066: Description LightCycler V1.5™Instrument
p.000066:
p.000066: +
p.000066: GMO Screening & Quantification kit
p.000066:
p.000066: +
p.000066: GMO Sample Preparation kits for Nucleic Acid Isolation.
p.000066: Total Cost for option 1
p.000066: Light cycler VI. %
p.000066: LightCyclerV1.5™and Magna Pure LC instrument
p.000066:
p.000066: +
p.000066: GMO Screening & Quantification Kit
p.000066:
p.000066: Total Cost for option 1
p.000066:
p.000066: Light Cycler V2.0™ Instrument
p.000066: +
p.000066: GMO Screening
p.000066:
p.000066: Quantification kit
p.000066: +
p.000066: GMO Sample Preparation kits for Nucleic Acid Isolation.
p.000066: Total Cost for options 3 Magna pure LC instrument
p.000066: +
p.000066: GMO screening & quantification kit
p.000066:
p.000066: Total cost for option 4
p.000066: Cost
p.000066: USD 28,858.84
p.000066:
p.000066:
p.000066: USD 1682.06
p.000066:
p.000066:
p.000066: USD 931.73
p.000066:
p.000066: USD 31,472.63
p.000066:
p.000066: USD 98,944.60
p.000066:
p.000066:
p.000066: USD 1682.06 USD 100,626.66
p.000066:
p.000066:
p.000066: USD 1682.06
p.000066:
p.000066:
p.000066: USD 931.73
p.000066:
p.000066:
p.000066: USD 138,522.42
p.000066:
p.000066:
p.000066: USD 1682.06
p.000066:
p.000066:
p.000066: USD 140,204.48
p.000066: Option 1
p.000066:
...
Health / alcoholism
Searching for indicator alcoholic:
(return to top)
p.000059: 3.1 The most important tests carried out at the SBS Laboratory are:
p.000059:
p.000059: (i) Environmental Pollution Laboratory
p.000059:
p.000059:
p.000059:
p.000059:
p.000060: 60
p.000060:
p.000060: • Water analysis (potable, bottled, boiler, swimming pool, industrial waste and domestic waste)
p.000060: for compliance to Public Health Regulations, Environment and Protection Act etc.,
p.000060: • Soil test for trace elements and physico-chemical properties,
p.000060: • Fish and fishery products and oils for trace elements and,
p.000060: • Ambient air monitoring and noise emission tests,
p.000060: • Testing of paint for quality factors.
p.000060:
p.000060: (ii) Chemical Analysis Laboratory
p.000060: • Quality of soaps, detergents and javals,
p.000060: • Quality of toilet paper, candles and corrugated iron sheets,
p.000060: • Quality of petroleum products,
p.000060: • Testing of plant materials (including medicinal) plants for active ingredients and other quality factors
p.000060: and,
p.000060:
p.000060: (iii) Microbiology Laboratory
p.000060: • Isolation, purification, enumeration and identification of microbes in all sorts of food, animal feed and water,
p.000060: • Air and surface contamination monitoring.
p.000060:
p.000060: (iv) Food chemistry Laboratory
p.000060: • Quality of food products such as fish and fishery products, milk and diary products, fruit and fruit products,
p.000060: cereals and cereal products, spices and condiment and meat and meat products,
p.000060: • Monitoring of fruits and vegetables for organochloride pesticides,
p.000060: • Quality and nutritional parameters of animal feed,
p.000060: • Quality of alcoholic beverages.
p.000060:
p.000060: 4.0. The Public Utilities Cooperation Laboratory
p.000060: The Seychelles Public Utilities Cooperation is the body responsible for the treatment of potable water and
p.000060: its distribution to its clientele. PUC is also responsible for the treatment of sewage. The list of equipment and
p.000060: tests performed by the PUC laboratory is attached as Annex 3
p.000060:
p.000060: The list of equipment and the tests performed by other departmental and sectional laboratories are appended
p.000060: in the annex listed below:
p.000060:
p.000060: Soil and Diagnostic Laboratory as Annex 4, the Plant Clinic Laboratory as Annex 5 the Fish Inspection Laboratory as
p.000060: Annex 6, the Pollution and Control Laboratory Annex 7, the National Institute of Education Laboratory as
p.000060: Annex 8 and the Seychelles Polytechnic Laboratory as Annex 9.
p.000060:
p.000060:
p.000060:
p.000060:
p.000060:
p.000060:
p.000060:
p.000060:
p.000060:
p.000060:
p.000060:
p.000060:
p.000061: 61
p.000061:
p.000061: ANNEX 1A
p.000061:
p.000061: MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS
p.000061:
p.000061: LIST OF MAIN ANALYTICAL EQUIPMENTS IN OPERATION AT THE SEYCHELLES PUBLIC HEALTH LABORATORY
p.000061:
p.000061:
p.000061:
p.000061: ITEM
p.000061:
p.000061: Water Distiller Centrifuge
p.000061:
p.000061:
p.000061:
p.000061: Centrifuge 16A
p.000061:
p.000061: Rota Mixer Water bath
p.000061:
p.000061: Waterbath-Haake /BN2 Waterbath (with set of 12 holes)
p.000061: (GS) Microscope Vacuum Pump
p.000061: 3-Brch Manfold-500ml Vacuum Pump
...
Social / Access to Social Goods
Searching for indicator access:
(return to top)
p.000016: 7.8 To collect and disseminate information in respect of matters relating to environmental
p.000016: protection.
p.000016:
p.000016: The Act provides for the management and protection of coastal zones as well as the management and
p.000016: minimisation of wastes and hazardous substances.
p.000016: The Act also makes provisions for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) studies and authorisation for particular
p.000016: projects and activities. A person wishing to undertake any prescribed project or activity in a protected or
p.000016: ecologically sensitive area is required to produce an EIA document to the Ministry of Environment. The primary aim of
p.000016: the EIA is to assess the risk associated with the development and to come up with a risk management
p.000016: protocol before the development is authorised.
p.000016: The officers under the EPA are empowered to enter premises and to seize and destroy products that are in contravention
p.000016: of the Act.
p.000016: The penalties ranging from Rs. 5000 to Rs. 250,000 are seen as elevated to discourage potential offenders from spoiling
p.000016: the much dependable natural resources of the country. Despite the fact that there are no specific provisions under this
p.000016: Act relating to GMOs per se, we have seen that a number of general provisions that tackle any
p.000016: adverse environmental consequences, which introduced organisms, may cause to the natural environment.
p.000016:
p.000016: II. Draft Access and Benefit Sharing Legislation
p.000016:
p.000016: Draft legislation is currently being developed on Access and Benefit Sharing pursuant to the Convention on Biological
p.000016: Diversity.
p.000016:
p.000016:
p.000016: 7.4 Health
p.000016:
p.000016: a) Public Health Act 1960
p.000016:
p.000016: The Public Health Act 1960 contains a comprehensive set of provisions which cover general sanitation and
p.000016: hygiene in the Seychelles population with the view to controlling formidable epidemic diseases and to preventing
p.000016: or suppressing infectious diseases including venereal diseases. The Act also provides for the protection of water
p.000016: supplies as
p.000016:
p.000016:
p.000016:
p.000017: 17
p.000017:
p.000017: well as any mal practices that could lead to health problems. The Act is currently under a thorough revision as a
p.000017: number of its provisions are outdated and have failed to evolve with the emerging health issues of a modern society
p.000017: with sufficient provisions for means and ways to prevent or contain them. Furthermore, the penalties under
p.000017: this Act are no longer deterrent. The Act is being administered by the Department of Health. The
p.000017: provisions of this Act make no reference to issues of Modern Biotechnology in the health sector.
p.000017:
p.000017: b) Food Act 1991
p.000017:
p.000017: The Food Act 1991 contains a comprehensive set of provisions, which address food safety in relation to
...
p.000019: sector: Monotard Insulin, and Hepatitis B vaccine. The two products are being widely used and, according to
p.000019: Department of Health they are much preferred to the past types. It is very possible due to our direct commodity import
p.000019: with GMO producing countries such as South Africa, India, China for vegetables and vegetables products we might have
p.000019: been exposed to other commodity imports that are products of Modern Biotechnology.
p.000019:
p.000019:
p.000019: 8.2 The Mission
p.000019:
p.000019: • Ensure effective regulation to provide a high level of protection to the environment and human health;
p.000019: • Provide accurate and updated information to the public in a timely manner;
p.000019: • Ensure effective decision making through a coherent and transparent system
p.000019:
p.000019: 8.3 Government Goals for Biosafety and the use of Modern Biotechnology:
p.000019:
p.000019: • To ensure that human health and the environment are safeguarded, in particular through a rigorous, efficient
p.000019: and transparent system of regulation and administrative systems for use and application of Modern
p.000019: Biotechnology and its resulting products;
p.000019: • To ensure adequate capacity building in the safe use and handling of modern biotechnology and its
p.000019: products;
p.000019: • To ensure that the general public has access to information about modern biotechnology including, the
p.000019: potential risks and benefits of GMOs;
p.000019: • To maintain the ethical standards through active public participation in decision making;
p.000019: • To enhance economic benefit through the development of sustainable agriculture;
p.000019: • To ensure that public is informed on what they consume and utilize and the right for them to make a choice.
p.000019: • To ensure public confidence in the way risks are assessed and managed;
p.000019:
p.000019: 8.4 Policy of Modern Biotechnology and Biosafety in the Health Care
p.000019:
p.000019: The application of modern biotechnology knowledge in the health care sector has already led to new methods of
p.000019: diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases such as Diabetes and Hepatitis B in Seychelles. The importance
p.000019: of biotechnology for health care in Seychelles is expected to increase further with the several hundreds
p.000019: health care and
p.000019:
p.000019:
p.000019:
p.000019:
p.000020: 20
p.000020:
p.000020: pharmaceutical products currently in clinical testing stages or awaiting approval in the United States,
p.000020: Canada, the EU and other ‘modern biotechnology advanced’ countries.
p.000020:
p.000020: However, assessment of impacts on change in health care, risk perception, acceptance of biotechnology, legislation
...
p.000027: of reference will be established in the Biosafety Act. Key stakeholders shall be represented on
p.000027: this decision making body as Board Members. Members of the Board must be persons of credibility and
p.000027: free from any conflicts of
p.000027:
p.000027:
p.000027:
p.000028: 28
p.000028:
p.000028: interests. The decisions of the body shall be based on recommendations of the Advisory Committees and public
p.000028: input. The Board shall operate independently of any manipulation. The source of funding for its
p.000028: functioning shall be drawn from the service fees and government funding.
p.000028:
p.000028: 9.5 The Biosafety Advisory Bodies
p.000028:
p.000028: The setting up of several smaller committees of scientific, socio-economic, ethic and public interest
p.000028: experts are preferred over a big committee due to the wide range of GMOs and GMO products. The roles and
p.000028: responsibilities of the Advisory Committees are listed below:
p.000028:
p.000028: o Conduct the biosafety reviews of applications and make recommendations on the various concerns in
p.000028: relation to the risks and risk management conditions for each permit to the National Biosafety Board;
p.000028: o Provide technical support to the Administration Office and assist with the reviewing of guidelines, regulations and
p.000028: legislation;
p.000028: o Assist with training on relevant issues to build local capacity;
p.000028:
p.000028: The Biosafety Advisory Bodies will have access to a wide pool of reviewers (both locally and international) to cover
p.000028: specialist sections of any application on both safety and non- safety issues during the (socio-economic) reviewing
p.000028: processes. Comprehensive reviews shall include safety and non-safety issues and will be undertaken on applications when
p.000028: necessary. Recommendations made will be conveyed to the National Biosafety Board. This process would ensure
p.000028: that all concerns are taken onboard during decision making on applications.
p.000028:
p.000028: 9.6 Appeal System
p.000028:
p.000028: An appeal process will provide a mechanism to appeal any decision(s) by the National Biosafety Board. All appeals
p.000028: should be made to the Minister responsible to implement the Biosafety Framework and legislations. This process
p.000028: will be embedded in the Biosafety Act and will be opened and accessible to all stakeholders. Provision
p.000028: for a second review, totally independent of the first review may be allowed within the appeal process. The appeal
p.000028: process will be stringent so as not to be subjected to manipulation, but yet accessible and user friendly so as not to
p.000028: discourage appeals, particularly from the public.
p.000028:
p.000028: 9.7 Inspection Services
p.000028:
p.000028: Approvals for granting GMO activities and/or products containing GMOs in Seychelles will contain conditions, including
p.000028: risk management that need to be applied and will be restricted to a duration not exceeding 5 years. Approval may be
p.000028: renewable subjected to compliance with the conditions. Inspection services will check to ensure that the
...
p.000039: b) does not cross-breed with wild relatives of local economic importance;
p.000039: c) cannot survive unassisted in the environment.
p.000039: (v) If the reverse situation applies to an organism, approval will not be made. This means that in the case,
p.000039: for instance of a field trial, more data would be needed on the behaviour of the GMO plant in order to judge
p.000039: whether the risks can be reduced to an acceptable level.
p.000039: (vi) The method of risk assessment will be evaluated and adjusted if necessary. The risk assessment will devote a
p.000039: lot of attention to the possible ecological effects of introducing GMOs into the environment and of market approval of
p.000039: GMOs, while on health products international guidelines and the minimum requirement of the protocol will be used where
p.000039: applicable as much as possible.
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000040: 40
p.000040:
p.000040: 11.0 Public Awareness, Education and Participation
p.000040:
p.000040: In Seychelles every citizen has access to environment, agriculture, health and consumer related
p.000040: information. Such information is even incorporated in the school curricula. Systematic modes of
p.000040: transferring information to the general public through the national media are shown below:
p.000040:
p.000040:
p.000040: Type of Media
p.000040: The Seychelles Nation
p.000040:
p.000040: (national newspaper)
p.000040:
p.000040: National Radio
p.000040:
p.000040: (SBC)
p.000040:
p.000040:
p.000040:
p.000040: National Television
p.000040:
p.000040: (SBC)
p.000040:
p.000040:
p.000040: Newsletters
p.000040: Name of Programme Environment articles Agriculture and fisheries articles Consumer articles
p.000040: Nou Lanvironman Depans Radio clinic Resours
p.000040:
p.000040:
p.000040: Seychelles Que J’aime Resours
p.000040:
p.000040:
p.000040: Ou Lavi Enviro
p.000040:
p.000040: Konsomater
p.000040: Length of programme One full page
p.000040: One full page
p.000040:
p.000040: Half a page 30 minutes
p.000040: 30 minutes
p.000040: 30 minutes
p.000040: 30 minutes
p.000040:
p.000040:
p.000040: 35 minutes
p.000040:
p.000040: 35 minutes
p.000040:
p.000040:
p.000040: 35 minutes Entire newsletter Entire newsletter
p.000040: Frequency Weekly Fortnightly
p.000040:
p.000040: Weekly Bi-weekly
p.000040: Fortnightly Weekly Weekly
p.000040:
p.000040:
p.000040: Fortnightly Fortnightly
p.000040:
p.000040: Monthly Yearly
p.000040:
p.000040: Twice a year
p.000040: Sector involved Environment sector Agriculture and Fisheries sectors Consumers
p.000040:
...
p.000047: However, being a Party to the Protocol Seychelles is expected to enrol on the Biosafety Clearing House project and the
p.000047: Implementation of National Biosafety Framework Project. In principle the two proposed projects should at least cover
p.000047: the majority of the required International short term funding for Seychelles to put in place the basic requirements of
p.000047: Biosafety.
p.000047:
p.000047: 1.0 Setting up of Biosafety Structures
p.000047:
p.000047: Objective:
p.000047: Support the implementation of the National Biosafety Framework through the setting up of the Biosafety Administration
p.000047: systems
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047: Actions
p.000047:
p.000047: Activities Funding
p.000047: Agency
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047: Responsible Agency
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047: Verifiable Indicator
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047: Time Frame
p.000047:
p.000047: To set up and equip a Biosafety Administration Office
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047: To establish a high level Biosafety Board to handling GMO Applications and to advise the
p.000047: Government on Modern Biotechnology issues (including capacity building,
p.000047: research possibilities and priorities, international links, public interest issues and ethical
p.000047: issues),
p.000047: To establish a rooster for experts available in the country that could be consulted to review GMO
p.000047: applications as and when required (to form the Biosafety Advisory Committees).
p.000047: To facilitate information sharing and access to international pool of experts through the
p.000047: Biosafety Clearing House.
p.000047: Local (Gov.) and International (not yet identified)
p.000047:
p.000047: Local (Gov.)
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047: Local (Gov.) and International (not yet identified)
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047: International (GEF)
p.000047: National Competent Authority (NCA) NCA
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047: NCA
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047: NCA
p.000047: Office up and running
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047: Biosafety Board up and running
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047: Committees set up with experts identified
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047: BCH being actively used
p.000047: By Dec. 06
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047: By Dec. 06
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047: By June. 06
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047: By Dec. 06
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000048: 48
p.000048:
p.000048: 2.0 Establishment of a Public Awareness, Education and Awareness system for Biosafety
p.000048:
p.000048: Objective:
p.000048: Increase public awareness of Biosafety in the application of Modern Biotechnology, the potential benefits and risks
p.000048: associated with the technology, and of the regulations, procedures that safeguard the people of Seychelles and the
p.000048: natural environment in order to facilitate informed participation and choices among the public.
p.000048:
p.000048: Actions
p.000048:
p.000048:
p.000048: Activities
...
p.000065: specific cases where a diagnosis is required and where preliminary tests have failed to confirm or detect significant
p.000065: data to enable a diagnostics.
p.000065:
p.000065: The Magna Pure LC/LightCycler workstation from Roche Applied Science (RAS) is real- time PCR system, which
p.000065: is widely used and is well establishment in GMO testing worldwide. It can test for genetic modification
p.000065: qualitatively or qualitatively. With the inclusion of the Mag Na Pure LC instrument DNA preparation is
p.000065: automated and there is no need for any other external manipulation which eliminates errors and
p.000065: cross-contamination, as is the case when using traditional PCR systems.
p.000065:
p.000065: Summary of the Main Benefits of the Light Cycler ™2.0 System.
p.000065: • 6 colour detection channels,
p.000065: • Software Version 4.0,suited to Research and Diagnostic applications,
p.000065: • Closed, single-tube assay for implication and detection,
p.000065: • No post –PCR manipulation (e.g. gels), which minimizes the risk of amp icon cross contamination,
p.000065: • Reliable, high speed amplification,
p.000065: • Has a broad dynamic range from 10 to 10 copies in a single run,
p.000065: • Has high reproducibility,
p.000065: • High sensitivity. Single copy gene detection in one genome equipment.
p.000065: • No manual human intervention is required –everything is software driven. This makes it ideal in a multi-user
p.000065: facility.
p.000065: • Uses Windows 2000.User-friendly and easy access controlled.
p.000065: • Multi –colour multiplex PCR reactions possible (6 detection channels).
p.000065: • Automatic sample report generation.
p.000065: • Extensive application expertise available from Roche South Africa.
p.000065:
p.000065:
p.000065:
p.000066: 66
p.000066:
p.000066: • Service engineers available to service all instrumentation.
p.000066:
p.000066: Availability of trained personnel locally
p.000066: A technologist was attached at the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) and the National Institute of
p.000066: Communicable Diseases (NICD) in South Africa for two months, and was able to gain experience in latest technologies
p.000066: including PCR testing.
p.000066:
p.000066: Pricing Information
p.000066:
p.000066: Below are the pricing information obtained from (RAS) comparing four real- time PCR options to give an idea
p.000066: of the costs. Note that the preferred one is option 4.
p.000066:
p.000066:
p.000066: Description LightCycler V1.5™Instrument
p.000066:
p.000066: +
p.000066: GMO Screening & Quantification kit
p.000066:
p.000066: +
p.000066: GMO Sample Preparation kits for Nucleic Acid Isolation.
p.000066: Total Cost for option 1
p.000066: Light cycler VI. %
p.000066: LightCyclerV1.5™and Magna Pure LC instrument
p.000066:
p.000066: +
p.000066: GMO Screening & Quantification Kit
p.000066:
p.000066: Total Cost for option 1
p.000066:
p.000066: Light Cycler V2.0™ Instrument
p.000066: +
p.000066: GMO Screening
p.000066:
p.000066: Quantification kit
p.000066: +
p.000066: GMO Sample Preparation kits for Nucleic Acid Isolation.
p.000066: Total Cost for options 3 Magna pure LC instrument
p.000066: +
p.000066: GMO screening & quantification kit
p.000066:
...
Social / Age
Searching for indicator age:
(return to top)
p.000001: concerned about the potentially unsafe use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in such fragile island
p.000001: ecosystems.
p.000001:
p.000001: The need to ensure adequate safeguards to address any reasonable doubts concerning the proliferation of
p.000001: such organisms therefore led Seychelles to sign the Convention on Biological Diversity in 1992 and ratify the
p.000001: Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety in 2004.
p.000001: The consequent development of this National Biosafety Framework is an expression of Seychelles’
p.000001: policy and approach to GMOs.
p.000001:
p.000001: While we recognize the importance of such organisms to many areas of human development such as health and agriculture,
p.000001: we are also concerned about their inherent risks and potential to impact on our unique biodiveristy in ways
p.000001: similar to invasive species. We have therefore specified institutional re-arrangements, modified existing legal
p.000001: frameworks and proposed a framework to minimise risks.
p.000001:
p.000001: However this is not sufficient in itself, as we need the resources, technical and financial, to
p.000001: implement these changes and undertake sufficient risk analyses. Seychelles being part of the global
p.000001: village, the future of our biodiversity is a joint responsibility of the people of our islands and the international
p.000001: community if we are to preserve such a unique corner of the world.
p.000001: It is our wish that our position based upon the precautionary principle will be supported and further
p.000001: adopted by many other countries as we embrace progress towards the bio-age.
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001: Ronnie Jumeau
p.000001: Minister of Environment & Natural Resources
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001: 1
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001: Table of Contents
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001: 1.0 General Introduction
p.000001: 1.1 The National Executing Agency (NEA)
p.000001: 1.2 The National Project Coordinator (NPC)
p.000001: 1.3 The National Coordinating Committee (NCC)
p.000001: 1.4 The National Biosafety Framework Drafting Committee (NBFDC)
p.000001: 1.5 Public Awareness and Public Participation Committee (PAPPC)
p.000001:
p.000001: 2.0 Background Information on Seychelles
p.000001:
p.000001: 3.0 Seychelles and the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety
p.000001:
p.000001: 4.0 Environment Plans and strategies in Seychelles
p.000001:
p.000001: 5.0 The challenges facing the Seychelles Natural Environment
p.000001:
p.000001: 6.0 Biotechnology in Seychelles
p.000001: 6.1 Biotechnology in Agriculture
p.000001: 6.2 Biotechnology in other economic sectors
p.000001:
p.000001: 7.0 Existing Regulatory Regimes
p.000001: 7.1 Agriculture
p.000001: 7.2 Fisheries
p.000001: 7.3 Environment
p.000001: 7.4 Health
p.000001: 7.5 Consumer protection
p.000001:
p.000001: 8.0 Seychelles Biosafety Policy on Importation of GMOs or GMO Products
p.000001: 8.1 Introduction
p.000001: 8.2 The Mission
p.000001: 8.3 Government Goals for biosafety and the use of Modern Biotechnology
p.000001: 8.4 Policy of Modern Biotechnology and Biosafety in the Health Care
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Social / Educational
Searching for indicator education:
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p.000002:
p.000002: 9.0 The Administrative System to address GMOs in Seychelles
p.000002: 9.1 The National Biosafety Structures
p.000002: 9.2 The National Competent Authority
p.000002: 9.3 The Biosafety Administration Office
p.000002: 9.4 The National Biosafety Board
p.000002: 9.5 The Biosafety Advisory Bodies
p.000002: 9.6 Appeal System
p.000002: 9.7 Inspection Services
p.000002: 9.8 The Notification process
p.000002: 9.9 Decision Procedure
p.000002: 9.10 Summary of the Administrative Process
p.000002:
p.000002: 10.0 Risk Assessment and Risk Management
p.000002: 10.1 Knowledge of risks base on Science
p.000002: 10.2 Risk Assessment – who does it?
p.000002: 10.3 The need to weigh the Risks against the Benefits
p.000002: 10.4 Risk Assessment – “case by case” and “step by step” approval
p.000002: 10.5 Procedures for Risk Assessment
p.000002: 10.6 Assessing Risk to Seychelles Ecological Environment
p.000002: 10.7 Assessing risk in the Medical Sector
p.000002: 10.8 The use of precautionary Principle
p.000002: 10.9 Assessing the risk in Socio-economics and ethics
p.000002: 10.10 Safety and Acceptability
p.000002: 10.11 Approval
p.000002:
p.000002: 11.0 Public Awareness, Education and Participation
p.000002:
p.000002: 12.0 Monitoring and Enforcement
p.000002: 12.1 Monitoring
p.000002: 12.2 Enforcement
p.000002:
p.000002: 12.0 Seychelles Biosafety Action Plan 2005 – 2010 Appendix I
p.000002: Appendix II
p.000002:
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p.000003: 3
p.000003:
p.000003: 1.0 General Introduction
p.000003:
p.000003: The National Biosafety Framework of Seychelles is a combination of policy, legal, administrative
p.000003: and technical instruments that have been developed to ensure a high level of protection in the field of transfer,
p.000003: handling and Genetically Modified Organisms resulting from modern Biotechnology that may have adverse
p.000003: effects on the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, taking into account risks to human
p.000003: health..
p.000003:
p.000003: The UNEP-GEF Project on the Development of the National Biosafety Framework of Seychelles started in January 2003 and
p.000003: ended in May 2005. As supporting structures in the implementation of the projects were: a National Executive Agency; a
p.000003: National Project Coordinator; a National Coordinating Committee, a National Biosafety Framework Drafting Committee, and
p.000003: a Public Awareness & Public Participation Committee.
p.000003:
p.000003: 1.1 The National Executing Agency (NEA)
p.000003:
p.000003: The NEA for the UNEP/GEF Project, which was appointed by the Government of Seychelles after consultation with the
p.000003: UNEP/GEF and ICCP, was:
p.000003:
p.000003: Director of Conservation Section
p.000003: Division of Nature & Conservation
p.000003: Ministry of Environment & Natural Resources
...
p.000004:
p.000004: 1.3.1 Role of NCC
p.000004: One of the Project requirements was to nominate a National Coordinating Committee made up of representative of various
p.000004: stakeholders with mandates relevant to the implementation of the Cartagena Protocol for Biosafety. The Role of the
p.000004: National Coordinating Committee was to advise and guide the preparation of the National Biosafety Framework ensuring
p.000004: that its components are the results of the national requirements of the country.
p.000004:
p.000004: 1.3.2 Composition of NCC
p.000004: The NCC was made up of 17 members representing government agencies, private sector and public interest groups and
p.000004: represented by the following members:
p.000004:
p.000004: 1. Agriculture Sector
p.000004:
p.000004: - Dr. Jimmy Melanie - Veterinary Division
p.000004:
p.000004: - Mrs. Helda Antoine - Plant Genetic
p.000004: Section/Agricultural Planning
p.000004:
p.000004: - Mr. Wills Dogley - Crop Protection &
p.000004: Promotion/Technical Advisor
p.000004:
p.000004: 2. Environment Sector
p.000004:
p.000004: • Mr. Selby Remie - Conservation Section (Chairperson).
p.000004:
p.000004: • Mr. Denis Matatiken - Botanical Gardens Section
p.000004:
p.000004: • Mrs. Bergeon Nageon - Environment Management Plan for Seychelles
p.000004: 2000-2010
p.000004:
p.000004: • Mrs. Lynn Bastienne - Education, Information & Communication
p.000004: Section
p.000004:
p.000004: 3. Health Sector
p.000004:
p.000004: • Mr. Daniel Bresson - Food Control Section
p.000004:
p.000004: • Mr. Philip Palmye - Public Health Laboratories
p.000004:
p.000004: 4. Trade and Finance Sector
p.000004:
p.000004: • Mrs. Raymond Course - Import and Export Division
p.000004:
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p.000005: 5
p.000005:
p.000005: 5. Parastatal Organisation
p.000005:
p.000005: • Mr. Riaz Aumeerudy - Seychelles Fishing Authority
p.000005:
p.000005: • Mr. Jude Shroff - Seychelles Bureau of Standard
p.000005:
p.000005: 6. NGOs, Private Sectors
p.000005:
p.000005: • National Consumers Organisation
p.000005:
p.000005: • Lungos (Unity for Non-Government Mrs.Rachel Marie organisation)
p.000005:
p.000005: • Mr. Marlon Montano - Roman Catholic Church
p.000005:
p.000005: • Mr. Kantilal Shah - Seychelles Chambers of Commerce
p.000005:
p.000005: 7. Legal Affairs
p.000005:
p.000005: • Mrs. Laura Valabjee/Iris Carolus
p.000005: Caroline Hoareau/Joel Camille - Attorney General Office/Private Lawyers
p.000005:
p.000005: Others
p.000005:
...
p.000007:
p.000007: 3. To mobilise the necessary expertise required for the proper execution of the framework components;
p.000007:
p.000007: 4. Ensure that Government’s policies are fully reflected in the National Biosafety Framework;
p.000007:
p.000007: 5. Ensure that information required in the National Biosafety Framework are obtained from the public, local, and
p.000007: national authorities;
p.000007:
p.000007: 6. Communicate pertinent issues with the relevant partners and actors influencing the development of the National
p.000007: Biosafety Framework;
p.000007:
p.000007: 7. Complete the drafting of the National Biosafety Framework
p.000007:
p.000007:
p.000007: 1.5 Public Awareness and Public Participation Committee (PAPPC)
p.000007:
p.000007: 1.5.1 Role of PAPPC
p.000007: PAPPC consists of three members from the National Coordinating Committee and a journalist. The main roles
p.000007: of the PAPPC were to facilitate the dissemination of information and to ensure public awareness and participation
p.000007: for the duration of the project. As Seychelles is more likely to be impacted from Modern Biotechnology
p.000007: through commodity import, a committee was set up under the chairmanship of National Consumer Forum
p.000007: (NATCOF) to design ways to communicate Biosafety issues, techniques, practices and the application of modern
p.000007: biotechnology to the public.
p.000007:
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p.000008: 8
p.000008:
p.000008: 1.5.2 Composition of PAPPC
p.000008:
p.000008: The PAPPC consists of the following three members:
p.000008: Mrs. Rachel Maire - National Consumer Forum (Chairperson) Mrs. Lynn Bastienne
p.000008: - Education, Information and Communication,
p.000008: Department of Environment
p.000008:
p.000008: Mr. Nick Watson - Journalist (Seychelles Nation)
p.000008:
p.000008: 1.5.3 Responsibilities of PAPPC
p.000008: As responsibilities the PAPPC was mandated to;
p.000008:
p.000008: 1. Advise the NCC of the best possible public awareness systems to disseminate information related to biosafety;
p.000008:
p.000008: 2. Devise awareness information for the public during the development of the National Biosafety Framework Project;
p.000008:
p.000008: 3. Advise the NBFDC on the most workable public participation and methods for raising public awareness and tools to
p.000008: ensure compliance to the Cartagena Protocol for Biosafety.
p.000008:
p.000008: 4. To facilitate mobilisation of the public in public awareness workshops
p.000008:
p.000008:
p.000008: 2.0 Background Information on Seychelles
p.000008:
p.000008: The Republic of Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands scattered over one million square kilometers in the
p.000008: Western Indian Ocean. It is situated 5 degrees south of the equator and between 630 to 1300 miles off the
p.000008: east coast of Africa.
p.000008:
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p.000008:
p.000009: 9
p.000009:
p.000009: The Archipelago covers a total land area of 458 sq. km of islands of two geological types (Coralline and Granitic
p.000009: Islands). The Granitic islands physical features are characterized by high, rugged mountains of granite boulders
p.000009: interspersed by human settlements on the main islands, while the barely inhabited coralline islands are characterized
...
p.000039:
p.000039: a) shows that there is a high degree of certainty about the possible effects on human, and the
p.000039: environment;
p.000039: b) does not cross-breed with wild relatives of local economic importance;
p.000039: c) cannot survive unassisted in the environment.
p.000039: (v) If the reverse situation applies to an organism, approval will not be made. This means that in the case,
p.000039: for instance of a field trial, more data would be needed on the behaviour of the GMO plant in order to judge
p.000039: whether the risks can be reduced to an acceptable level.
p.000039: (vi) The method of risk assessment will be evaluated and adjusted if necessary. The risk assessment will devote a
p.000039: lot of attention to the possible ecological effects of introducing GMOs into the environment and of market approval of
p.000039: GMOs, while on health products international guidelines and the minimum requirement of the protocol will be used where
p.000039: applicable as much as possible.
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p.000040: 40
p.000040:
p.000040: 11.0 Public Awareness, Education and Participation
p.000040:
p.000040: In Seychelles every citizen has access to environment, agriculture, health and consumer related
p.000040: information. Such information is even incorporated in the school curricula. Systematic modes of
p.000040: transferring information to the general public through the national media are shown below:
p.000040:
p.000040:
p.000040: Type of Media
p.000040: The Seychelles Nation
p.000040:
p.000040: (national newspaper)
p.000040:
p.000040: National Radio
p.000040:
p.000040: (SBC)
p.000040:
p.000040:
p.000040:
p.000040: National Television
p.000040:
p.000040: (SBC)
p.000040:
p.000040:
p.000040: Newsletters
p.000040: Name of Programme Environment articles Agriculture and fisheries articles Consumer articles
p.000040: Nou Lanvironman Depans Radio clinic Resours
p.000040:
p.000040:
p.000040: Seychelles Que J’aime Resours
p.000040:
p.000040:
p.000040: Ou Lavi Enviro
p.000040:
p.000040: Konsomater
p.000040: Length of programme One full page
p.000040: One full page
p.000040:
p.000040: Half a page 30 minutes
p.000040: 30 minutes
p.000040: 30 minutes
p.000040: 30 minutes
p.000040:
p.000040:
p.000040: 35 minutes
p.000040:
p.000040: 35 minutes
p.000040:
p.000040:
p.000040: 35 minutes Entire newsletter Entire newsletter
p.000040: Frequency Weekly Fortnightly
p.000040:
p.000040: Weekly Bi-weekly
p.000040: Fortnightly Weekly Weekly
p.000040:
p.000040:
p.000040: Fortnightly Fortnightly
p.000040:
p.000040: Monthly Yearly
p.000040:
p.000040: Twice a year
p.000040: Sector involved Environment sector Agriculture and Fisheries sectors Consumers
p.000040:
...
p.000041: the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety in Seychelles enjoy credibility among the public. Thus, for the implementation of
p.000041: the National Biosafety Framework the mentioned organizations will conduct public information and participation
p.000041: programmes. However, these organizations need to enroll on a capacity building programme to be well equipped to
p.000041: provide the public with the right information on the activities of Biosafety and Biotechnology, to the
p.000041: consumers on the scientific, environmental, educational and ecological issues. These organisations should also be well
p.000041: trained to be able to provide such information to the media.
p.000041:
p.000041: The national media will be used as the principal means to disseminate Biosafety and Biotechnology
p.000041: information to the Seychellois Public. The different political papers will also be used to reach politicians and
p.000041: political activists. The various groups representing the Seychelles’ population structures will be used
p.000041: as means for raising public awareness and public participation. Formal educational programme on Biosafety
p.000041: and biotechnology is currently being integrated into the school curricula at secondary and post secondary
p.000041: institutions such as the Farmer’s Training Center, National Institutes of Education etc..,
p.000041:
p.000041: In Seychelles, for the purpose of Biosafety and Modern Biotechnology the public is defined as all the person, groups
p.000041: and institutions who are, and will be affected by the activities of Biosafety and biotechnology within the country.
p.000041: The persons, organizations and institutions can be categorized into the following groups:
p.000041:
p.000041: • Users: Persons, organizations, which will be directly involved in the introduction and use of biotechnology;
p.000041:
p.000041: • Consumers: The end users or consumers of GMOs;
p.000041:
p.000041: • Regulators: Persons and institutions involved in developing rules, regulations and framework to govern
p.000041: the safe handling and use of biotechnology;
p.000041:
p.000041: • Implementers: Persons and institutions with a particular knowledge and training related to the safe
p.000041: introduction, handling and use of biotechnology;
p.000041:
p.000041: • Interest groups: Organizations and institutions in the public and private sectors who have an interest in the
p.000041: development, safe use and handling of biotechnology;
p.000041:
p.000041: In Seychelles, information is better understood when it is tailored to address the specific needs of the
p.000041: public sector e.g., the consumers’ group may have questions and concerns completely different from those of
p.000041: scientists or policy makers. Thus, in the implementation of the present National Biosafety Framework
p.000041: different public awareness information strategies will be developed for the various distinct groups
p.000041: mentioned above. This would allow the public to make inform decisions on issues that concern them and
...
p.000047: research possibilities and priorities, international links, public interest issues and ethical
p.000047: issues),
p.000047: To establish a rooster for experts available in the country that could be consulted to review GMO
p.000047: applications as and when required (to form the Biosafety Advisory Committees).
p.000047: To facilitate information sharing and access to international pool of experts through the
p.000047: Biosafety Clearing House.
p.000047: Local (Gov.) and International (not yet identified)
p.000047:
p.000047: Local (Gov.)
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047: Local (Gov.) and International (not yet identified)
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047: International (GEF)
p.000047: National Competent Authority (NCA) NCA
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047: NCA
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047: NCA
p.000047: Office up and running
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047: Biosafety Board up and running
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047: Committees set up with experts identified
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047: BCH being actively used
p.000047: By Dec. 06
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047: By Dec. 06
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047: By June. 06
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047: By Dec. 06
p.000047:
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p.000048: 48
p.000048:
p.000048: 2.0 Establishment of a Public Awareness, Education and Awareness system for Biosafety
p.000048:
p.000048: Objective:
p.000048: Increase public awareness of Biosafety in the application of Modern Biotechnology, the potential benefits and risks
p.000048: associated with the technology, and of the regulations, procedures that safeguard the people of Seychelles and the
p.000048: natural environment in order to facilitate informed participation and choices among the public.
p.000048:
p.000048: Actions
p.000048:
p.000048:
p.000048: Activities
p.000048:
p.000048: To set up of a Committee to sensitise the public on the regulations set up for their protection, the
p.000048: content of the National Biosafety Framework, the provisions of the Cartagena Protocol for Biosafety,
p.000048: the way risks are assessed and managed.
p.000048: To set up effective mechanism(s) for public participation in the risk assessment of GMO
p.000048: applications.
p.000048:
p.000048:
p.000048: To facilitate public discussions through existing media of public awareness and participations
p.000048:
p.000048:
p.000048: To Provide a clear mechanism for public participation in the decision making process
p.000048: To Encourage public contribution to policy decisions through various target groups
p.000048: To ensure that the rights of consumers are reflected in the national decisions
p.000048: Funding Agency Local (Gov.)
p.000048:
p.000048:
p.000048:
p.000048:
p.000048:
p.000048: Local (Gov.) and International (yet to be identified) Local (Gov.) and International (yet to
p.000048: be identified) Local (Gov.)
p.000048:
p.000048:
p.000048: Local (Gov.)
p.000048:
p.000048:
p.000048: Local (Gov.)
p.000048: Responsible Agency NCA
p.000048:
p.000048:
...
p.000050: funding agencies
p.000050: Time Frame By 2007
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050: By 2007
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050: Objective:
p.000050: Strengthen existing local institutions through technology transfer and enhance capacities and know-how to
p.000050: address Biosafety issues nationally.
p.000050:
p.000050: Actions:
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050: 5.0 Study the impacts of Modern Biotechnology on local agricultural (including livestock productions and
p.000050: aquaculture practices)
p.000050:
p.000050: Objectives:
p.000050: Sensitise local farmers and policy makers about Modern Biotechnology applications in agriculture, including potential
p.000050: socio-economic effects of modern biotechnology on local farming, food security, and any possible potential,
p.000050: adverse impacts that may result from the use of the technology. (In Seychelles small farmers face
p.000050: some most difficult agricultural challenges: significant portions of their harvests are lost to pests,
p.000050: diseases, poor soil, poor quality seeds, flooding and lack of agricultural technologies).
p.000050:
p.000050: Actions:
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050: Activities
p.000050:
p.000050: To identify, monitor and assess opportunities and challenges of Modern Biotechnology-related
p.000050: changes in the agriculture and food industries in Seychelles.
p.000050: To identify and address relevant Biosafety and Modern Biotechnology issues
p.000050: for Seychellois farmers through continued monitoring, education
p.000050: Funding Agency
p.000050: Local (Gov.) and international (yet to be identified)
p.000050: Local (Gov.) and international (yet to be identified)
p.000050: Responsible Agency NCA/NBB
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050: NCA/NBB
p.000050: Verifiable Indicator Assessment reports, workshop reports, field monitoring reports
p.000050:
p.000050: Awareness programmes made, educational materials produced
p.000050: Time Frame Ongoing
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050: Ongoing
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000051: 51
p.000051:
p.000051: and awareness activities.
p.000051: To advise decision makers of ‘proven safe’ Modern Biotechnology applications that
p.000051: can be used to enhance food security in Seychelles.
p.000051: To ensure that the views of farmers are reflected in local policies (especially where importation of GMOs
p.000051: for agricultural purposes is concerned)
p.000051:
p.000051: Local (Gov.) and international (yet to be identified)
p.000051:
p.000051: Local (Gov.) and international (yet to be identified)
p.000051:
p.000051: NCA/NBB/Ad visory committees
p.000051:
p.000051:
p.000051:
p.000051: NCA/NBB
p.000051:
p.000051: Scientific docs reproduced, case studies analysed, BCH docs and notifications from MoPs.
p.000051: Concerns taken into consideration in GMO application procedures
p.000051:
p.000051: Ongoing
p.000051:
p.000051:
p.000051:
p.000051:
p.002005: 2005
p.002005: onwards
p.002005:
p.002005:
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p.000054: • Capacity to assess relative effectiveness of management options for import, handling and use of Modern
p.000054: Biotechnology and its products, where appropriate;
p.000054: • Capacity to assess relative trade impacts of management options, where appropriate;
p.000054:
p.000054: • Identification and handling of GMOs at point of import;
p.000054: • Monitoring of environmental impacts against expected impacts;
p.000054: • Capacity to monitor, enforce and report on compliance
p.000054: • Enforcement capacity at Port of Entries;
p.000054: • Emergency notification and planning and response capacity;
p.000054: • Capacity to monitor longer term environmental impacts, if any (base on current baselines);
p.000054: • Establishment of reporting systems.
p.000054: • Exchange of scientific, technical, environmental and legal information;
p.000054: • Collection, storage and analysis of scientific, regulatory and administrative data;
p.000054: • Communication to the Biosafety Clearing-House.
p.000054: • All aspect of the regulatory regime development, evaluation and maintains for risks assessment and risk
p.000054: management.
p.000054: • Raise awareness of modern biotechnology and Biosafety among scientists, government officials;
p.000054: • Training and longer term education;
p.000054: • Procedures for safe handling, use and transfer of GMOs
p.000054: • Administer and disseminate information on legal and administrative framework;
p.000054: • Public awareness of participation in scientific assessment process;
p.000054: • Risks associated with handling, use and development of GMOs
p.000054: • Processes for community, NGO consultation in development of risk assessment and management regimes;
p.000054: • Processes for community, NGO consultation prior to decisions.
p.000054:
p.000054: • Actively search for funding to support Biosafety in Seychelles
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054:
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p.000054:
p.000055: 55
p.000055:
p.000055: ANNEX I
p.000055:
p.000055: PUBLIC AWARENESS AND PARTICIPATION IN BIO-SAFETY
p.000055: (Rachel Marie)
p.000055:
p.000055: It is a well known fact that information dissemination is never enough. From environmental and developmental viewpoints
p.000055: there has been a conscientious effort by the various ministries, organizations and institutions to put in place
p.000055: mechanisms for promoting and facilitating public awareness, education and participation.
p.000055:
p.000055: Such initiatives have been very well appreciated by the general public as its gives them an opportunity to air views
p.000055: provide suggestion and feel a sense of ownership about the projects, activities, programmers placed at their
p.000055: disposal by either the government or other stakeholders.
p.000055:
p.000055: The Seychelles have tried as per the country’s constitution to make sure that the public are informed and educated
p.000055: on various issues and bio-safety is no exception. As per its international obligations such as the
p.000055: Cartage Protocol, the country has tried to assess the effectiveness of the existing mechanisms for public
p.000055: participation that are already in place.
p.000055:
p.000055: Within the Ministry of Health, there exist a unit for health education and promotion as well as a public relations
p.000055: unit. These two units have been set up with the aim of giving the public the necessary and appropriate information on
p.000055: health matters. There is no specific system for public participation although at several clinics there are
p.000055: complaints and suggestion, boxes, whereby the public can place their complaints and suggestions. How the
p.000055: complaints and suggestions are then used this is not clear.
p.000055:
p.000055: At regular intervals the ministry has also tried to organize decentralized meetings, where the public are invited to
p.000055: participate and air their views and give their suggestions.
p.000055:
p.000055: The ministry has always reserved the right not to disclose information to the public if they wish not to do so.
p.000055: The public for example might not be informed if such a drug is genetically modified if the ministry thinks this should
p.000055: be the case and so far their has not been any such obligation from the ministry, although a patient always reserves his
p.000055: or her right to such information.
p.000055:
p.000055: The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources on the other hand has in place a system for public can participate
p.000055: and give their views on any environment development through the Environment Impact Assessment procedure (EIA)
p.000055: which has an avenue for public participation. The EIA process makes provision for public notification
p.000055: through the mass media. This is done through the daily paper, over a certain period of time. The public is able to
p.000055: view the project plan at the Ministry of Environment or the National Library and comments.
p.000055:
p.000055: The comments and suggestions put forward by the public are then taken into consideration. If found to be valid a
p.000055: project might not start due to the public involvement and viewpoint. Another avenue for public
p.000055: participation is through the Education Information & Communication section which is responsible for
p.000055: the creation of public awareness and
p.000055:
p.000055:
p.000055:
p.000056: 56
p.000056:
p.000056: education on environmental issues; living modified organisms and GMO’s included. The public can express
p.000056: their opinion through the various media programmes that are aired, especially vox pop, which is one avenue for
p.000056: public participation.
p.000056:
p.000056: Food security and biotechnology is of concern to various governments the world over, the Department of Agriculture
p.000056: and Marine Resources within the ministry of environment and natural resources has to ensure that sufficient
p.000056: food is produce to feed the population at all times. The Ministry does not at present have in place a mechanism for
p.000056: public participation per se, though various tools for information dissemination are used to be able to
p.000056: transmit awareness programmes to the public. Written information via the print media has been an effective
p.000056: medium used to reach the public, open days, agricultural shows and agricultural fairs are organized
p.000056: orientated towards information dissemination and propagation. The public are able to participate actively at these
p.000056: activities and at the same time ask relevant questions, clarifications or comments. The various programmes over the
p.000056: visual media have also been a plus in information dissemination but the public does not really get much opportunity to
p.000056: get involved in these televised programmes.
p.000056:
p.000056: The Import and Export Division within the Ministry of Finance and the customs division are also key players in
p.000056: bio-safety as the Seychelles is major importer of food, agriculture products and pharmaceutical products,
p.000056: therefore they are also a player that should create an avenue for public participation within their respective area of
p.000056: work, which at present is none existent. The public are vary rarely informed of activities within these
p.000056: divisions and are rarely if at all consulted on any matters in relations to import, export and customs services.
p.000056: These two sections are more into policing rather than creating an avenue for the public to participate.
p.000056:
p.000056: Various other stakeholders are either directly or indirectly involved in sensitization information
p.000056: dissemination or are the public’s avenue for representation or participation, such organization such as consumer
p.000056: organizations which are champions of consumer rights, such as their rights to be heard ensure through regular
p.000056: meetings and through representation on various boards and committees that the public’s opinions, comments and
p.000056: concern are taken on board. Through these bodies the public are able to lobby or advocate for public
p.000056: participation either directly or indirectly on various issues that are of concern to them, notably
p.000056: bio-safety, food security, food safety etc….
p.000056:
p.000056: Other agencies such as the Seychelles Bureau of Standards, Seychelles Marketing Board, Farmers Association,
p.000056: and the Seychelles Fisheries Authority who are also partners in promoting, facilitating and creating public
p.000056: awareness through education visa vis bio-safety and the implementation of the Cartegena Protocol does not have on board
p.000056: any direct avenues for public participation, although indirectly through their various activities the public may be
p.000056: able to get involved.
p.000056:
p.000056: The proposed plan that the country is working on does ensure public participation at various stages, if and when the
p.000056: country does decide to either import, produce or handle genetically or living modified organisms in the near future.
p.000056: The proposed document makes provision for representative of the public or civil society organizations to sit on
p.000056: committees to represent the public. It also ensures an avenue for direct public comments and opinion within
p.000056: a define period of time.
p.000056:
p.000056:
p.000056:
p.000056:
p.000057: 57
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000058: 58
p.000058:
p.000058: ANNEX II
p.000058:
p.000058: Inventory of existing infrastructures and equipment to address Biosafety in Seychelles (Helda Antoine)
p.000058:
p.000058: 1.0 Introduction
p.000058:
p.000058: In Seychelles there are three reference laboratories, which carry out scientific tests and there are no accredited
p.000058: or independent laboratories. The operating reference laboratories in Seychelles are namely the Seychelles Public
p.000058: Health Laboratory (SPHL), Seychelles Bureau of Standards (SBS), and the Public Utilities Corporation (PUC).
p.000058: There are other small organizational and departmental laboratories operating in the country and they carry
p.000058: out specific tests which are specifically related to their scope of work and mandates and have also been
p.000058: included in this inventory exercise such as the Soil and Diagnostic Laboratory, Plant Clinic
p.000058: Laboratory, the Pollution and Control Laboratory, the Fish Inspection Laboratory, the National
p.000058: Institute of Education Laboratory and the Seychelles Polytechnic Laboratory. The mandates as well as the
p.000058: types of tests performed by the reference laboratories are outlined below.
p.000058:
p.000058: 2.0 The Seychelles Public Health Laboratory (SPHL),
p.000058:
p.000058: The Seychelles Public Health Laboratory (SPHL), which is based at the Victoria Hospital within the
p.000058: Ministry of Health and Social Affairs has the mandate under the Food Act of Seychelles to support the
p.000058: importation and consumption of safe and wholesome foods consume or be consumed by the population. It is divided
p.000058: into four units, which are the Food microbiology, Water microbiology, Sexually Transmitted Disease and Disease
p.000058: Surveillance. The Seychelles Public Health Laboratory is the focal point for lab-based disease surveillance and is
p.000058: the government’s designated reference laboratory. The list of main analytical equipment in operation at the
p.000058: Seychelles Public Health Laboratory is appended at Annex 1A while the list of tests per unit and their respective
p.000058: Maximum Turnover time is appended as Annex 1B.
p.000058:
p.000058: 2.1.1 The main responsibilities of the Seychelles Public Health Laboratory are:
p.000058:
p.000058: (i) Monitor the quality of food and water.
p.000058: (ii) Being the national laboratory focal point the SPHL laboratory is involved in the integration and creation of
...
p.000060: • Quality of toilet paper, candles and corrugated iron sheets,
p.000060: • Quality of petroleum products,
p.000060: • Testing of plant materials (including medicinal) plants for active ingredients and other quality factors
p.000060: and,
p.000060:
p.000060: (iii) Microbiology Laboratory
p.000060: • Isolation, purification, enumeration and identification of microbes in all sorts of food, animal feed and water,
p.000060: • Air and surface contamination monitoring.
p.000060:
p.000060: (iv) Food chemistry Laboratory
p.000060: • Quality of food products such as fish and fishery products, milk and diary products, fruit and fruit products,
p.000060: cereals and cereal products, spices and condiment and meat and meat products,
p.000060: • Monitoring of fruits and vegetables for organochloride pesticides,
p.000060: • Quality and nutritional parameters of animal feed,
p.000060: • Quality of alcoholic beverages.
p.000060:
p.000060: 4.0. The Public Utilities Cooperation Laboratory
p.000060: The Seychelles Public Utilities Cooperation is the body responsible for the treatment of potable water and
p.000060: its distribution to its clientele. PUC is also responsible for the treatment of sewage. The list of equipment and
p.000060: tests performed by the PUC laboratory is attached as Annex 3
p.000060:
p.000060: The list of equipment and the tests performed by other departmental and sectional laboratories are appended
p.000060: in the annex listed below:
p.000060:
p.000060: Soil and Diagnostic Laboratory as Annex 4, the Plant Clinic Laboratory as Annex 5 the Fish Inspection Laboratory as
p.000060: Annex 6, the Pollution and Control Laboratory Annex 7, the National Institute of Education Laboratory as
p.000060: Annex 8 and the Seychelles Polytechnic Laboratory as Annex 9.
p.000060:
p.000060:
p.000060:
p.000060:
p.000060:
p.000060:
p.000060:
p.000060:
p.000060:
p.000060:
p.000060:
p.000060:
p.000061: 61
p.000061:
p.000061: ANNEX 1A
p.000061:
p.000061: MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS
p.000061:
p.000061: LIST OF MAIN ANALYTICAL EQUIPMENTS IN OPERATION AT THE SEYCHELLES PUBLIC HEALTH LABORATORY
p.000061:
p.000061:
p.000061:
p.000061: ITEM
p.000061:
p.000061: Water Distiller Centrifuge
p.000061:
p.000061:
p.000061:
p.000061: Centrifuge 16A
p.000061:
p.000061: Rota Mixer Water bath
p.000061:
p.000061: Waterbath-Haake /BN2 Waterbath (with set of 12 holes)
p.000061: (GS) Microscope Vacuum Pump
p.000061: 3-Brch Manfold-500ml Vacuum Pump
p.000061: Air Sampler Electrical Balance Incubator
p.000061: Lamina Flow Cabinet Heating Block Chiller
p.000061: Fluorescence Microscope Mina Vidas Analyser Slide Drying Bench Microscope
p.000061: (OLYMPUS-CH2)
p.000061: LTE scientific incubator Deep Freezer
p.000061: Hot Air Oven (Model D15)
p.000061: Autoclave
p.000061: Autoclave- computerise Colony Counter
p.000061: Vortex Mixer
p.000061: Safety Cabinet –CL 1 II Safety Cabinet –CL 1
p.000061: QUANTITY IN UNITS
p.000001: 01
p.000005: 05
p.000005:
p.000005:
p.000005:
p.000001: 01
p.000001:
p.000001: 01
p.000005: 05
p.000005:
p.000002: 02
p.000001: 01
p.000001:
p.000001: 01
p.000001: 01
p.000002: 02
p.000001: 01
p.000001: 01
p.000001: 01
p.000003: 03
p.000001: 01
p.000001: 01
p.000001: 01
p.000001: 01
p.000001: 01
p.000001: 01
p.000002: 02
p.000002:
p.000001: 01
p.000002: 02
p.000002: 02
p.000002:
p.000003: 03
p.000003:
...
p.000076: Test strip, multiple parameter, pH range, and total alkalinity.
p.000076: Dipper
p.000076: Handle connector Dipper Rod Handle connector
p.000076: Glass micro fibre filter Aspirator
p.000076: Hanna
p.000076:
p.000076:
p.000076: AGRAR 2000 JENWAY
p.000076: Wagtech Hanna
p.000076: Cecil 9000 Goldstar
p.000002: 2
p.000002: 2
p.000002:
p.000002: 2
p.000001: 1
p.000001: 1
p.000005: 5
p.000001: 1
p.000001: Problem with switch At PUC for
p.000001: Calibration/maintenance Sent to Praslin Calibration failure
p.000001: At PUC for Calibration/maintenance Calibration failure
p.000001: At PUC for Calibration/maintenance Ok
p.000001:
p.000001: Ok Ok Ok
p.000001:
p.000001: Ok Ok Ok Ok Ok
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001: Types of tests perform by the Pollution and Control Laboratory Section within the Department of Environment
p.000001:
p.000001: • Dissolve Oxygen Demand
p.000001: • Total Suspended Solid
p.000001: • Noise measurement
p.000001: • Conductivity
p.000001: • pH
p.000001: • Taxonomy
p.000001: • Chemical Oxygen Demand
p.000001: • Turbidity
p.000001: • Chemical Analysis
p.000001: • Cell Matching
p.000001: • Appearance
p.000001: • pH interference
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000077: 77
p.000077:
p.000077:
p.000077:
p.000077:
p.000077:
p.000077:
p.000077:
p.000077:
p.000077:
p.000077:
p.000077:
p.000077:
p.000077:
p.000077:
p.000077:
p.000077:
p.000077:
p.000077:
p.000077:
p.000077:
p.000077:
p.000077:
p.000077:
p.000077:
p.000077:
p.000077:
p.000077:
p.000077:
p.000077:
p.000077:
p.000077:
p.000077: ANNEX 8
p.000077:
p.000077:
p.000077: MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND YOUTH
p.000077:
p.000077: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION
p.000077:
p.000077:
p.000077: List of equipment/apparatus within the National Institute of Education
p.000077:
p.000077: 1. Meter Ammeter
p.000077: 2. Meter Voltmeter
p.000077: 3. Meter Millimeter
p.000077: 4. Meter Galvanometer
p.000077: 5. Madgeburg Hemisphere
p.000077: 6. Oscilloscope
p.000077: 7. Oven
p.000077: 8. Convex Mirrors
p.000077: 9. Incubator
p.000077: 10. Vacuum Pump
p.000077: 11. Printer/Computer
p.000077: 12. Disc Drive/Keyboard Unit
p.000077: 13. Crooker Radiometer
p.000077:
p.000077:
p.000077:
p.000078: 78
p.000078:
p.000078: 14. Calorimeter
p.000078: 15. Calorimeter - Filter Set
p.000078: 16. Circuit Board ‘Worcester’ kit
p.000078: 17. Dissecting Set
p.000078: 18. Deflagrating Spoon
p.000078: 19. Dissecting Awl
p.000078: 20. Dynamic Thooley
p.000078: 21. Filter Pump
p.000078: 22. Autoclave
p.000078: 23. Balance Spring
p.000078: 24. Balance Wooden Double Pan
p.000078: 25. Balance Double pan” Bean”
p.000078: 26. Balance Way master ‘Bathroom”
p.000078: 27. Balance Lever
p.000078: 28. Balance Digital
p.000078: 29. Balance electrical ‘Soutouirs’
p.000078: 30. Barometer Aneroid
p.000078: 31. Centrifuge
p.000078: 32. Caliper Vernier
p.000078: 33. Spirit Machine 1 x RA100
p.000078: 34. Refrigerator
p.000078: 35. Potometer
p.000078: 36. Thermometer 0 - 250ºC
p.000078: 37. Thermometer 0- 350ºC
p.000078: 38. Gas Generator Kipp’s
p.000078: 39. Aspirator
p.000078: 40. Bell Jar
p.000078:
p.000078:
p.000078:
p.000078: ANNEX 9
p.000078:
p.000078: MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND YOUTH
p.000078:
p.000078: SEYCHLLES POLYTECHNIC
p.000078:
p.000078:
p.000078: List of equipment/apparatus within the Seychelles Polytechnic Laboratory
p.000078:
p.000078: BIOLOGICAL APPRATUS INVENTORY AS OF 2004
p.000078:
p.000078:
p.000078: Equipment/apparatus names
p.000078: Aspirator Aspirator Aspirator Autoclave Balance Balance
p.000078: Description of items
p.000078:
p.000078: Borosilicate 1ml
p.000078: Heavy Duty HDPE 10ml Polythene 10 ml Aluminium Alloy Gas Avery Berkel DC22T Dial-O-Gram 311
p.000078: Quantity
p.000078:
p.000001: 01
p.000008: 08
p.000007: 07
p.000001: 01
p.000001: 01
p.000001: 01
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000079: 79
p.000079:
p.000079: Balance Balance Balance Bath Calorimeter Centrifuge
p.000079: Chromatography Chromatography pH meter Microscope Microscope Microscope Microscope Microscope Microscope Lens objective
p.000079: Lens objectives Lens objectives Magnifier Magnifier Magnifier Microtome Potometer Thermometer Thermometer Thermometer
p.000079: Thermometer Thermometer
p.000079: Double Beam 1560 SD Portable 200 x 0.1
p.000079: Portable 2000 x 1 Unstirred JB Range Food
p.000079:
p.000079: Paper Grade 1 CHR 40 mm x 100m Tank
p.000079: Hanna (Water proof) Swift M3200 s Philip Harris Olympus
p.000079: Student Illuminated Student Stereo Student inclined
p.000079: DIN Achromatic x 40 NA 0.65
p.000079: X 40
p.000079: X 10
p.000079: With Handle 75 mm With Handle 50 mm Plastic
p.000079:
p.000079:
p.000079: Red spirit filled -ºC/110ºC 305mm Mercury White backed 10ºC/110ºC 305mm Mercury, Yellow backed -10ºC/110ºC 152mm
p.000079: Mercury, Yellow backed -10ºC/110ºC 305mm
p.000079: Red Spirit filled 10ºC/110ºC 155mm
...
Searching for indicator educational:
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p.000040: Leagues, Youth Leagues, the Farmer’s Association, the Fishermen Association and Young Citizens are among some of the
p.000040: various groups found in the country representing the population structure of Seychelles.
p.000040:
p.000040: These groups hold regular workshops and meetings where national policies, local developments and
p.000040: other national and community issues are discussed.
p.000040:
p.000040: Public information on Biosafety and biotechnology in Seychelles is being viewed as information provided to
p.000040: the public about modern biotechnology and the safe use of biotechnology; including the benefits, risks, and
p.000040: systems set in place to promote safety for the environment and human health in Seychelles. Such information is useful
p.000040:
p.000040:
p.000040:
p.000041: 41
p.000041:
p.000041: to inform, raise awareness and educate the public, whilst promoting transparency. In Seychelles, good
p.000041: public information leads to public participation, trust and confidence. The four most relevant sector organisation to
p.000041: the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety in Seychelles enjoy credibility among the public. Thus, for the implementation of
p.000041: the National Biosafety Framework the mentioned organizations will conduct public information and participation
p.000041: programmes. However, these organizations need to enroll on a capacity building programme to be well equipped to
p.000041: provide the public with the right information on the activities of Biosafety and Biotechnology, to the
p.000041: consumers on the scientific, environmental, educational and ecological issues. These organisations should also be well
p.000041: trained to be able to provide such information to the media.
p.000041:
p.000041: The national media will be used as the principal means to disseminate Biosafety and Biotechnology
p.000041: information to the Seychellois Public. The different political papers will also be used to reach politicians and
p.000041: political activists. The various groups representing the Seychelles’ population structures will be used
p.000041: as means for raising public awareness and public participation. Formal educational programme on Biosafety
p.000041: and biotechnology is currently being integrated into the school curricula at secondary and post secondary
p.000041: institutions such as the Farmer’s Training Center, National Institutes of Education etc..,
p.000041:
p.000041: In Seychelles, for the purpose of Biosafety and Modern Biotechnology the public is defined as all the person, groups
p.000041: and institutions who are, and will be affected by the activities of Biosafety and biotechnology within the country.
p.000041: The persons, organizations and institutions can be categorized into the following groups:
p.000041:
p.000041: • Users: Persons, organizations, which will be directly involved in the introduction and use of biotechnology;
p.000041:
p.000041: • Consumers: The end users or consumers of GMOs;
p.000041:
p.000041: • Regulators: Persons and institutions involved in developing rules, regulations and framework to govern
p.000041: the safe handling and use of biotechnology;
p.000041:
p.000041: • Implementers: Persons and institutions with a particular knowledge and training related to the safe
p.000041: introduction, handling and use of biotechnology;
p.000041:
p.000041: • Interest groups: Organizations and institutions in the public and private sectors who have an interest in the
p.000041: development, safe use and handling of biotechnology;
p.000041:
p.000041: In Seychelles, information is better understood when it is tailored to address the specific needs of the
p.000041: public sector e.g., the consumers’ group may have questions and concerns completely different from those of
...
p.000050:
p.000050: Objectives:
p.000050: Sensitise local farmers and policy makers about Modern Biotechnology applications in agriculture, including potential
p.000050: socio-economic effects of modern biotechnology on local farming, food security, and any possible potential,
p.000050: adverse impacts that may result from the use of the technology. (In Seychelles small farmers face
p.000050: some most difficult agricultural challenges: significant portions of their harvests are lost to pests,
p.000050: diseases, poor soil, poor quality seeds, flooding and lack of agricultural technologies).
p.000050:
p.000050: Actions:
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050: Activities
p.000050:
p.000050: To identify, monitor and assess opportunities and challenges of Modern Biotechnology-related
p.000050: changes in the agriculture and food industries in Seychelles.
p.000050: To identify and address relevant Biosafety and Modern Biotechnology issues
p.000050: for Seychellois farmers through continued monitoring, education
p.000050: Funding Agency
p.000050: Local (Gov.) and international (yet to be identified)
p.000050: Local (Gov.) and international (yet to be identified)
p.000050: Responsible Agency NCA/NBB
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050: NCA/NBB
p.000050: Verifiable Indicator Assessment reports, workshop reports, field monitoring reports
p.000050:
p.000050: Awareness programmes made, educational materials produced
p.000050: Time Frame Ongoing
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050: Ongoing
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000051: 51
p.000051:
p.000051: and awareness activities.
p.000051: To advise decision makers of ‘proven safe’ Modern Biotechnology applications that
p.000051: can be used to enhance food security in Seychelles.
p.000051: To ensure that the views of farmers are reflected in local policies (especially where importation of GMOs
p.000051: for agricultural purposes is concerned)
p.000051:
p.000051: Local (Gov.) and international (yet to be identified)
p.000051:
p.000051: Local (Gov.) and international (yet to be identified)
p.000051:
p.000051: NCA/NBB/Ad visory committees
p.000051:
p.000051:
p.000051:
p.000051: NCA/NBB
p.000051:
p.000051: Scientific docs reproduced, case studies analysed, BCH docs and notifications from MoPs.
p.000051: Concerns taken into consideration in GMO application procedures
p.000051:
p.000051: Ongoing
p.000051:
p.000051:
p.000051:
p.000051:
p.002005: 2005
p.002005: onwards
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005: 6.0 Maintaining Food and Pharmaceutical use safety in Seychelles: a public health priority.
p.002005:
p.002005: Objective:
p.002005: Pursue the economic and public benefits of improved health care through products of Modern Biotechnology,
p.002005: but at all times ensuring that the products have been considered safe for human health (by reputed,
p.002005: recognised organisations/institution).
p.002005:
p.002005: Actions:
p.002005:
p.002005:
...
Social / Incarcerated
Searching for indicator restricted:
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p.000028:
p.000028: The Biosafety Advisory Bodies will have access to a wide pool of reviewers (both locally and international) to cover
p.000028: specialist sections of any application on both safety and non- safety issues during the (socio-economic) reviewing
p.000028: processes. Comprehensive reviews shall include safety and non-safety issues and will be undertaken on applications when
p.000028: necessary. Recommendations made will be conveyed to the National Biosafety Board. This process would ensure
p.000028: that all concerns are taken onboard during decision making on applications.
p.000028:
p.000028: 9.6 Appeal System
p.000028:
p.000028: An appeal process will provide a mechanism to appeal any decision(s) by the National Biosafety Board. All appeals
p.000028: should be made to the Minister responsible to implement the Biosafety Framework and legislations. This process
p.000028: will be embedded in the Biosafety Act and will be opened and accessible to all stakeholders. Provision
p.000028: for a second review, totally independent of the first review may be allowed within the appeal process. The appeal
p.000028: process will be stringent so as not to be subjected to manipulation, but yet accessible and user friendly so as not to
p.000028: discourage appeals, particularly from the public.
p.000028:
p.000028: 9.7 Inspection Services
p.000028:
p.000028: Approvals for granting GMO activities and/or products containing GMOs in Seychelles will contain conditions, including
p.000028: risk management that need to be applied and will be restricted to a duration not exceeding 5 years. Approval may be
p.000028: renewable subjected to compliance with the conditions. Inspection services will check to ensure that the
p.000028: activities are carried out in accordance with the permit requirements and the Biosafety Act. Senior
p.000028: members of the Inspectorate teams will sit on an advisory committee for reviewing application(s) and should
p.000028: be conversant with both the local requirements as that of the protocol. They should also be competent in assessing
p.000028: the level of compliance and any unintended socio-economic effects.
p.000028:
p.000028:
p.000028:
p.000029: 29
p.000029:
p.000029: 9.8 The Notification Process Procedure for Launching a Notification
p.000029: Before the first transboundary movement of a GMO or a GMO product regulated by the Biosafety Act is
p.000029: destined to arrive in Seychelles, or a local development of GMO is initiated a notification must take place.
p.000029:
p.000029: The Party of Export/designated authority or the party developing the GMO locally (Applicant) will
p.000029: have the legal obligation under the Biosafety Act to ensure that the National Competent Authority of Seychelles
p.000029: (through the Biosafety Administration Office) receives notification of the proposed transboundary movement
p.000029: or the proposed local development. For request from outside Seychelles the Notification must come from
...
Social / Linguistic Proficiency
Searching for indicator language:
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p.000029: have the legal obligation under the Biosafety Act to ensure that the National Competent Authority of Seychelles
p.000029: (through the Biosafety Administration Office) receives notification of the proposed transboundary movement
p.000029: or the proposed local development. For request from outside Seychelles the Notification must come from
p.000029: the party of export (mandated under the Cartagena Protocol) or designated authority (for countries not a party to
p.000029: the protocol).
p.000029:
p.000029: All Notifications must be made to the Biosafety Administration Office (The office of the Focal Point for
p.000029: Biosafety, Division of Nature & Conservation), and shall be accompanied by the appropriate processing fee to be
p.000029: specified by the Biosafety Act.
p.000029:
p.000029: A Notification must contain, at a minimum, the information specified in the Biosafety Act. In the case of
p.000029: transboundary movement, the Notification should be launched through The Party of Export. The Party of Export
p.000029: must ensure that legal requirement is imposed for the accuracy of information provided by the exporter. The language
p.000029: of the Notification can be in any of the Seychelles official languages (English, French and Creole).
p.000029:
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p.000030: 30
p.000030:
p.000030: The FIRST points of communications for importation/local production of GMOs & GMO products in Seychelles
p.000030:
p.000030:
p.000030:
p.000030:
p.000030: Party of Export/Designated Authority
p.000030: The Seychelles Biosafety Administration Office (Focal Point for CPB)
p.000030: in
p.000030: The Ministry of Environment & Natural Resources
p.000030: (The National Competent Authority)
p.000030:
p.000030:
p.000030:
p.000030:
p.000030:
p.000030: APPLICANT
p.000030:
p.000030: For GMO coming from outside Seychelles,
p.000030: The Exporter)
p.000030:
p.000030:
p.000030: APPLICANT
p.000030:
p.000030: For GMO produced in Seychelles
p.000030:
p.000030:
p.000030:
p.000030:
p.000030:
p.000030: 9.8 Acknowledgement of Receipt of Notification
p.000030:
p.000030: 1. The Biosafety Administration Office will acknowledge receipt of the notification, in writing, to the
p.000030: Applicant to the Party of Export or the Applicant (if local) within ninety (90) days of its receipt.
p.000030:
p.000030: 2. The acknowledgement shall state:
p.000030:
p.000030: (a) The date of receipt of the notification;
...
Social / Marital Status
Searching for indicator single:
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p.000065: • Has a dynamic range of detection,
p.000065: • Permits rapid target identification and results may be ready in as little as 30-60 minutes,
p.000065: • Eliminates post PCR processing which may be unsafe,
p.000065: • Is highly specific hence used for confirmation and in many methods is referred to as the ‘gold standard ’ for
p.000065: testing,
p.000065: • Allows multiplexing, i.e testing for the more than one target and specimen at a time.
p.000065: • Permits quantification of the target under study.
p.000065: • Has a high throughput.
p.000065:
p.000065: Due to its versatility PCR testing has many other applications and covers diverse field including
p.000065: bacteriology, virology, immunology, and genetics amongst others. These fields will benefit immensely in confirmation of
p.000065: specific cases where a diagnosis is required and where preliminary tests have failed to confirm or detect significant
p.000065: data to enable a diagnostics.
p.000065:
p.000065: The Magna Pure LC/LightCycler workstation from Roche Applied Science (RAS) is real- time PCR system, which
p.000065: is widely used and is well establishment in GMO testing worldwide. It can test for genetic modification
p.000065: qualitatively or qualitatively. With the inclusion of the Mag Na Pure LC instrument DNA preparation is
p.000065: automated and there is no need for any other external manipulation which eliminates errors and
p.000065: cross-contamination, as is the case when using traditional PCR systems.
p.000065:
p.000065: Summary of the Main Benefits of the Light Cycler ™2.0 System.
p.000065: • 6 colour detection channels,
p.000065: • Software Version 4.0,suited to Research and Diagnostic applications,
p.000065: • Closed, single-tube assay for implication and detection,
p.000065: • No post –PCR manipulation (e.g. gels), which minimizes the risk of amp icon cross contamination,
p.000065: • Reliable, high speed amplification,
p.000065: • Has a broad dynamic range from 10 to 10 copies in a single run,
p.000065: • Has high reproducibility,
p.000065: • High sensitivity. Single copy gene detection in one genome equipment.
p.000065: • No manual human intervention is required –everything is software driven. This makes it ideal in a multi-user
p.000065: facility.
p.000065: • Uses Windows 2000.User-friendly and easy access controlled.
p.000065: • Multi –colour multiplex PCR reactions possible (6 detection channels).
p.000065: • Automatic sample report generation.
p.000065: • Extensive application expertise available from Roche South Africa.
p.000065:
p.000065:
p.000065:
p.000066: 66
p.000066:
p.000066: • Service engineers available to service all instrumentation.
p.000066:
p.000066: Availability of trained personnel locally
p.000066: A technologist was attached at the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) and the National Institute of
p.000066: Communicable Diseases (NICD) in South Africa for two months, and was able to gain experience in latest technologies
p.000066: including PCR testing.
p.000066:
p.000066: Pricing Information
p.000066:
p.000066: Below are the pricing information obtained from (RAS) comparing four real- time PCR options to give an idea
p.000066: of the costs. Note that the preferred one is option 4.
p.000066:
p.000066:
p.000066: Description LightCycler V1.5™Instrument
p.000066:
p.000066: +
p.000066: GMO Screening & Quantification kit
p.000066:
p.000066: +
p.000066: GMO Sample Preparation kits for Nucleic Acid Isolation.
p.000066: Total Cost for option 1
p.000066: Light cycler VI. %
p.000066: LightCyclerV1.5™and Magna Pure LC instrument
p.000066:
p.000066: +
p.000066: GMO Screening & Quantification Kit
p.000066:
p.000066: Total Cost for option 1
p.000066:
p.000066: Light Cycler V2.0™ Instrument
p.000066: +
...
p.000001: 01
p.000002: 02
p.000001: 01
p.000006: 06
p.000001: 01
p.000001: 01
p.000001: 01
p.000002: 02
p.000002: Helium 01
p.000002: Hydrogen 02
p.000002: Mercury 02
p.000002: Neon 01
p.000002: Nitrogen 01
p.000002: Oxygen 01
p.000002: Planar Diode 01
p.000002: Cadium 01
p.000002: 80 lines 02
p.000002: 300 lines 03
p.000002: 600 lines 03
p.000002: Multi 02
p.000002: Dual range 07
p.000001: 01
p.000001: 01
p.000001: Centre zero 17
p.000001: ED/spot 01
p.000001: 01
p.000001: For accumulators 02
p.000001: 01
p.000002: 02
p.000001: 01
p.000001: Didital 01
p.000001: Biconcave 01
p.000001: Biconvex 14
p.000081: 81
p.000081:
p.000081: Lenses
p.000081: Linear Expansion apparatus Magdeburg Hemisphere Microphome
p.000081: Newton meter Potentiometers
p.000081: Planoconvex 05
p.000001: 01
p.000002: 02
p.000002: probe 01
p.000020: 20
p.000020: One metre single wire 15
p.000020:
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Social / Police Officer
Searching for indicator officer:
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p.000026: • Consult with the Applicant (s), where necessary, on treatment of confidential information;
p.000026:
p.000026: The MENR is responsible for carrying out administrative functions under the Cartegena Protocol and is also
p.000026: responsible for liaising with other parties. The decision-making process in the National Biosafety Framework will
p.000026: constitute of a wide range of representatives from national authorities, departments and other stakeholders. They
p.000026: will be represented on a National Biosafety Board. The National Biosafety Board will receive inputs and
p.000026: advices from the Advisory Bodies, Public groups and Inspectorate Committees. The Biosafety and the Biosafety
p.000026: Administration office will be located in the office of the Division of Nature and Conservation within the Ministry of
p.000026: Environment & Natural Resources. This office will be responsible for conducting the above mentioned administration
p.000026: duties.
p.000026:
p.000026:
p.000026:
p.000026:
p.000026: 9.3 The Biosafety Administration Office
p.000026:
p.000026: Due to financial implication on setting up a new registrar for receiving notifications, Seychelles has
p.000026: decided to use the Office of the Focal Point to the Cartagena Protocol as the Biosafety Administration office and the
p.000026: location of this office is mentioned in section 10.1.1 above. Such decision is to facilitate reporting, posting
p.000026: information to the BCH and receiving updates on new development with regards to the protocol. The roles and
p.000026: responsibilities of this office will be as follows;
p.000026:
p.000026: • Receive official notification (s) and be the entry point for all GMO applications. The officer responsible
p.000026: shall ensure that legal requirement regarding accuracy of information is provided and respected by all
p.000026: Applicants;
p.000026: • Ensure that safety and socio-economic reviews are undertaken and that the public are consulted in the decision
p.000026: making process on all applications.
p.000026:
p.000026:
p.000026:
p.000026:
p.000027: 27
p.000027:
p.000027: • Coordinate meetings of the National Biosafety Board and the Biosafety Advisory Committees and issues
p.000027: permits and rejection letters on applications at the request of the Board;
p.000027: • Respond to national, regional and international queries and keep record on all GMO issues and activities, and
p.000027: simultaneously keep and maintain a database on all products containing GMOs produced or imported into Seychelles;
p.000027: • Verify the content of the notification to ensure that the information specified by the regulations is contained
p.000027: at a minimum, in any of the Seychelles official languages (English, French and Creole).
p.000027: • Provide official acknowledgement of receipts of the notification and communicate the decision taken on the
p.000027: notification the Applicant(s) and BCH.
p.000027:
p.000027: In line with the Protocol the Biosafety Administration Office shall issue acknowledgement
p.000027: letter stating:
p.000027:
p.000027: a) The date of receipt of the notification;
p.000027: b) Whether the notification, prima facie, contains the information referred to in the Biosafety Act;
p.000027: c) Whether to proceed according to the Seychelles regulations.
p.000027:
p.000027: The acknowledgement will identify the next steps in the process, and will confirm the date upon which
...
p.000030:
p.000030: For GMO coming from outside Seychelles,
p.000030: The Exporter)
p.000030:
p.000030:
p.000030: APPLICANT
p.000030:
p.000030: For GMO produced in Seychelles
p.000030:
p.000030:
p.000030:
p.000030:
p.000030:
p.000030: 9.8 Acknowledgement of Receipt of Notification
p.000030:
p.000030: 1. The Biosafety Administration Office will acknowledge receipt of the notification, in writing, to the
p.000030: Applicant to the Party of Export or the Applicant (if local) within ninety (90) days of its receipt.
p.000030:
p.000030: 2. The acknowledgement shall state:
p.000030:
p.000030: (a) The date of receipt of the notification;
p.000030: (b) Whether the notification, prima facie, contains the information referred to in the Biosafety Act;
p.000030: (c) Whether to proceed according to the procedure described in the Biosafety Act (AIA procedure);
p.000030: (d) Confirms the date upon which the 270-day period begins within which Seychelles should reach a decision
p.000030: on the proposed application;
p.000030:
p.000030: 3. A failure by the Biosafety Administration Office to acknowledge receipt of a notification shall not imply its
p.000030: consent to the notification.
p.000030:
p.000030: 9.9 Decision Procedure
p.000030:
p.000030: The Biosafety Administration Office within 270 days will inform the Party of Export or the Applicant (if request is
p.000030: made locally) and the BCH, in writing whether the intentional boundary movement or the local development of
p.000030: the GMO or GMO products may proceed.
p.000030:
p.000030:
p.000030:
p.000031: 31
p.000031:
p.000031: The number of days the Biosafety Administration Officer has to wait for additional relevant information will not be
p.000031: included in the 270 days.
p.000031:
p.000031: This writing response will include the following:
p.000031:
p.000031: (a) Approving the import or local development, with or without conditions, including how the decision will
p.000031: apply to subsequent imports or local development of the same GMO or GMO products;
p.000031:
p.000031: (b) Prohibiting the import or local development;
p.000031:
p.000031: (c) Informing the Party of Export/designated authority or the Applicant that the period specified is extended by a
p.000031: defined period of time.
p.000031:
p.000031: Except in a case in which consent is unconditional, a decision will set out the reasons on which it is
p.000031: based;
p.000031:
p.000031: A failure by the Biosafety Administration Office to communicate the decision within 270 days of the date of
p.000031: the receipt of the notification will not imply its consent to go ahead with the transboundary movement or the local
p.000031: development of the GMO or GMO products;
p.000031:
p.000031: Lack of scientific certainty due to insufficient relevant scientific information and knowledge regarding the extent of
p.000031: the potential adverse effects of a GMO (or GMO product) will not prevent the National Biosafety Board from taking a
p.000031: decision, as appropriate, with regards to the import or the local development of a GMO or GMO product in question, in
p.000031: order to avoid or minimize such potential adverse effects.
p.000031:
p.000031:
p.000031:
p.000031:
p.000031:
p.000031:
p.000031:
p.000031:
p.000031:
p.000031:
p.000031:
...
p.000043: (Import control) Act, Import and Export (customs) regulations, Food Act and Environment Protection Act. The
p.000043: implementation of the Biosafety Act would not require a specialize group of officers to be stationed at the ports
p.000043: of entry to check for GMOs import or inspect field trials or commodities on the market. Instead, the
p.000043: custom officers and officers of Environmental Health and Natural Resources would play an important role
p.000043: in checking certificates and permits for GMO imports. Each department will monitor and enforce the Biosafety Act in
p.000043: its line of duties.
p.000043: Collaboration and coordination are have been identified as very paramount among the various departments
p.000043: and organisations for GMO identification, risk assessment, and risk
p.000043:
p.000043:
p.000043:
p.000044: 44
p.000044:
p.000044: management (DoE, DNR, DoH, DoF, MoEP, NATCOF and, SBS). Such joint efforts are therefore essential for the
p.000044: effective implementation of the Biosafety legislations.
p.000044:
p.000044: As there were neither Biosafety policies nor legislation in Seychelles before the execution of the National Biosafety
p.000044: Framework project, the above bodies of inspectorate have not yet been trained in GMO detection, field trial,
p.000044: or market release inspection. Intensive training will be required for the mentioned bodies for
p.000044: inspectorate activities. As per the administrative systems, a senior inspectorate officer from each of the
p.000044: mentioned departments and organisations involved in the monitoring and enforcement will sit on the
p.000044: Biosafety Advisory Committees and will also be able to provide practical situation reports on any
p.000044: particular GMO application in relation to monitoring and enforcement. This would ensure effective implementation of
p.000044: the Biosafety Act through an update and informed monitoring and enforcement system. The National Biosafety
p.000044: Board will monitor the enforcement, monitoring systems and mechanisms to ensure its efficiency.
p.000044:
p.000044: So far no applications for GMO have been received in the country and as a result no permits have been issued yet.
p.000044:
p.000044: From the Survey results of the Institution capacity it was found out that there are no laboratories
p.000044: equipped enough to conduct or carry out GMO analysis in Seychelles (See Institution Survey result). The
p.000044: closest laboratories that can be enhanced to allow some basic tests to be carried out are the Clinical and
p.000044: Public Health Laboratory in the Department of Health and the Laboratories to monitor standards at the
p.000044: Seychelles Bureau of Standard (would benefit with the use of a PCR , Polymerase Chain Reaction).
p.000044: Seychelles have no University yet to conduct such test.
p.000044:
p.000044: However, as soon as our Laboratories are equipped even with a PCR, the Ministry of Environment & Natural
...
Searching for indicator police:
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p.000045: of an emergency response plan.
p.000045:
p.000045: Monitoring areas of priorities shall be:
p.000045:
p.000045: 1. Field trials of GMOs if they have been allowed into the Environment (DoE and NR);
p.000045: 2. GMO in contained use (if they have been allowed e.g. Laboratories) (DoH, DoE and NR);
p.000045: 3. Illegal transboundary movement (Custom, DoE, NR and DoH);
p.000045: 4. GMOs for direct use for food and feed (DoH, SBS, NATCOF and VET);
p.000045: 5. Impact of GMO on Biological Diversity (DoE);
p.000045: 6. GMO in transit (Custom and DoE).
p.000045:
p.000045: 12.2 Enforcement
p.000045:
p.000045: Enforcement varies according to the nature and intended use of the GMO. The GMO will be subjected to different laws
p.000045: other than the Biosafety laws as the nature of imports and uses of the GMOs could come and be in various forms.
p.000045: Therefore, the different laws that exist in the country will be used. With regard to the Biosafety laws, the following
p.000045: agencies will have the responsibilities in this law to uphold and ensure effective enforcement.
p.000045:
p.000045: o Ensuring labelling compliance (DoH, NATCOF, DoF and SBS);
p.000045:
p.000045:
p.000045:
p.000046: 46
p.000046:
p.000046: o Verification of permits, certificates or letters of approval (Custom and DoE, NR, DoH);
p.000046:
p.000046: o Ensure safe transfer, handling and use of GMO in Seychelles (All department, NGOs, and parastatals concerned);
p.000046:
p.000046: o Enforce Advance Informed Agreement procedure with parties and non-parties to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety
p.000046: (DoE);
p.000046:
p.000046: o Enforce fine or penalty for offenders related to the Biosafety Act (DoE and Police Department).
p.000046:
p.000046:
p.000046:
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p.000047: 47
p.000047:
p.000047: 13.0 Seychelles Biosafety Action Plan 2005 - 2010
p.000047:
p.000047: The Seychelles Action Plan 2005 – 2010 is a set of guidelines for the country to adopt and achieve throughout the
p.000047: coming five years in order for Seychelles to fully comply with the provision of the current framework and the
p.000047: Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. It was not possible to confirm fundings from International agencies to
p.000047: any of the mentioned actions during the time of the development of the current Biosafety Framework Project.
p.000047: However, being a Party to the Protocol Seychelles is expected to enrol on the Biosafety Clearing House project and the
p.000047: Implementation of National Biosafety Framework Project. In principle the two proposed projects should at least cover
p.000047: the majority of the required International short term funding for Seychelles to put in place the basic requirements of
p.000047: Biosafety.
p.000047:
p.000047: 1.0 Setting up of Biosafety Structures
p.000047:
p.000047: Objective:
p.000047: Support the implementation of the National Biosafety Framework through the setting up of the Biosafety Administration
p.000047: systems
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047: Actions
p.000047:
...
Social / Religion
Searching for indicator faith:
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p.000037: basis of a worst case scenario. In the case of an application for the release of a GMO in the environment, then
p.000037: if the risks are regarded as acceptable, permission will be granted for field trials of that GMO first. The
p.000037: introduction will always take place in line with the Precautionary Principle. If sufficient data is lacking then an
p.000037:
p.000037:
p.000037:
p.000038: 38
p.000038:
p.000038: acceptable risk level may also be obtained through the imposition of a series of additional regulations,
p.000038: such as confinement of working area, conducting the field trial only at certain period of the year,
p.000038: etc.., and such regulations and conditions can be adjusted in the course of time and as knowledge increases.
p.000038:
p.000038: 10.9 Assessing the risk in socio-economics and ethics
p.000038:
p.000038: In addition to the scientific issues, for a country with a population of 82,000 people, ethical and
p.000038: social considerations also demand considerable attention. Especially as most of the products that will enter the
p.000038: jurisdiction of Seychelles will be commodity import and would thus, directly influence the consumer market.
p.000038: When addressing the risk assessments in Seychelles, divergent values and interests and issues will be weighed up
p.000038: against each other. The Government is fully aware that some people will judge that for reasons of faith or respect for
p.000038: life. E.g. genetic modification of any organism, whatsoever is not acceptable under any circumstances, while others
p.000038: will, due to the advantages of genetic modification in medical, environmental, industry and agricultural areas,
p.000038: will regard the application of this technology as highly desirable. The Government is aware that such considerations
p.000038: and the resulting choices are far from simple, especially as this technology is quite recent. Such matters will be
p.000038: carefully treated in the Biosafety Act in order to provide the consumers with informed choices.
p.000038:
p.000038: 10.10 Safety and Acceptability
p.000038:
p.000038: In general, Seychelles recognizes the opportunities that Modern Biotechnology provides for sustainable farming,
p.000038: cleaner production methods, better health care and a better environment. There is no doubt that such
p.000038: opportunities should not be explored. However, these opportunities should be accompanied by optimum safeguards
p.000038: to ensure safety; transparency in decision-making; freedom of choice for the individual; and ethical
p.000038: acceptability. Thus, it is not surprising that Seychelles opted for optimum safety and acceptability to
p.000038: come with every new GMO or GMO product entering the country.
p.000038:
p.000038: 10.11 Approval
p.000038:
p.000038: (i) Field trials or market introductions into the country will only be permitted if it has been sufficiently
p.000038: shown in a scientific manner that it does not pose any social, economic and ethical threats to the country
...
Social / Social
Searching for indicator social:
(return to top)
p.000001: 1.0 General Introduction
p.000001: 1.1 The National Executing Agency (NEA)
p.000001: 1.2 The National Project Coordinator (NPC)
p.000001: 1.3 The National Coordinating Committee (NCC)
p.000001: 1.4 The National Biosafety Framework Drafting Committee (NBFDC)
p.000001: 1.5 Public Awareness and Public Participation Committee (PAPPC)
p.000001:
p.000001: 2.0 Background Information on Seychelles
p.000001:
p.000001: 3.0 Seychelles and the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety
p.000001:
p.000001: 4.0 Environment Plans and strategies in Seychelles
p.000001:
p.000001: 5.0 The challenges facing the Seychelles Natural Environment
p.000001:
p.000001: 6.0 Biotechnology in Seychelles
p.000001: 6.1 Biotechnology in Agriculture
p.000001: 6.2 Biotechnology in other economic sectors
p.000001:
p.000001: 7.0 Existing Regulatory Regimes
p.000001: 7.1 Agriculture
p.000001: 7.2 Fisheries
p.000001: 7.3 Environment
p.000001: 7.4 Health
p.000001: 7.5 Consumer protection
p.000001:
p.000001: 8.0 Seychelles Biosafety Policy on Importation of GMOs or GMO Products
p.000001: 8.1 Introduction
p.000001: 8.2 The Mission
p.000001: 8.3 Government Goals for biosafety and the use of Modern Biotechnology
p.000001: 8.4 Policy of Modern Biotechnology and Biosafety in the Health Care
p.000001: 8.5 Policy of Modern Biotechnology and Biosafety in Agriculture
p.000001: 8.6 Policy of Modern Biotechnology and Biosafety in Industry
p.000001: 8.7 Policy of Modern Biotechnology and Biosafety in Social & Ethical Environment
p.000001: 8.8 Advance Informed Agreement
p.000001: 8.9 The Competent Authority
p.000001: 8.10 Notification and information
p.000001: 8.11 Decision for Importation
p.000001: 8.12 GMOs not subject to Protocol provisions
p.000001: 8.13 GMOs in transit
p.000001: 8.14 GMOs destined for contained used
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000002: 2
p.000002:
p.000002: 8.15 GMOs intended for direct use for food, feed, or for processing (GMO-FFPs)
p.000002: 8.16 GMOs for pharmaceutical use that are addressed by other relevant international agreements or organizations
p.000002: 8.17 GMOs identified by the meeting of parties to the Protocol as not being likely to have adverse effects
p.000002: 8.18 Biosafety Clearing-House (BCH)
p.000002: 8.19 Illegal Cases, Liability and Redress
p.000002:
p.000002: 9.0 The Administrative System to address GMOs in Seychelles
p.000002: 9.1 The National Biosafety Structures
p.000002: 9.2 The National Competent Authority
p.000002: 9.3 The Biosafety Administration Office
p.000002: 9.4 The National Biosafety Board
p.000002: 9.5 The Biosafety Advisory Bodies
p.000002: 9.6 Appeal System
p.000002: 9.7 Inspection Services
p.000002: 9.8 The Notification process
p.000002: 9.9 Decision Procedure
p.000002: 9.10 Summary of the Administrative Process
p.000002:
p.000002: 10.0 Risk Assessment and Risk Management
p.000002: 10.1 Knowledge of risks base on Science
...
p.000010: individuals.
p.000010:
p.000010:
p.000010: 4.0 Environment Plans and Strategies in Seychelles
p.000010:
p.000010: 4.1 The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP)
p.000010:
p.000010: The dependence of the Seychelles’ population on very limited natural resource base makes conservation of
p.000010: biodiversity a real challenge. Realising this, Seychelles with the technical coorperation of UNEP and the World
p.000010: Conservation Union (IUCN), funded by GEF developed a comprehensive National Biodiversity Strategy and
p.000010: Action Plan (NBSAP) in 1997 to address a holistic approach to biodiversity conservation and sustainable
p.000010: development programmes. The NBSAP comprises of a summary of Seychelles Biodiversity Assessment.
p.000010: The document addresses the opportunities and challenges of protecting and mobilizing the country’s
p.000010: biological diversity. It also describes the gaps and constraints currently hindering Seychelles’s efforts in
p.000010: biodiversity conservation and sustainable use, including gaps in capacity, partnerships, coordination, and management
p.000010: of species and ecosystems. The document also provides a timetable for action over a Plan period of 5 years, the
p.000010: funding requirements and the list of partner organizations involved in its implementation.
p.000010:
p.000010:
p.000010: 4.2 The Environment Management Plan of Seychelles
p.000010:
p.000010: With the extensive interrelationship of environment issues in the economic, social and political sectors,
p.000010: their direct and indirect implications on the fragile natural ecosystems of the Small Island Development State,
p.000010: a comprehensive multi-disciplinary strategic document with the participation and involvement of all local
p.000010: agencies though a process of active consultations and participations was required for Seychelles. With assistance from
p.000010: the World Bank, the result process gave rise to a document that would promote, coordinate and integrate
p.000010: sustainable development programmes that cut across all sectors of society in the Seychelles in order to achieve
p.000010: environmental excellence. The document is called The Environment Management Plan of Seychelles (EMPS). The first plan
p.000010: came about in 1990 and was for duration of 10 years (1990 – 2000). This was followed by a second plan of the EMPS
p.000010: for 2000 – 2010. In fact, Seychelles was the first African country to prepare the so-called second
p.000010: generation of environment management plans.
p.000010:
p.000010: Some of the key common elements of the EMPS 2000 – 2010 and the NBSAP of Seychelles are studies on the
p.000010: relevance of impacts of new organisms and pests on local biodiversity of Seychelles; the sustainable management
p.000010: of marine resources including coral reefs, capacity building for assessing, monitoring and forecasting
p.000010: environmental problems, establishment of appropriate sanitary and phytosanitary standards. All projects and programmes
p.000010: projected from year 2000 to 2010 in Seychelles that have a direct effect on the natural environment are
...
p.000001: consultation with the Department of Environment before making such a grant under this Act. However, aquaculture
p.000001: practices have so far been very limited and almost exclusively centred around the large-scale commercialisation of
p.000001: prawns on Coetivy Island. The SFA boosts a relatively high level of expertise in the Fisheries Sector with a number of
p.000001: its staff with postgraduate qualifications in marine sciences. However, the small number of staff and low level of
p.000001: technology that exist in the organisation does not make it possible to monitor the entire1.3 million sq km of the
p.000001: Seychelles Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
p.000001:
p.000001: b) The Agriculture and Fisheries Incentives Act, 2005
p.000001:
p.000001: See above comments.
p.000001:
p.000001: c) The National Fisheries Policy 2003 – 2013
p.000001:
p.000001: Government policy for the fishing industry promotes sustainable and responsible fisheries development and optimising
p.000001: the benefits from this sector for the present and future generations. It focuses principally on the
p.000001: promotion of sustainable management and responsible fishing practices as well as the effective protection of the
p.000001: marine ecosystem. The policy projects more development in aquaculture aimed at exportation. Government will promote
p.000001: responsible research and development in this area and also ensure that this development is ecologically sustainable and
p.000001: that it allows the rational use of resources. Aquaculture will be promoted with the aim of minimising adverse
p.000001: environmental changes and related economic and social consequences. This is an area where
p.000001: Modern Biotechnology is likely to feature.2
p.000001:
p.000001: 7.3 Environment
p.000001:
p.000001: I. The Environment Protection Act (EPA) 1994
p.000001:
p.000001: The Environment Protection Act 1994 provides for the protection, preservation and improvement of the
p.000001: environment and for the control of hazards to humans and biodiversity. The Act also
p.000001: provides for the coordination, implementation and enforcement of policies pursuant to the national
p.000001: objectives on environment protection. This Act is administered by the Department of Environment in
p.000001: the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, which has been designated as the Authority under
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001: 1 The Draft National Agriculture Policy 2003-2013
p.000001: 2 National Fisheries Policy 2003-2014
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000016: 16
p.000016:
p.000016: the Act. The Act makes provisions for the Authority to co-ordinate the activities of other agencies concerned with the
p.000016: protection of the Environment.
p.000016: The functions of the Authority under the Act are as follows:
p.000016: 7.4 To evolve standards for quality of the environment in its various aspects, i.e., air, water, soil as well as
...
p.000020: nutritional compositions.
p.000020:
p.000020:
p.000020: The same knowledge can also be used in animal breeding to select the desired genes for breeding
p.000020: animals, build in resistance or to improve livestock’s meat, or even improve on products produce in
p.000020: aquaculture.
p.000020:
p.000020: In any case before the introduction of Modern Biotechnology or its products in the field of Agriculture, all procedures
p.000020: mentioned in the Risk Assessment and Risk Management must be met, as well as compliance with any relevant
p.000020: national laws related to the intended development.
p.000020:
p.000020:
p.000020: 8.6 Policy of Modern Biotechnology and Biosafety in Industry
p.000020:
p.000020:
p.000020:
p.000020:
p.000021: 21
p.000021:
p.000021: In the processing industry, the use of biocatalysts enables production in more selective manner. Direct
p.000021: application of Modern Biotechnology in the Environment Sector in the cleaning technology, to locate
p.000021: contamination, to improve waste management are areas of opportunities for Seychelles.
p.000021:
p.000021: Before the introduction of Modern Biotechnology or its products in the above field, all procedures
p.000021: mentioned in the Risk Assessment and Risk Management must be met as well as fulfilling all the conditions of the
p.000021: Existing Environmental Impact Assessment in the EPA and any other relevant national law and procedures.
p.000021:
p.000021:
p.000021: 8.7 Policy of Modern Biotechnology and Biosafety the Social & Ethical Environment
p.000021:
p.000021: The apparent endless and more or less rapidly realizable possibilities of genetic modification raise many questions.
p.000021: On the one hand, they promise many developments, such as new medicines and a reduction in the use of plant
p.000021: protection products. While on the other hand, some applications raise the question of whether everything which is
p.000021: technically possible is also desirable, safe and acceptable in social and ethical terms. These questions are becoming
p.000021: increasing pressing in the recent years as more products of Modern Biotechnology are appearingly on the
p.000021: market. The world have passed the stage of the first laboratory experiments in the 1970s and the first
p.000021: field trials in the 1980s;now we are confronted with actual products, such as foods and medicine, that are available to
p.000021: the consumers.
p.000021:
p.000021: In order to protect the individual consumer choices, the population must at all times be informed of what
p.000021: they are consuming. The population must be sufficiently equipped through vigorous public awareness programmes in order
p.000021: for them to make informed decisions based on choices, and should be at any given time be able to identify such
p.000021: products.
p.000021:
p.000021: 8.8 Advance Informed Agreement (AIA) procedure
p.000021:
p.000021: The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety’s general scope includes the transboundary movement, transit, handling and use of
p.000021: all LMOs that may have adverse effects on the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, taking into
p.000021: account also risks to human health (Article 4). However, some categories of LMOs or transboundary movements
p.000021: are excluded by the protocol. In some cases the exclusions are limited to specific provisions relating to the AIA
p.000021: procedure, while in others they are not covered by protocol’s provisions.
p.000021:
p.000021: For Seychelles, all GMOs (LMOs and products of LMOs) will be subjected to regulations under our national legislation
p.000021: through appropriate AIA procedures. This will remain in application until sufficient scientific evidence
...
p.000032:
p.000032:
p.000032:
p.000032:
p.000032:
p.000032:
p.000033: 33
p.000033:
p.000033: The results of the various risk assessment reviews should be sent back to the NBB. After thorough
p.000033: analysis of the comments received the NBB will make a decision on the application. The
p.000033: decision will then be communicated to the Minister responsible for Environment (MENR) for endorsement.
p.000033: Following its endorsement by the Minister, the decision will then be communicated to the Biosafety Administration
p.000033: Office. The Office will then inform the Applicant of the decision. All appeal shall be made to the
p.000033: Minister responsible for Environment (MENR) within two months of the receipt of the decision.
p.000033:
p.000033: In the case that approval is granted the relevant body (ies) of inspectorate shall be involved in control, enforcement
p.000033: and monitoring of the conditions and progress. Periodic reports and findings shall be communicated to the
p.000033: National Biosafety Board.
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033: MINISTER RESPONSIBLE FOR ENVIRONMENT (MENR)
p.000033:
p.000033: Appeal
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033: APPLICANT
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033: National Biosafety Board
p.000033: Public/consumer interest group
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033: Biosafety Administration (CPB Focal Point Office)
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033: Advisory & Inspectorate Committees
p.000033: National Needs (Social, economic & ethical)
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033: BCH
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000034: 34
p.000034:
p.000034: 10.0 Risk Assessment and Risk Management
p.000034:
p.000034: 10.1 Knowledge of risks base on Science
p.000034:
p.000034: Before Seychelles decides to import ANY GMO and/or promote the application of modern biotechnology locally, the people
p.000034: of Seychelles have to be aware as far as possible of the following:
p.000034:
p.000034: • The effects of both intentional and unintentional release and;
p.000034: • The possible harmful effects of the GMO or the technology that may impact on human health and on the natural
p.000034: environment of the country.
p.000034: This applies to GMOs as commodity imports, research, field and laboratory tests, as well as in any other forms of
p.000034: introduction into Seychelles.
p.000034:
p.000034: The knowledge on all the effects of modern biotechnology and its applications is necessary for the Government and
p.000034: the people of Seychelles to have in order to allow them to make proper founded scientific decision of
p.000034: the risks, the chances that something untoward may happen and the nature and intensity of the consequences.
p.000034:
p.000034: Each decision will be made based primarily on the scientific knowledge available at the time of the application. As
p.000034: a result, all available knowledge in various disciplines should be increased through capacity building
...
p.000037: important for a small country of only 455 square km and with a high dependence on the local biodiversity for
p.000037: its economic growth and prosperity. Genetic changes are irreversible and by their nature self-reproducing. This is
p.000037: the most important reason why the people of Seychelles should be cautious with the application of Modern
p.000037: Biotechnology products within the jurisdiction of their country.
p.000037:
p.000037: In Seychelles the risks will be assessed on the basis of available information, or if this is not available, on the
p.000037: basis of a worst case scenario. In the case of an application for the release of a GMO in the environment, then
p.000037: if the risks are regarded as acceptable, permission will be granted for field trials of that GMO first. The
p.000037: introduction will always take place in line with the Precautionary Principle. If sufficient data is lacking then an
p.000037:
p.000037:
p.000037:
p.000038: 38
p.000038:
p.000038: acceptable risk level may also be obtained through the imposition of a series of additional regulations,
p.000038: such as confinement of working area, conducting the field trial only at certain period of the year,
p.000038: etc.., and such regulations and conditions can be adjusted in the course of time and as knowledge increases.
p.000038:
p.000038: 10.9 Assessing the risk in socio-economics and ethics
p.000038:
p.000038: In addition to the scientific issues, for a country with a population of 82,000 people, ethical and
p.000038: social considerations also demand considerable attention. Especially as most of the products that will enter the
p.000038: jurisdiction of Seychelles will be commodity import and would thus, directly influence the consumer market.
p.000038: When addressing the risk assessments in Seychelles, divergent values and interests and issues will be weighed up
p.000038: against each other. The Government is fully aware that some people will judge that for reasons of faith or respect for
p.000038: life. E.g. genetic modification of any organism, whatsoever is not acceptable under any circumstances, while others
p.000038: will, due to the advantages of genetic modification in medical, environmental, industry and agricultural areas,
p.000038: will regard the application of this technology as highly desirable. The Government is aware that such considerations
p.000038: and the resulting choices are far from simple, especially as this technology is quite recent. Such matters will be
p.000038: carefully treated in the Biosafety Act in order to provide the consumers with informed choices.
p.000038:
p.000038: 10.10 Safety and Acceptability
p.000038:
p.000038: In general, Seychelles recognizes the opportunities that Modern Biotechnology provides for sustainable farming,
p.000038: cleaner production methods, better health care and a better environment. There is no doubt that such
p.000038: opportunities should not be explored. However, these opportunities should be accompanied by optimum safeguards
p.000038: to ensure safety; transparency in decision-making; freedom of choice for the individual; and ethical
p.000038: acceptability. Thus, it is not surprising that Seychelles opted for optimum safety and acceptability to
p.000038: come with every new GMO or GMO product entering the country.
p.000038:
p.000038: 10.11 Approval
p.000038:
p.000038: (i) Field trials or market introductions into the country will only be permitted if it has been sufficiently
p.000038: shown in a scientific manner that it does not pose any social, economic and ethical threats to the country
p.000038: and its population; and that these trials or introductions constitute an acceptable risk to human and the environment.
p.000038: (ii) Only when application of the “step by step” method and an exhaustive risk analysis (either by
p.000038: local experts or with the assistance of foreign experts) has reasonably indicated that a GMO or GMO product
p.000038: constitutes an acceptable risk to human and the environment will it be authorized to be placed on the
p.000038: local market.
p.000038: (iii) If uncertainties in the assessment indicate that the risk may be too great because the effect may be serious
p.000038: and the chance of them occurring are too high, then in accordance with the Precautionary Principle the
p.000038: introduction will not be authorized in Seychelles.
p.000038: (iv) Since field trials are to be permitted only if the risks are acceptably low this means that a
p.000038: field trial is more likely to be approved if the organism:
p.000038:
p.000038:
p.000038:
p.000038:
p.000039: 39
p.000039:
p.000039: a) shows that there is a high degree of certainty about the possible effects on human, and the
p.000039: environment;
p.000039: b) does not cross-breed with wild relatives of local economic importance;
p.000039: c) cannot survive unassisted in the environment.
p.000039: (v) If the reverse situation applies to an organism, approval will not be made. This means that in the case,
...
p.000040:
p.000040: (national newspaper)
p.000040:
p.000040: National Radio
p.000040:
p.000040: (SBC)
p.000040:
p.000040:
p.000040:
p.000040: National Television
p.000040:
p.000040: (SBC)
p.000040:
p.000040:
p.000040: Newsletters
p.000040: Name of Programme Environment articles Agriculture and fisheries articles Consumer articles
p.000040: Nou Lanvironman Depans Radio clinic Resours
p.000040:
p.000040:
p.000040: Seychelles Que J’aime Resours
p.000040:
p.000040:
p.000040: Ou Lavi Enviro
p.000040:
p.000040: Konsomater
p.000040: Length of programme One full page
p.000040: One full page
p.000040:
p.000040: Half a page 30 minutes
p.000040: 30 minutes
p.000040: 30 minutes
p.000040: 30 minutes
p.000040:
p.000040:
p.000040: 35 minutes
p.000040:
p.000040: 35 minutes
p.000040:
p.000040:
p.000040: 35 minutes Entire newsletter Entire newsletter
p.000040: Frequency Weekly Fortnightly
p.000040:
p.000040: Weekly Bi-weekly
p.000040: Fortnightly Weekly Weekly
p.000040:
p.000040:
p.000040: Fortnightly Fortnightly
p.000040:
p.000040: Monthly Yearly
p.000040:
p.000040: Twice a year
p.000040: Sector involved Environment sector Agriculture and Fisheries sectors Consumers
p.000040:
p.000040: Environment sector Consumers Health Agriculture and Fisheries sector Environment sector Agriculture and Fisheries
p.000040: sector
p.000040: Health Environment sector Consumers
p.000040:
p.000040: Regular workshops and meetings are held for the four main sector stakeholders to the Biosafety Protocols
p.000040: (Environment, Health, and Agriculture and Social) to encourage public awareness and participation in national
p.000040: policies. Formal structures such as the Youth National Assembly, Senior Citizens Committee, Women’s
p.000040: Leagues, Youth Leagues, the Farmer’s Association, the Fishermen Association and Young Citizens are among some of the
p.000040: various groups found in the country representing the population structure of Seychelles.
p.000040:
p.000040: These groups hold regular workshops and meetings where national policies, local developments and
p.000040: other national and community issues are discussed.
p.000040:
p.000040: Public information on Biosafety and biotechnology in Seychelles is being viewed as information provided to
p.000040: the public about modern biotechnology and the safe use of biotechnology; including the benefits, risks, and
p.000040: systems set in place to promote safety for the environment and human health in Seychelles. Such information is useful
p.000040:
p.000040:
p.000040:
p.000041: 41
p.000041:
p.000041: to inform, raise awareness and educate the public, whilst promoting transparency. In Seychelles, good
p.000041: public information leads to public participation, trust and confidence. The four most relevant sector organisation to
p.000041: the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety in Seychelles enjoy credibility among the public. Thus, for the implementation of
p.000041: the National Biosafety Framework the mentioned organizations will conduct public information and participation
...
p.000044: mentioned departments and organisations involved in the monitoring and enforcement will sit on the
p.000044: Biosafety Advisory Committees and will also be able to provide practical situation reports on any
p.000044: particular GMO application in relation to monitoring and enforcement. This would ensure effective implementation of
p.000044: the Biosafety Act through an update and informed monitoring and enforcement system. The National Biosafety
p.000044: Board will monitor the enforcement, monitoring systems and mechanisms to ensure its efficiency.
p.000044:
p.000044: So far no applications for GMO have been received in the country and as a result no permits have been issued yet.
p.000044:
p.000044: From the Survey results of the Institution capacity it was found out that there are no laboratories
p.000044: equipped enough to conduct or carry out GMO analysis in Seychelles (See Institution Survey result). The
p.000044: closest laboratories that can be enhanced to allow some basic tests to be carried out are the Clinical and
p.000044: Public Health Laboratory in the Department of Health and the Laboratories to monitor standards at the
p.000044: Seychelles Bureau of Standard (would benefit with the use of a PCR , Polymerase Chain Reaction).
p.000044: Seychelles have no University yet to conduct such test.
p.000044:
p.000044: However, as soon as our Laboratories are equipped even with a PCR, the Ministry of Environment & Natural
p.000044: Resources together with the Ministry of Health and Social Services and the National Consumer Forum will introduce a
p.000044: program for monitoring the presence of genetically modified products in food in Seychelles (especially agricultural
p.000044: products).
p.000044:
p.000044: Compliance with the Biosafety legislations as well as other related legislations such as the Veterinary, Quarantine
p.000044: procedures, EPA, Food Act, Public Health Act and SBS Act should be permanently and effectively controlled. All the
p.000044: relevant bodies of inspectorate mentioned above should monitor the shipment, propagation, content and use of
p.000044: GMO in Seychelles within their particular mandates. The detailed roles of each body and approaches in
p.000044: monitoring and inspections will be worked out by the individual government institutions (see survey results).
p.000044:
p.000044: Further monitoring and enforcement strategies will be developed during the implementation of the National Biosafety
p.000044: Framework. These issues will also be considered during the annual reviews of the Seychelles Biosafety Policy.
p.000044:
p.000044: Any illegal release of GMOs in the environment or on the market will be subjected to a penalty as will
p.000044: be stipulated in the Biosafety Act.
p.000044:
p.000044:
p.000044:
p.000044:
p.000044:
p.000044:
p.000044:
p.000044:
p.000045: 45
p.000045:
p.000045: 12.1 Monitoring
p.000045:
p.000045: With regards to monitoring, the Department of Environment will monitor and take measures in order to ensure the project
p.000045: owner abides by the environmental management plan during the project construction, operation, and closure as per the
...
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000058: 58
p.000058:
p.000058: ANNEX II
p.000058:
p.000058: Inventory of existing infrastructures and equipment to address Biosafety in Seychelles (Helda Antoine)
p.000058:
p.000058: 1.0 Introduction
p.000058:
p.000058: In Seychelles there are three reference laboratories, which carry out scientific tests and there are no accredited
p.000058: or independent laboratories. The operating reference laboratories in Seychelles are namely the Seychelles Public
p.000058: Health Laboratory (SPHL), Seychelles Bureau of Standards (SBS), and the Public Utilities Corporation (PUC).
p.000058: There are other small organizational and departmental laboratories operating in the country and they carry
p.000058: out specific tests which are specifically related to their scope of work and mandates and have also been
p.000058: included in this inventory exercise such as the Soil and Diagnostic Laboratory, Plant Clinic
p.000058: Laboratory, the Pollution and Control Laboratory, the Fish Inspection Laboratory, the National
p.000058: Institute of Education Laboratory and the Seychelles Polytechnic Laboratory. The mandates as well as the
p.000058: types of tests performed by the reference laboratories are outlined below.
p.000058:
p.000058: 2.0 The Seychelles Public Health Laboratory (SPHL),
p.000058:
p.000058: The Seychelles Public Health Laboratory (SPHL), which is based at the Victoria Hospital within the
p.000058: Ministry of Health and Social Affairs has the mandate under the Food Act of Seychelles to support the
p.000058: importation and consumption of safe and wholesome foods consume or be consumed by the population. It is divided
p.000058: into four units, which are the Food microbiology, Water microbiology, Sexually Transmitted Disease and Disease
p.000058: Surveillance. The Seychelles Public Health Laboratory is the focal point for lab-based disease surveillance and is
p.000058: the government’s designated reference laboratory. The list of main analytical equipment in operation at the
p.000058: Seychelles Public Health Laboratory is appended at Annex 1A while the list of tests per unit and their respective
p.000058: Maximum Turnover time is appended as Annex 1B.
p.000058:
p.000058: 2.1.1 The main responsibilities of the Seychelles Public Health Laboratory are:
p.000058:
p.000058: (i) Monitor the quality of food and water.
p.000058: (ii) Being the national laboratory focal point the SPHL laboratory is involved in the integration and creation of
p.000058: more efficient disease surveillance activities.
p.000058:
p.000058: 2.1.2 Present case at the SPHL
p.000058:
p.000058: At the moment the analysis being performed by the SPHL in many cases are presumptive as confirmatory tests are
p.000058: unavailable. Over the past decade the SPHL has been called upon to confirm the epidemiology of certain sporadic
p.000058: and recurring outbreaks of diseases such as Influenza, Hand foot and Mouth, Measles, Mumps, Diphtheria,
p.000058: Anthrax, SARS and viral hemorrhagic amongst others. The SPHL has also assisted in the containment
...
p.000060: • Air and surface contamination monitoring.
p.000060:
p.000060: (iv) Food chemistry Laboratory
p.000060: • Quality of food products such as fish and fishery products, milk and diary products, fruit and fruit products,
p.000060: cereals and cereal products, spices and condiment and meat and meat products,
p.000060: • Monitoring of fruits and vegetables for organochloride pesticides,
p.000060: • Quality and nutritional parameters of animal feed,
p.000060: • Quality of alcoholic beverages.
p.000060:
p.000060: 4.0. The Public Utilities Cooperation Laboratory
p.000060: The Seychelles Public Utilities Cooperation is the body responsible for the treatment of potable water and
p.000060: its distribution to its clientele. PUC is also responsible for the treatment of sewage. The list of equipment and
p.000060: tests performed by the PUC laboratory is attached as Annex 3
p.000060:
p.000060: The list of equipment and the tests performed by other departmental and sectional laboratories are appended
p.000060: in the annex listed below:
p.000060:
p.000060: Soil and Diagnostic Laboratory as Annex 4, the Plant Clinic Laboratory as Annex 5 the Fish Inspection Laboratory as
p.000060: Annex 6, the Pollution and Control Laboratory Annex 7, the National Institute of Education Laboratory as
p.000060: Annex 8 and the Seychelles Polytechnic Laboratory as Annex 9.
p.000060:
p.000060:
p.000060:
p.000060:
p.000060:
p.000060:
p.000060:
p.000060:
p.000060:
p.000060:
p.000060:
p.000060:
p.000061: 61
p.000061:
p.000061: ANNEX 1A
p.000061:
p.000061: MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS
p.000061:
p.000061: LIST OF MAIN ANALYTICAL EQUIPMENTS IN OPERATION AT THE SEYCHELLES PUBLIC HEALTH LABORATORY
p.000061:
p.000061:
p.000061:
p.000061: ITEM
p.000061:
p.000061: Water Distiller Centrifuge
p.000061:
p.000061:
p.000061:
p.000061: Centrifuge 16A
p.000061:
p.000061: Rota Mixer Water bath
p.000061:
p.000061: Waterbath-Haake /BN2 Waterbath (with set of 12 holes)
p.000061: (GS) Microscope Vacuum Pump
p.000061: 3-Brch Manfold-500ml Vacuum Pump
p.000061: Air Sampler Electrical Balance Incubator
p.000061: Lamina Flow Cabinet Heating Block Chiller
p.000061: Fluorescence Microscope Mina Vidas Analyser Slide Drying Bench Microscope
p.000061: (OLYMPUS-CH2)
p.000061: LTE scientific incubator Deep Freezer
p.000061: Hot Air Oven (Model D15)
p.000061: Autoclave
p.000061: Autoclave- computerise Colony Counter
p.000061: Vortex Mixer
p.000061: Safety Cabinet –CL 1 II Safety Cabinet –CL 1
p.000061: QUANTITY IN UNITS
p.000001: 01
p.000005: 05
p.000005:
p.000005:
p.000005:
p.000001: 01
p.000001:
p.000001: 01
p.000005: 05
p.000005:
p.000002: 02
p.000001: 01
p.000001:
p.000001: 01
p.000001: 01
p.000002: 02
p.000001: 01
p.000001: 01
p.000001: 01
p.000003: 03
p.000001: 01
p.000001: 01
p.000001: 01
p.000001: 01
p.000001: 01
p.000001: 01
p.000002: 02
p.000002:
p.000001: 01
p.000002: 02
p.000002: 02
p.000002:
p.000003: 03
p.000003:
p.000001: 01
p.000001: 01
p.000002: 02
p.000002: 02
p.000002: PURPOSE
p.000002:
p.000002: Distilled water for analytical work Water & Environment microbiology Food Micro & Enteric Pathogens Testing
p.000002: Chemical Analysis
p.000002: Food Micro & Enteric Pathogens Testing
p.000002: Water & Environment microbiology Water & Environment microbiology Food Micro & Enteric Pathogens Testing
...
Social / Student
Searching for indicator student:
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p.000078: 29. Balance electrical ‘Soutouirs’
p.000078: 30. Barometer Aneroid
p.000078: 31. Centrifuge
p.000078: 32. Caliper Vernier
p.000078: 33. Spirit Machine 1 x RA100
p.000078: 34. Refrigerator
p.000078: 35. Potometer
p.000078: 36. Thermometer 0 - 250ºC
p.000078: 37. Thermometer 0- 350ºC
p.000078: 38. Gas Generator Kipp’s
p.000078: 39. Aspirator
p.000078: 40. Bell Jar
p.000078:
p.000078:
p.000078:
p.000078: ANNEX 9
p.000078:
p.000078: MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND YOUTH
p.000078:
p.000078: SEYCHLLES POLYTECHNIC
p.000078:
p.000078:
p.000078: List of equipment/apparatus within the Seychelles Polytechnic Laboratory
p.000078:
p.000078: BIOLOGICAL APPRATUS INVENTORY AS OF 2004
p.000078:
p.000078:
p.000078: Equipment/apparatus names
p.000078: Aspirator Aspirator Aspirator Autoclave Balance Balance
p.000078: Description of items
p.000078:
p.000078: Borosilicate 1ml
p.000078: Heavy Duty HDPE 10ml Polythene 10 ml Aluminium Alloy Gas Avery Berkel DC22T Dial-O-Gram 311
p.000078: Quantity
p.000078:
p.000001: 01
p.000008: 08
p.000007: 07
p.000001: 01
p.000001: 01
p.000001: 01
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000079: 79
p.000079:
p.000079: Balance Balance Balance Bath Calorimeter Centrifuge
p.000079: Chromatography Chromatography pH meter Microscope Microscope Microscope Microscope Microscope Microscope Lens objective
p.000079: Lens objectives Lens objectives Magnifier Magnifier Magnifier Microtome Potometer Thermometer Thermometer Thermometer
p.000079: Thermometer Thermometer
p.000079: Double Beam 1560 SD Portable 200 x 0.1
p.000079: Portable 2000 x 1 Unstirred JB Range Food
p.000079:
p.000079: Paper Grade 1 CHR 40 mm x 100m Tank
p.000079: Hanna (Water proof) Swift M3200 s Philip Harris Olympus
p.000079: Student Illuminated Student Stereo Student inclined
p.000079: DIN Achromatic x 40 NA 0.65
p.000079: X 40
p.000079: X 10
p.000079: With Handle 75 mm With Handle 50 mm Plastic
p.000079:
p.000079:
p.000079: Red spirit filled -ºC/110ºC 305mm Mercury White backed 10ºC/110ºC 305mm Mercury, Yellow backed -10ºC/110ºC 152mm
p.000079: Mercury, Yellow backed -10ºC/110ºC 305mm
p.000079: Red Spirit filled 10ºC/110ºC 155mm
p.000001: 01
p.000008: 08
p.000008: 08
p.000002: 02
p.000001: 01
p.000001: 01
p.000001: 2 Reels
p.000008: 08
p.000001: 01
p.000001: 01
p.000012: 12
p.000010: 10
p.000030: 30
p.000002: 02
p.000020: 20
p.000004: 04
p.000015: 15
p.000015: 15
p.000005: 05
p.000020: 20
p.000003: 03
p.000009: 09
p.000016: 16
p.000004: 04
p.000004: 04
p.000019: 19
p.000001: 01
p.000050: 50
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050: List of equipment/apparatus within the Humanities and Sciences Physics Laboratory of the Seychelles Polytechnic as of
p.002004: 2004
p.002004:
p.002004:
p.002004: Equipment/apparatus names
p.002004: Accumulators 2v Ammeters Ammeters
p.002004: Description of items
p.002004:
p.002004: (0-A)
p.002004: (0-1Ma)
p.002004: Quantity per unit
p.000030: 30
p.000007: 07
p.000001: 01
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000080: 80
p.000080:
p.000080: Ammeters Ammeters Ammeters Ammeters Amplifier Balance Balance
p.000080: Boyles’s Law apparatus Callipers
p.000080: Callipers Calorimeter Calorimeter Calorimeter
p.000080: Charles Law Apparatus Cloud Chamber
p.000080: DC Amplifier/Electrometer Decade Capacitance Compact light source
p.000080: Cell solar Cell mercury Digicounter Digimeter
p.000080: Discharge lamp Transformer Discharge Tube
p.000080: Discharge Tube Discharge Tube Discharge Tube Discharge Tube Discharge Tube Discharge Tube Discharge Tube Diffractions
...
Social / Threat of Stigma
Searching for indicator threat:
(return to top)
p.000001: the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, which has been designated as the Authority under
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001: 1 The Draft National Agriculture Policy 2003-2013
p.000001: 2 National Fisheries Policy 2003-2014
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000016: 16
p.000016:
p.000016: the Act. The Act makes provisions for the Authority to co-ordinate the activities of other agencies concerned with the
p.000016: protection of the Environment.
p.000016: The functions of the Authority under the Act are as follows:
p.000016: 7.4 To evolve standards for quality of the environment in its various aspects, i.e., air, water, soil as well as
p.000016: for emission or discharge of environmental pollutants from various sources, i.e. effluent, emission of air
p.000016: pollutants, noise emissions, odours and pesticides residues.
p.000016: 7.5 To commission research and studies on problems relating to environmental pollution.
p.000016: 7.6 To examine manufacturing processes materials and substances likely to cause environmental pollution.
p.000016: 7.7 To evolve procedures and safeguards for the prevention of accidents which may cause environmental
p.000016: pollution, remedial measures for such accidents as well as coordinating actions required in a state of
p.000016: environmental emergency or any situation which may pose a serious threat to the environment.
p.000016: 7.8 To collect and disseminate information in respect of matters relating to environmental
p.000016: protection.
p.000016:
p.000016: The Act provides for the management and protection of coastal zones as well as the management and
p.000016: minimisation of wastes and hazardous substances.
p.000016: The Act also makes provisions for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) studies and authorisation for particular
p.000016: projects and activities. A person wishing to undertake any prescribed project or activity in a protected or
p.000016: ecologically sensitive area is required to produce an EIA document to the Ministry of Environment. The primary aim of
p.000016: the EIA is to assess the risk associated with the development and to come up with a risk management
p.000016: protocol before the development is authorised.
p.000016: The officers under the EPA are empowered to enter premises and to seize and destroy products that are in contravention
p.000016: of the Act.
p.000016: The penalties ranging from Rs. 5000 to Rs. 250,000 are seen as elevated to discourage potential offenders from spoiling
p.000016: the much dependable natural resources of the country. Despite the fact that there are no specific provisions under this
p.000016: Act relating to GMOs per se, we have seen that a number of general provisions that tackle any
p.000016: adverse environmental consequences, which introduced organisms, may cause to the natural environment.
p.000016:
...
Social / Women
Searching for indicator women:
(return to top)
p.000040: Name of Programme Environment articles Agriculture and fisheries articles Consumer articles
p.000040: Nou Lanvironman Depans Radio clinic Resours
p.000040:
p.000040:
p.000040: Seychelles Que J’aime Resours
p.000040:
p.000040:
p.000040: Ou Lavi Enviro
p.000040:
p.000040: Konsomater
p.000040: Length of programme One full page
p.000040: One full page
p.000040:
p.000040: Half a page 30 minutes
p.000040: 30 minutes
p.000040: 30 minutes
p.000040: 30 minutes
p.000040:
p.000040:
p.000040: 35 minutes
p.000040:
p.000040: 35 minutes
p.000040:
p.000040:
p.000040: 35 minutes Entire newsletter Entire newsletter
p.000040: Frequency Weekly Fortnightly
p.000040:
p.000040: Weekly Bi-weekly
p.000040: Fortnightly Weekly Weekly
p.000040:
p.000040:
p.000040: Fortnightly Fortnightly
p.000040:
p.000040: Monthly Yearly
p.000040:
p.000040: Twice a year
p.000040: Sector involved Environment sector Agriculture and Fisheries sectors Consumers
p.000040:
p.000040: Environment sector Consumers Health Agriculture and Fisheries sector Environment sector Agriculture and Fisheries
p.000040: sector
p.000040: Health Environment sector Consumers
p.000040:
p.000040: Regular workshops and meetings are held for the four main sector stakeholders to the Biosafety Protocols
p.000040: (Environment, Health, and Agriculture and Social) to encourage public awareness and participation in national
p.000040: policies. Formal structures such as the Youth National Assembly, Senior Citizens Committee, Women’s
p.000040: Leagues, Youth Leagues, the Farmer’s Association, the Fishermen Association and Young Citizens are among some of the
p.000040: various groups found in the country representing the population structure of Seychelles.
p.000040:
p.000040: These groups hold regular workshops and meetings where national policies, local developments and
p.000040: other national and community issues are discussed.
p.000040:
p.000040: Public information on Biosafety and biotechnology in Seychelles is being viewed as information provided to
p.000040: the public about modern biotechnology and the safe use of biotechnology; including the benefits, risks, and
p.000040: systems set in place to promote safety for the environment and human health in Seychelles. Such information is useful
p.000040:
p.000040:
p.000040:
p.000041: 41
p.000041:
p.000041: to inform, raise awareness and educate the public, whilst promoting transparency. In Seychelles, good
p.000041: public information leads to public participation, trust and confidence. The four most relevant sector organisation to
p.000041: the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety in Seychelles enjoy credibility among the public. Thus, for the implementation of
p.000041: the National Biosafety Framework the mentioned organizations will conduct public information and participation
p.000041: programmes. However, these organizations need to enroll on a capacity building programme to be well equipped to
p.000041: provide the public with the right information on the activities of Biosafety and Biotechnology, to the
...
Social / Youth/Minors
Searching for indicator youth:
(return to top)
p.000040:
p.000040:
p.000040: National Television
p.000040:
p.000040: (SBC)
p.000040:
p.000040:
p.000040: Newsletters
p.000040: Name of Programme Environment articles Agriculture and fisheries articles Consumer articles
p.000040: Nou Lanvironman Depans Radio clinic Resours
p.000040:
p.000040:
p.000040: Seychelles Que J’aime Resours
p.000040:
p.000040:
p.000040: Ou Lavi Enviro
p.000040:
p.000040: Konsomater
p.000040: Length of programme One full page
p.000040: One full page
p.000040:
p.000040: Half a page 30 minutes
p.000040: 30 minutes
p.000040: 30 minutes
p.000040: 30 minutes
p.000040:
p.000040:
p.000040: 35 minutes
p.000040:
p.000040: 35 minutes
p.000040:
p.000040:
p.000040: 35 minutes Entire newsletter Entire newsletter
p.000040: Frequency Weekly Fortnightly
p.000040:
p.000040: Weekly Bi-weekly
p.000040: Fortnightly Weekly Weekly
p.000040:
p.000040:
p.000040: Fortnightly Fortnightly
p.000040:
p.000040: Monthly Yearly
p.000040:
p.000040: Twice a year
p.000040: Sector involved Environment sector Agriculture and Fisheries sectors Consumers
p.000040:
p.000040: Environment sector Consumers Health Agriculture and Fisheries sector Environment sector Agriculture and Fisheries
p.000040: sector
p.000040: Health Environment sector Consumers
p.000040:
p.000040: Regular workshops and meetings are held for the four main sector stakeholders to the Biosafety Protocols
p.000040: (Environment, Health, and Agriculture and Social) to encourage public awareness and participation in national
p.000040: policies. Formal structures such as the Youth National Assembly, Senior Citizens Committee, Women’s
p.000040: Leagues, Youth Leagues, the Farmer’s Association, the Fishermen Association and Young Citizens are among some of the
p.000040: various groups found in the country representing the population structure of Seychelles.
p.000040:
p.000040: These groups hold regular workshops and meetings where national policies, local developments and
p.000040: other national and community issues are discussed.
p.000040:
p.000040: Public information on Biosafety and biotechnology in Seychelles is being viewed as information provided to
p.000040: the public about modern biotechnology and the safe use of biotechnology; including the benefits, risks, and
p.000040: systems set in place to promote safety for the environment and human health in Seychelles. Such information is useful
p.000040:
p.000040:
p.000040:
p.000041: 41
p.000041:
p.000041: to inform, raise awareness and educate the public, whilst promoting transparency. In Seychelles, good
p.000041: public information leads to public participation, trust and confidence. The four most relevant sector organisation to
p.000041: the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety in Seychelles enjoy credibility among the public. Thus, for the implementation of
p.000041: the National Biosafety Framework the mentioned organizations will conduct public information and participation
p.000041: programmes. However, these organizations need to enroll on a capacity building programme to be well equipped to
p.000041: provide the public with the right information on the activities of Biosafety and Biotechnology, to the
p.000041: consumers on the scientific, environmental, educational and ecological issues. These organisations should also be well
...
p.000076: Dipper
p.000076: Handle connector Dipper Rod Handle connector
p.000076: Glass micro fibre filter Aspirator
p.000076: Hanna
p.000076:
p.000076:
p.000076: AGRAR 2000 JENWAY
p.000076: Wagtech Hanna
p.000076: Cecil 9000 Goldstar
p.000002: 2
p.000002: 2
p.000002:
p.000002: 2
p.000001: 1
p.000001: 1
p.000005: 5
p.000001: 1
p.000001: Problem with switch At PUC for
p.000001: Calibration/maintenance Sent to Praslin Calibration failure
p.000001: At PUC for Calibration/maintenance Calibration failure
p.000001: At PUC for Calibration/maintenance Ok
p.000001:
p.000001: Ok Ok Ok
p.000001:
p.000001: Ok Ok Ok Ok Ok
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001: Types of tests perform by the Pollution and Control Laboratory Section within the Department of Environment
p.000001:
p.000001: • Dissolve Oxygen Demand
p.000001: • Total Suspended Solid
p.000001: • Noise measurement
p.000001: • Conductivity
p.000001: • pH
p.000001: • Taxonomy
p.000001: • Chemical Oxygen Demand
p.000001: • Turbidity
p.000001: • Chemical Analysis
p.000001: • Cell Matching
p.000001: • Appearance
p.000001: • pH interference
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000077: 77
p.000077:
p.000077:
p.000077:
p.000077:
p.000077:
p.000077:
p.000077:
p.000077:
p.000077:
p.000077:
p.000077:
p.000077:
p.000077:
p.000077:
p.000077:
p.000077:
p.000077:
p.000077:
p.000077:
p.000077:
p.000077:
p.000077:
p.000077:
p.000077:
p.000077:
p.000077:
p.000077:
p.000077:
p.000077:
p.000077:
p.000077:
p.000077: ANNEX 8
p.000077:
p.000077:
p.000077: MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND YOUTH
p.000077:
p.000077: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION
p.000077:
p.000077:
p.000077: List of equipment/apparatus within the National Institute of Education
p.000077:
p.000077: 1. Meter Ammeter
p.000077: 2. Meter Voltmeter
p.000077: 3. Meter Millimeter
p.000077: 4. Meter Galvanometer
p.000077: 5. Madgeburg Hemisphere
p.000077: 6. Oscilloscope
p.000077: 7. Oven
p.000077: 8. Convex Mirrors
p.000077: 9. Incubator
p.000077: 10. Vacuum Pump
p.000077: 11. Printer/Computer
p.000077: 12. Disc Drive/Keyboard Unit
p.000077: 13. Crooker Radiometer
p.000077:
p.000077:
p.000077:
p.000078: 78
p.000078:
p.000078: 14. Calorimeter
p.000078: 15. Calorimeter - Filter Set
p.000078: 16. Circuit Board ‘Worcester’ kit
p.000078: 17. Dissecting Set
p.000078: 18. Deflagrating Spoon
p.000078: 19. Dissecting Awl
p.000078: 20. Dynamic Thooley
p.000078: 21. Filter Pump
p.000078: 22. Autoclave
p.000078: 23. Balance Spring
p.000078: 24. Balance Wooden Double Pan
p.000078: 25. Balance Double pan” Bean”
p.000078: 26. Balance Way master ‘Bathroom”
p.000078: 27. Balance Lever
p.000078: 28. Balance Digital
p.000078: 29. Balance electrical ‘Soutouirs’
p.000078: 30. Barometer Aneroid
p.000078: 31. Centrifuge
p.000078: 32. Caliper Vernier
p.000078: 33. Spirit Machine 1 x RA100
p.000078: 34. Refrigerator
p.000078: 35. Potometer
p.000078: 36. Thermometer 0 - 250ºC
p.000078: 37. Thermometer 0- 350ºC
p.000078: 38. Gas Generator Kipp’s
p.000078: 39. Aspirator
p.000078: 40. Bell Jar
p.000078:
p.000078:
p.000078:
p.000078: ANNEX 9
p.000078:
p.000078: MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND YOUTH
p.000078:
p.000078: SEYCHLLES POLYTECHNIC
p.000078:
p.000078:
p.000078: List of equipment/apparatus within the Seychelles Polytechnic Laboratory
p.000078:
p.000078: BIOLOGICAL APPRATUS INVENTORY AS OF 2004
p.000078:
p.000078:
p.000078: Equipment/apparatus names
p.000078: Aspirator Aspirator Aspirator Autoclave Balance Balance
p.000078: Description of items
p.000078:
p.000078: Borosilicate 1ml
p.000078: Heavy Duty HDPE 10ml Polythene 10 ml Aluminium Alloy Gas Avery Berkel DC22T Dial-O-Gram 311
p.000078: Quantity
p.000078:
p.000001: 01
p.000008: 08
p.000007: 07
p.000001: 01
p.000001: 01
p.000001: 01
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000079: 79
p.000079:
p.000079: Balance Balance Balance Bath Calorimeter Centrifuge
p.000079: Chromatography Chromatography pH meter Microscope Microscope Microscope Microscope Microscope Microscope Lens objective
p.000079: Lens objectives Lens objectives Magnifier Magnifier Magnifier Microtome Potometer Thermometer Thermometer Thermometer
p.000079: Thermometer Thermometer
p.000079: Double Beam 1560 SD Portable 200 x 0.1
p.000079: Portable 2000 x 1 Unstirred JB Range Food
p.000079:
p.000079: Paper Grade 1 CHR 40 mm x 100m Tank
p.000079: Hanna (Water proof) Swift M3200 s Philip Harris Olympus
p.000079: Student Illuminated Student Stereo Student inclined
p.000079: DIN Achromatic x 40 NA 0.65
p.000079: X 40
p.000079: X 10
p.000079: With Handle 75 mm With Handle 50 mm Plastic
p.000079:
p.000079:
p.000079: Red spirit filled -ºC/110ºC 305mm Mercury White backed 10ºC/110ºC 305mm Mercury, Yellow backed -10ºC/110ºC 152mm
p.000079: Mercury, Yellow backed -10ºC/110ºC 305mm
p.000079: Red Spirit filled 10ºC/110ºC 155mm
p.000001: 01
p.000008: 08
p.000008: 08
p.000002: 02
p.000001: 01
...
Social / home
Searching for indicator home:
(return to top)
p.000059: construction of an Isolation Unit to include a Bio-Safety Level 3 (BSL3) laboratory facility, which will
p.000059: fall under the responsibility of SPHL.
p.000059:
p.000059: 2.1.5 Testing for GMOs
p.000059: With the increasing demand for quality test and demand for accurate result in minimum delay, there is an
p.000059: urgent need for institutional strengthening. The acquisition of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) facilities will be of
p.000059: benefits for lab-based surveillance done locally as well as testing for confirmation of Genetically Modified
p.000059: Organism food or products of GMOs.
p.000059:
p.000059: Therefore testing of Genetically Modified Organism (GMOs) would be a logical technological
p.000059: progression of the testing facilities already being done in the Food Microbiology, Water
p.000059: Microbiology, the Disease Surveillance and Sexually Transmitted Infections laboratory units of SPHL.
p.000059:
p.000059: 2.1.5 Strategic plans
p.000059: The SPHL would like to acquire a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) system. This will be of significant benefit to the
p.000059: country as a whole and not only for the testing of GMOs. Acquiring a real PCR would be of benefit as it enables rapid,
p.000059: cost-effective routine testing of GMOs, diagnostic and epidemiological purposes. The details of costing of some of the
p.000059: equipments that the SPHL would envisage to have in order to fully meet the objectives of its mandate is attached as
p.000059: Annex 1C.
p.000059:
p.000059:
p.000059: 3.0 The Seychelles Bureau of Standards (SBS)
p.000059: This organization is based at Pointe Larue on Mahe. The postal address is P.O.Box 953, Victoria
p.000059: Mahe, Seychelles, home page www.seychelles.net/sbsorg. E-mail: sbsorg@seychelles.net. Phone
p.000059: number (0248) 380400) and Fax Number: (0248) 375151.
p.000059:
p.000059: The Seychelles Bureau of Standard Laboratory is divided into several units, which perform different tests from the
p.000059: Environmental Pollution Laboratory, Chemical Analysis Laboratory, Microbiology Laboratory and Food Chemistry
p.000059: Laboratory. Note also that the SBS carries out other tests such as Physical Test, which are not covered, as the scope
p.000059: of this inventory is to cover tests and equipment, which cover the scope of Biotechnology and Biosafety. The list of
p.000059: equipment found at SBS are attached at Annex 2
p.000059:
p.000059: 3.1 The most important tests carried out at the SBS Laboratory are:
p.000059:
p.000059: (i) Environmental Pollution Laboratory
p.000059:
p.000059:
p.000059:
p.000059:
p.000060: 60
p.000060:
p.000060: • Water analysis (potable, bottled, boiler, swimming pool, industrial waste and domestic waste)
p.000060: for compliance to Public Health Regulations, Environment and Protection Act etc.,
p.000060: • Soil test for trace elements and physico-chemical properties,
p.000060: • Fish and fishery products and oils for trace elements and,
p.000060: • Ambient air monitoring and noise emission tests,
p.000060: • Testing of paint for quality factors.
p.000060:
p.000060: (ii) Chemical Analysis Laboratory
p.000060: • Quality of soaps, detergents and javals,
p.000060: • Quality of toilet paper, candles and corrugated iron sheets,
p.000060: • Quality of petroleum products,
p.000060: • Testing of plant materials (including medicinal) plants for active ingredients and other quality factors
p.000060: and,
p.000060:
...
Social / philosophical differences/differences of opinion
Searching for indicator opinion:
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p.000055:
p.000055: The ministry has always reserved the right not to disclose information to the public if they wish not to do so.
p.000055: The public for example might not be informed if such a drug is genetically modified if the ministry thinks this should
p.000055: be the case and so far their has not been any such obligation from the ministry, although a patient always reserves his
p.000055: or her right to such information.
p.000055:
p.000055: The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources on the other hand has in place a system for public can participate
p.000055: and give their views on any environment development through the Environment Impact Assessment procedure (EIA)
p.000055: which has an avenue for public participation. The EIA process makes provision for public notification
p.000055: through the mass media. This is done through the daily paper, over a certain period of time. The public is able to
p.000055: view the project plan at the Ministry of Environment or the National Library and comments.
p.000055:
p.000055: The comments and suggestions put forward by the public are then taken into consideration. If found to be valid a
p.000055: project might not start due to the public involvement and viewpoint. Another avenue for public
p.000055: participation is through the Education Information & Communication section which is responsible for
p.000055: the creation of public awareness and
p.000055:
p.000055:
p.000055:
p.000056: 56
p.000056:
p.000056: education on environmental issues; living modified organisms and GMO’s included. The public can express
p.000056: their opinion through the various media programmes that are aired, especially vox pop, which is one avenue for
p.000056: public participation.
p.000056:
p.000056: Food security and biotechnology is of concern to various governments the world over, the Department of Agriculture
p.000056: and Marine Resources within the ministry of environment and natural resources has to ensure that sufficient
p.000056: food is produce to feed the population at all times. The Ministry does not at present have in place a mechanism for
p.000056: public participation per se, though various tools for information dissemination are used to be able to
p.000056: transmit awareness programmes to the public. Written information via the print media has been an effective
p.000056: medium used to reach the public, open days, agricultural shows and agricultural fairs are organized
p.000056: orientated towards information dissemination and propagation. The public are able to participate actively at these
p.000056: activities and at the same time ask relevant questions, clarifications or comments. The various programmes over the
p.000056: visual media have also been a plus in information dissemination but the public does not really get much opportunity to
p.000056: get involved in these televised programmes.
p.000056:
p.000056: The Import and Export Division within the Ministry of Finance and the customs division are also key players in
p.000056: bio-safety as the Seychelles is major importer of food, agriculture products and pharmaceutical products,
p.000056: therefore they are also a player that should create an avenue for public participation within their respective area of
p.000056: work, which at present is none existent. The public are vary rarely informed of activities within these
...
p.000056: dissemination or are the public’s avenue for representation or participation, such organization such as consumer
p.000056: organizations which are champions of consumer rights, such as their rights to be heard ensure through regular
p.000056: meetings and through representation on various boards and committees that the public’s opinions, comments and
p.000056: concern are taken on board. Through these bodies the public are able to lobby or advocate for public
p.000056: participation either directly or indirectly on various issues that are of concern to them, notably
p.000056: bio-safety, food security, food safety etc….
p.000056:
p.000056: Other agencies such as the Seychelles Bureau of Standards, Seychelles Marketing Board, Farmers Association,
p.000056: and the Seychelles Fisheries Authority who are also partners in promoting, facilitating and creating public
p.000056: awareness through education visa vis bio-safety and the implementation of the Cartegena Protocol does not have on board
p.000056: any direct avenues for public participation, although indirectly through their various activities the public may be
p.000056: able to get involved.
p.000056:
p.000056: The proposed plan that the country is working on does ensure public participation at various stages, if and when the
p.000056: country does decide to either import, produce or handle genetically or living modified organisms in the near future.
p.000056: The proposed document makes provision for representative of the public or civil society organizations to sit on
p.000056: committees to represent the public. It also ensures an avenue for direct public comments and opinion within
p.000056: a define period of time.
p.000056:
p.000056:
p.000056:
p.000056:
p.000057: 57
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
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p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
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p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
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p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000058: 58
p.000058:
p.000058: ANNEX II
p.000058:
p.000058: Inventory of existing infrastructures and equipment to address Biosafety in Seychelles (Helda Antoine)
p.000058:
p.000058: 1.0 Introduction
p.000058:
p.000058: In Seychelles there are three reference laboratories, which carry out scientific tests and there are no accredited
p.000058: or independent laboratories. The operating reference laboratories in Seychelles are namely the Seychelles Public
p.000058: Health Laboratory (SPHL), Seychelles Bureau of Standards (SBS), and the Public Utilities Corporation (PUC).
p.000058: There are other small organizational and departmental laboratories operating in the country and they carry
p.000058: out specific tests which are specifically related to their scope of work and mandates and have also been
p.000058: included in this inventory exercise such as the Soil and Diagnostic Laboratory, Plant Clinic
...
Economic / Economic/Poverty
Searching for indicator poor:
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p.000050: is brought to the attention of international funding agencies, organisations and
p.000050: institutions and such is discussed in Meeting of Parties (MoPs).
p.000050: Funding Agency N/A
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050: N/A
p.000050: Responsible Agency NCA/NBB
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050: NCA/NBB
p.000050: Verifiable Indicator Institution capacities strengthened
p.000050:
p.000050: Seychelles needs placed on the agenda of MoPs and project proposals sent to
p.000050: funding agencies
p.000050: Time Frame By 2007
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050: By 2007
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050: Objective:
p.000050: Strengthen existing local institutions through technology transfer and enhance capacities and know-how to
p.000050: address Biosafety issues nationally.
p.000050:
p.000050: Actions:
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050: 5.0 Study the impacts of Modern Biotechnology on local agricultural (including livestock productions and
p.000050: aquaculture practices)
p.000050:
p.000050: Objectives:
p.000050: Sensitise local farmers and policy makers about Modern Biotechnology applications in agriculture, including potential
p.000050: socio-economic effects of modern biotechnology on local farming, food security, and any possible potential,
p.000050: adverse impacts that may result from the use of the technology. (In Seychelles small farmers face
p.000050: some most difficult agricultural challenges: significant portions of their harvests are lost to pests,
p.000050: diseases, poor soil, poor quality seeds, flooding and lack of agricultural technologies).
p.000050:
p.000050: Actions:
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050: Activities
p.000050:
p.000050: To identify, monitor and assess opportunities and challenges of Modern Biotechnology-related
p.000050: changes in the agriculture and food industries in Seychelles.
p.000050: To identify and address relevant Biosafety and Modern Biotechnology issues
p.000050: for Seychellois farmers through continued monitoring, education
p.000050: Funding Agency
p.000050: Local (Gov.) and international (yet to be identified)
p.000050: Local (Gov.) and international (yet to be identified)
p.000050: Responsible Agency NCA/NBB
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050: NCA/NBB
p.000050: Verifiable Indicator Assessment reports, workshop reports, field monitoring reports
p.000050:
p.000050: Awareness programmes made, educational materials produced
p.000050: Time Frame Ongoing
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050: Ongoing
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000051: 51
p.000051:
p.000051: and awareness activities.
p.000051: To advise decision makers of ‘proven safe’ Modern Biotechnology applications that
p.000051: can be used to enhance food security in Seychelles.
p.000051: To ensure that the views of farmers are reflected in local policies (especially where importation of GMOs
p.000051: for agricultural purposes is concerned)
p.000051:
p.000051: Local (Gov.) and international (yet to be identified)
p.000051:
p.000051: Local (Gov.) and international (yet to be identified)
p.000051:
...
Searching for indicator economic:
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p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001: Final Draft National Biosafety Framework
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001: DISCLAIMER: Information contained in this document is provided by the Division of Nature and
p.000001: Conservation, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, (MENR), Seychelles, and the views presented are those of
p.000001: MENR. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is not responsible for the information provided in
p.000001: this document. UNEP does not make any warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, including, but
p.000001: not limited to, warranties of accuracy, reliability, completeness, or content of such information in this
p.000001: document. Under no circumstances shall UNEP be responsible for any loss, damage or liability or expense
p.000001: incurred or suffered which is claimed to have resulted from the use of or reliance upon the information contained in
p.000001: this document, including, but not limited to, any fault error, mistake, omission or defect. Under no
p.000001: circumstances shall UNEP be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, punitive or consequential damages.
p.000001:
p.000001: Forward
p.000001: Seychelles is endowed with an exceptional natural environment and a rich history in
p.000001: conservation. These have contributed to the nation’s high quality of life and socio-economic wellbeing.
p.000001: Despite the problems of human development such as land use pressure, pollution and climate change, our strong
p.000001: conservation policies have resulted in two world heritage sites, the protection of 45% of our land territory
p.000001: and the establishment of more than 12 marine protected areas.
p.000001:
p.000001: In 1997 Seychelles developed a comprehensive National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) to address
p.000001: biodiversity conservation. This was followed in 2000 by the Environment Management Plan of Seychelles (EMPS)
p.000001: 2000-2010 which laid the foundation for integrating development issues within our fragile but important natural
p.000001: resource base. Both these plans were developed through nation-wide stakeholder consultation.
p.000001:
p.000001: One of the major challenges we face is the impact of invasive species and other foreign organisms on our unique
p.000001: biodiveristy. Reports on the effects of invasive species which have reached disastrous proportions on many
p.000001: small islands highlight the wisdom of the precautionary approach adopted by Seychelles.
p.000001:
p.000001: It is important that biosafety issues and concerns are understood by the entire population, starting at the highest
p.000001: political levels. Understanding that the development of the islands should be consistent with the
p.000001: preservation of their environmental and cultural heritage, for example, the Government is accordingly
p.000001: concerned about the potentially unsafe use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in such fragile island
p.000001: ecosystems.
p.000001:
...
p.000001: implement these changes and undertake sufficient risk analyses. Seychelles being part of the global
p.000001: village, the future of our biodiversity is a joint responsibility of the people of our islands and the international
p.000001: community if we are to preserve such a unique corner of the world.
p.000001: It is our wish that our position based upon the precautionary principle will be supported and further
p.000001: adopted by many other countries as we embrace progress towards the bio-age.
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001: Ronnie Jumeau
p.000001: Minister of Environment & Natural Resources
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001: 1
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001: Table of Contents
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001: 1.0 General Introduction
p.000001: 1.1 The National Executing Agency (NEA)
p.000001: 1.2 The National Project Coordinator (NPC)
p.000001: 1.3 The National Coordinating Committee (NCC)
p.000001: 1.4 The National Biosafety Framework Drafting Committee (NBFDC)
p.000001: 1.5 Public Awareness and Public Participation Committee (PAPPC)
p.000001:
p.000001: 2.0 Background Information on Seychelles
p.000001:
p.000001: 3.0 Seychelles and the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety
p.000001:
p.000001: 4.0 Environment Plans and strategies in Seychelles
p.000001:
p.000001: 5.0 The challenges facing the Seychelles Natural Environment
p.000001:
p.000001: 6.0 Biotechnology in Seychelles
p.000001: 6.1 Biotechnology in Agriculture
p.000001: 6.2 Biotechnology in other economic sectors
p.000001:
p.000001: 7.0 Existing Regulatory Regimes
p.000001: 7.1 Agriculture
p.000001: 7.2 Fisheries
p.000001: 7.3 Environment
p.000001: 7.4 Health
p.000001: 7.5 Consumer protection
p.000001:
p.000001: 8.0 Seychelles Biosafety Policy on Importation of GMOs or GMO Products
p.000001: 8.1 Introduction
p.000001: 8.2 The Mission
p.000001: 8.3 Government Goals for biosafety and the use of Modern Biotechnology
p.000001: 8.4 Policy of Modern Biotechnology and Biosafety in the Health Care
p.000001: 8.5 Policy of Modern Biotechnology and Biosafety in Agriculture
p.000001: 8.6 Policy of Modern Biotechnology and Biosafety in Industry
p.000001: 8.7 Policy of Modern Biotechnology and Biosafety in Social & Ethical Environment
p.000001: 8.8 Advance Informed Agreement
p.000001: 8.9 The Competent Authority
p.000001: 8.10 Notification and information
p.000001: 8.11 Decision for Importation
p.000001: 8.12 GMOs not subject to Protocol provisions
p.000001: 8.13 GMOs in transit
p.000001: 8.14 GMOs destined for contained used
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000002: 2
p.000002:
p.000002: 8.15 GMOs intended for direct use for food, feed, or for processing (GMO-FFPs)
p.000002: 8.16 GMOs for pharmaceutical use that are addressed by other relevant international agreements or organizations
p.000002: 8.17 GMOs identified by the meeting of parties to the Protocol as not being likely to have adverse effects
p.000002: 8.18 Biosafety Clearing-House (BCH)
...
p.000010: individuals.
p.000010:
p.000010:
p.000010: 4.0 Environment Plans and Strategies in Seychelles
p.000010:
p.000010: 4.1 The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP)
p.000010:
p.000010: The dependence of the Seychelles’ population on very limited natural resource base makes conservation of
p.000010: biodiversity a real challenge. Realising this, Seychelles with the technical coorperation of UNEP and the World
p.000010: Conservation Union (IUCN), funded by GEF developed a comprehensive National Biodiversity Strategy and
p.000010: Action Plan (NBSAP) in 1997 to address a holistic approach to biodiversity conservation and sustainable
p.000010: development programmes. The NBSAP comprises of a summary of Seychelles Biodiversity Assessment.
p.000010: The document addresses the opportunities and challenges of protecting and mobilizing the country’s
p.000010: biological diversity. It also describes the gaps and constraints currently hindering Seychelles’s efforts in
p.000010: biodiversity conservation and sustainable use, including gaps in capacity, partnerships, coordination, and management
p.000010: of species and ecosystems. The document also provides a timetable for action over a Plan period of 5 years, the
p.000010: funding requirements and the list of partner organizations involved in its implementation.
p.000010:
p.000010:
p.000010: 4.2 The Environment Management Plan of Seychelles
p.000010:
p.000010: With the extensive interrelationship of environment issues in the economic, social and political sectors,
p.000010: their direct and indirect implications on the fragile natural ecosystems of the Small Island Development State,
p.000010: a comprehensive multi-disciplinary strategic document with the participation and involvement of all local
p.000010: agencies though a process of active consultations and participations was required for Seychelles. With assistance from
p.000010: the World Bank, the result process gave rise to a document that would promote, coordinate and integrate
p.000010: sustainable development programmes that cut across all sectors of society in the Seychelles in order to achieve
p.000010: environmental excellence. The document is called The Environment Management Plan of Seychelles (EMPS). The first plan
p.000010: came about in 1990 and was for duration of 10 years (1990 – 2000). This was followed by a second plan of the EMPS
p.000010: for 2000 – 2010. In fact, Seychelles was the first African country to prepare the so-called second
p.000010: generation of environment management plans.
p.000010:
p.000010: Some of the key common elements of the EMPS 2000 – 2010 and the NBSAP of Seychelles are studies on the
p.000010: relevance of impacts of new organisms and pests on local biodiversity of Seychelles; the sustainable management
p.000010: of marine resources including coral reefs, capacity building for assessing, monitoring and forecasting
p.000010: environmental problems, establishment of appropriate sanitary and phytosanitary standards. All projects and programmes
p.000010: projected from year 2000 to 2010 in Seychelles that have a direct effect on the natural environment are
...
p.000012:
p.000012: Agriculture research in Seychelles is co-coordinated by the Department of Natural Resources in the
p.000012: Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MENR). The department has a vegetable evaluation and research
p.000012: section with the mandate to enhance the development of improved crop farming technology for the farming community.
p.000012: This would include production and introduction of new and high yielding crop varieties through adaptive or
p.000012: basic research. The department has a small Pig Genetic Center, which provides new varieties of pigs
p.000012: through importation of pig’s semen and allows breeding locally as part of an adaptive research programme.
p.000012: The Farmer’s Training Center apart from offering academic and technical training in the field of
p.000012: tropical
p.000012:
p.000012:
p.000012:
p.000012:
p.000013: 13
p.000013:
p.000013: agriculture, the institution is also exploring the possibility to breed goats and cattle using imported varieties.
p.000013:
p.000013: At present, the Research Centres are not involved in the development of new varieties as they are only mandated to
p.000013: do adaptive research. In general, the status of modern biotechnology development in Seychelles is non-existent
p.000013: and thus, there is no question of production of GMOs being developed nor intentional propagated or field
p.000013: tested at present, but with the new proposed Agricultural Policy 2003 – 2013 such possibility may exist and Seychelles
p.000013: will need to improve on its capacity to monitor and assess GMOs in the field of Agriculture.
p.000013:
p.000013: 6.2 Biotechnology in other economic sectors
p.000013:
p.000013: Tourism and Fisheries, the most important sectors of our economy are both directly dependent on the
p.000013: pristine, natural ecosystems. The Government of Seychelles is conscious that the use and release into the
p.000013: environment of GMOs produced by modern biotechnology could have adverse impacts on the conservation and
p.000013: sustainable use of biological diversity. For this reason, Seychelles supports through
p.000013: international agreements, principles of risk assessment and management to ensure a safe development, application,
p.000013: exchange and transfer of biotechnology products. As a result of these concerns and the realization that our
p.000013: capacity to detect such products are limited in the country, the Government of Seychelles strongly supports Advance
p.000013: Informed Agreement procedures in the field of the safe transfer, handling and use of GMOs resulting from
p.000013: modern biotechnology.
p.000013:
p.000013: The rapid developments in modern biotechnology create opportunities for improvement in health care, agriculture, food
p.000013: and the environment. Modern Biotechnology can exert a strong influence on developments in society. The
p.000013: Government of Seychelles believes that while these opportunities should be explored and used, this should be
p.000013: accompanied by measures to safeguard and ensure safety, transparency in decision-making, freedom of choice for our
p.000013: citizens and ethical acceptability. It is with this objective that the Government hereby develops this
p.000013: National Biosafety Framework.
p.000013:
p.000013: Development in modern biotechnology is strongly knowledge-driven, and at present the local expertise is insufficient to
p.000013: effectively deal with issues of modern biotechnology and Biosafety. In order to keep pace with the development
p.000013: in modern biotechnology, the Government of Seychelles needs support to strengthen local capacity to be
p.000013: able to address the needs of modern biotechnology and biosafety.
p.000013:
p.000013:
p.000013:
p.000013:
p.000013:
p.000013:
p.000013:
p.000013:
p.000013:
p.000013:
p.000013:
p.000013:
p.000013:
p.000013:
p.000013:
p.000013:
p.000014: 14
p.000014:
p.000014: 7.0 EXISTING REGULATORY REGIMES
p.000014:
p.000014: Existing legislation and policies in areas relating to Biosafety
p.000014:
p.000014: The biological diversity of the Seychelles, as well as the local population, enjoys a significant amount
p.000014: of protection through various pieces of legislation. This is being administered by a number of governmental
p.000014: organisations.
p.000014:
p.000014: Different pieces of legislation in the fields that have a bearing in the management of Biotechnology or
p.000014: Biotechnology products in the Seychelles have been identified as follows:
p.000014:
p.000014: 7.1 Agriculture
p.000014:
p.000014: i. The Plant Protection Act (PPA), 1996
p.000014:
p.000014: The Plant Protection Act 1996 provides legal measures to control the movement of diseases, insects and
p.000014: other pests of economic importance. Currently, this legislation is being administered by the Department
p.000014: of Natural Resources in the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources. This Act makes
p.000014: provision for preventing the importation and spread of plant pests and diseases, for better protecting the
p.000014: agricultural, forestry resources and ecological environment of Seychelles. This is attained through the regulation
p.000014: of the importation of organisms, of plants and of plant products. A comprehensive quarantine
p.000014: administration system exists under the Act, but is rather under- practiced due to limited human resources
p.000014: capacity and appropriate technology and technical expertise particularly at the ports of entry. The PPA
p.000014: does not make any reference to products of Modern Biotechnology nor does the proposal which is currently being
p.000014: submitted to review the Act.
p.000014:
p.000014: ii. The Animal and Diseases Act, 1981
p.000014:
p.000014: The Act provides for the notification of notifiable diseases and the related powers of inspectors of the
p.000014: Veterinary Section in the Department of Natural Resources to act in such cases. The Act also makes provides
p.000014: for imports and quarantine procedures
p.000014:
p.000014: iii. The Agriculture and Fisheries Incentives Act, 2005
p.000014:
p.000014: The Act provides for the grant of certain incentives to persons engaged in Agriculture, Fisheries and related
p.000014: activities.
p.000014:
p.000014: iv. The National Agricultural Policy
p.000014:
p.000014: The National Agricultural Policy 2003-2013 is in the process of being submitted for approval. The overall
p.000014: objective of the policy is the achievement of higher food security through sustainable agricultural production.
p.000014: Furthermore, the policy envisages exploiting proven technology packages for intensive production with due regard for
p.000014: human health and the environment. One of the strategies envisaged under the policy is that Government would respect
p.000014: any eventual policy on genetically modified crops, foods and the use of
p.000014:
p.000014:
p.000014:
p.000014:
p.000015: 15
p.000015:
p.000015: plant and animal growth growers as well as enforce any legislation subsequently enacted.
p.000001: 1
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001: 7.2 Fisheries
p.000001:
p.000001: a) The Fisheries Act 1986
p.000001:
p.000001: The Fisheries Act 1986 addresses the conditions and regulations for fishing in Seychelles. The Seychelles Fishing
p.000001: Authority (SFA) administers the Act. The Act has a practical set of administrative systems that address aquaculture in
p.000001: Seychelles with a clear system of permit and post permit monitoring protocols. The SFA also has a mechanism for close
p.000001: consultation with the Department of Environment before making such a grant under this Act. However, aquaculture
p.000001: practices have so far been very limited and almost exclusively centred around the large-scale commercialisation of
p.000001: prawns on Coetivy Island. The SFA boosts a relatively high level of expertise in the Fisheries Sector with a number of
p.000001: its staff with postgraduate qualifications in marine sciences. However, the small number of staff and low level of
p.000001: technology that exist in the organisation does not make it possible to monitor the entire1.3 million sq km of the
p.000001: Seychelles Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
p.000001:
p.000001: b) The Agriculture and Fisheries Incentives Act, 2005
p.000001:
p.000001: See above comments.
p.000001:
p.000001: c) The National Fisheries Policy 2003 – 2013
p.000001:
p.000001: Government policy for the fishing industry promotes sustainable and responsible fisheries development and optimising
p.000001: the benefits from this sector for the present and future generations. It focuses principally on the
p.000001: promotion of sustainable management and responsible fishing practices as well as the effective protection of the
p.000001: marine ecosystem. The policy projects more development in aquaculture aimed at exportation. Government will promote
p.000001: responsible research and development in this area and also ensure that this development is ecologically sustainable and
p.000001: that it allows the rational use of resources. Aquaculture will be promoted with the aim of minimising adverse
p.000001: environmental changes and related economic and social consequences. This is an area where
p.000001: Modern Biotechnology is likely to feature.2
p.000001:
p.000001: 7.3 Environment
p.000001:
p.000001: I. The Environment Protection Act (EPA) 1994
p.000001:
p.000001: The Environment Protection Act 1994 provides for the protection, preservation and improvement of the
p.000001: environment and for the control of hazards to humans and biodiversity. The Act also
p.000001: provides for the coordination, implementation and enforcement of policies pursuant to the national
p.000001: objectives on environment protection. This Act is administered by the Department of Environment in
p.000001: the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, which has been designated as the Authority under
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001: 1 The Draft National Agriculture Policy 2003-2013
p.000001: 2 National Fisheries Policy 2003-2014
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000016: 16
p.000016:
p.000016: the Act. The Act makes provisions for the Authority to co-ordinate the activities of other agencies concerned with the
p.000016: protection of the Environment.
p.000016: The functions of the Authority under the Act are as follows:
p.000016: 7.4 To evolve standards for quality of the environment in its various aspects, i.e., air, water, soil as well as
...
p.000017: The Act is currently under revision to address new emerging issues and to address the rapid changes in
p.000017: the decentralisation of Pharmacies and Chemists through private practices. The Act makes no specific reference
p.000017: to pharmaceutical products that have been resulted from the use of Modern Biotechnology.
p.000017:
p.000017:
p.000017: d) Food and Nutrition Policy
p.000017:
p.000017: A national food and nutrition policy is currently being developed.
p.000017:
p.000017:
p.000017:
p.000017:
p.000018: 18
p.000018:
p.000018: 7.5 Consumer Protection
p.000018:
p.000018: a) Consumer Protection Act 1997
p.000018:
p.000018: The Consumer Protection Act 1997 regulates trade practices, ensures consumer rights, and imposes duties on
p.000018: producers and suppliers of goods. The Act makes provision for the appointment of a Director for Consumer
p.000018: Protection and the establishment of a Consumer Protection Board. The Director of Consumer Protection is
p.000018: required to keep under review the carrying of commercial activities in Seychelles, which relate to goods supplied to
p.000018: consumers or produced with a view to being so supplied. Furthermore, the Director is required to collect information
p.000018: to ascertain circumstances relating to practices, which may adversely affect the interests, whether economic, or with
p.000018: respect to health or safety of consumers in Seychelles. The Act also makes provision for clear and
p.000018: appropriate labeling of products. The Act is currently under review.
p.000018:
p.000018: b) Competition Policy
p.000018:
p.000018: A national competition policy is also currently under preparation.
p.000018:
p.000018: CONCLUSION
p.000018:
p.000018: The pieces of legislation that have a bearing in the management of Biotechnology or Biotechnology
p.000018: products in the Seychelles have been identified and discussed above. A number of provisions in the
p.000018: existing legislations offer to some degree protection and safety to human health, food safety and the protection
p.000018: of the local biological diversity. These, however, are rather inadequate. Seychelles lacks an enabling
p.000018: legislative framework in the area of Biosafety. As the existing framework fails to cover new and emerging
p.000018: issues particularly that of Modern Biotechnology. More importantly it has limited technical capacity and
p.000018: institutional limitations to address a number of concerns in the development in that field. Furthermore, the various
p.000018: pieces of legislation are being administered by a number of organisations and departments and which needs
p.000018: to be harmonised as the current administrative system is rather fragmented and uncoordinated. The
...
p.000019: with GMO producing countries such as South Africa, India, China for vegetables and vegetables products we might have
p.000019: been exposed to other commodity imports that are products of Modern Biotechnology.
p.000019:
p.000019:
p.000019: 8.2 The Mission
p.000019:
p.000019: • Ensure effective regulation to provide a high level of protection to the environment and human health;
p.000019: • Provide accurate and updated information to the public in a timely manner;
p.000019: • Ensure effective decision making through a coherent and transparent system
p.000019:
p.000019: 8.3 Government Goals for Biosafety and the use of Modern Biotechnology:
p.000019:
p.000019: • To ensure that human health and the environment are safeguarded, in particular through a rigorous, efficient
p.000019: and transparent system of regulation and administrative systems for use and application of Modern
p.000019: Biotechnology and its resulting products;
p.000019: • To ensure adequate capacity building in the safe use and handling of modern biotechnology and its
p.000019: products;
p.000019: • To ensure that the general public has access to information about modern biotechnology including, the
p.000019: potential risks and benefits of GMOs;
p.000019: • To maintain the ethical standards through active public participation in decision making;
p.000019: • To enhance economic benefit through the development of sustainable agriculture;
p.000019: • To ensure that public is informed on what they consume and utilize and the right for them to make a choice.
p.000019: • To ensure public confidence in the way risks are assessed and managed;
p.000019:
p.000019: 8.4 Policy of Modern Biotechnology and Biosafety in the Health Care
p.000019:
p.000019: The application of modern biotechnology knowledge in the health care sector has already led to new methods of
p.000019: diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases such as Diabetes and Hepatitis B in Seychelles. The importance
p.000019: of biotechnology for health care in Seychelles is expected to increase further with the several hundreds
p.000019: health care and
p.000019:
p.000019:
p.000019:
p.000019:
p.000020: 20
p.000020:
p.000020: pharmaceutical products currently in clinical testing stages or awaiting approval in the United States,
p.000020: Canada, the EU and other ‘modern biotechnology advanced’ countries.
p.000020:
p.000020: However, assessment of impacts on change in health care, risk perception, acceptance of biotechnology, legislation
p.000020: and liability needs to be done as a matter of urgency before widespread use of such products in Seychelles.
p.000020:
p.000020: Being both a member of WHO and FAO, Seychelles presently uses the CODEX Alimentarius guidelines as well as
p.000020: the WHO guidelines for the harmonization of safety assessments of foods in international trade. Presently, the
...
p.000026: responsible for liaising with other parties. The decision-making process in the National Biosafety Framework will
p.000026: constitute of a wide range of representatives from national authorities, departments and other stakeholders. They
p.000026: will be represented on a National Biosafety Board. The National Biosafety Board will receive inputs and
p.000026: advices from the Advisory Bodies, Public groups and Inspectorate Committees. The Biosafety and the Biosafety
p.000026: Administration office will be located in the office of the Division of Nature and Conservation within the Ministry of
p.000026: Environment & Natural Resources. This office will be responsible for conducting the above mentioned administration
p.000026: duties.
p.000026:
p.000026:
p.000026:
p.000026:
p.000026: 9.3 The Biosafety Administration Office
p.000026:
p.000026: Due to financial implication on setting up a new registrar for receiving notifications, Seychelles has
p.000026: decided to use the Office of the Focal Point to the Cartagena Protocol as the Biosafety Administration office and the
p.000026: location of this office is mentioned in section 10.1.1 above. Such decision is to facilitate reporting, posting
p.000026: information to the BCH and receiving updates on new development with regards to the protocol. The roles and
p.000026: responsibilities of this office will be as follows;
p.000026:
p.000026: • Receive official notification (s) and be the entry point for all GMO applications. The officer responsible
p.000026: shall ensure that legal requirement regarding accuracy of information is provided and respected by all
p.000026: Applicants;
p.000026: • Ensure that safety and socio-economic reviews are undertaken and that the public are consulted in the decision
p.000026: making process on all applications.
p.000026:
p.000026:
p.000026:
p.000026:
p.000027: 27
p.000027:
p.000027: • Coordinate meetings of the National Biosafety Board and the Biosafety Advisory Committees and issues
p.000027: permits and rejection letters on applications at the request of the Board;
p.000027: • Respond to national, regional and international queries and keep record on all GMO issues and activities, and
p.000027: simultaneously keep and maintain a database on all products containing GMOs produced or imported into Seychelles;
p.000027: • Verify the content of the notification to ensure that the information specified by the regulations is contained
p.000027: at a minimum, in any of the Seychelles official languages (English, French and Creole).
p.000027: • Provide official acknowledgement of receipts of the notification and communicate the decision taken on the
p.000027: notification the Applicant(s) and BCH.
p.000027:
p.000027: In line with the Protocol the Biosafety Administration Office shall issue acknowledgement
p.000027: letter stating:
p.000027:
p.000027: a) The date of receipt of the notification;
p.000027: b) Whether the notification, prima facie, contains the information referred to in the Biosafety Act;
p.000027: c) Whether to proceed according to the Seychelles regulations.
p.000027:
p.000027: The acknowledgement will identify the next steps in the process, and will confirm the date upon which
p.000027: the 270-day period begins within which Seychelles should reach a decision on the proposed import or local
p.000027: development of the GMO in question.
p.000027:
p.000027: 9.4 The National Biosafety Board
p.000027:
p.000027: The decision making body for the implementation of the National Biosafety Framework will be the National Biosafety
p.000027: Board. It will comprise of highly technical personnel coming from relevant sectors and stakeholders as
p.000027: requested by the Cartagena Protocol for Biosafety. The Board which will be composed on not more than 11
p.000027: members from a wide range of national authorities including representatives from the Health Sector,
p.000027: Environment, Agriculture, Economic Planning, Commerce, the Private sector, the National Consumer Forum,
p.000027: Import and Export regulators as well as representatives from the General Public. The Board will elect a
p.000027: chairperson, a vice chairperson and a secretary during its first official meeting. The members of the Board will
p.000027: be nominated by their respective ministers or head of organization, while the Minister responsible for the
p.000027: implementation of the Cartagena Protocol will nominate the non-governmental organizations and individuals from
p.000027: the private sector.
p.000027:
p.000027: The National Biosafety Board will set up the procedure for consultations with other advisory bodies
p.000027: whenever required before any decision on a proposed import, research, field trial, release or place on the market of a
p.000027: GMO or a GMO product will be taken. The decision taken by the Board will then be endorsed by the Minister
p.000027: responsible for administering the Cartagena Protocol for Biosafety.
p.000027:
p.000027: The National Biosafety Board will make all decisions regarding GMOs in Seychelles. The specific terms
p.000027: of reference will be established in the Biosafety Act. Key stakeholders shall be represented on
p.000027: this decision making body as Board Members. Members of the Board must be persons of credibility and
p.000027: free from any conflicts of
p.000027:
p.000027:
p.000027:
p.000028: 28
p.000028:
p.000028: interests. The decisions of the body shall be based on recommendations of the Advisory Committees and public
p.000028: input. The Board shall operate independently of any manipulation. The source of funding for its
p.000028: functioning shall be drawn from the service fees and government funding.
p.000028:
p.000028: 9.5 The Biosafety Advisory Bodies
p.000028:
p.000028: The setting up of several smaller committees of scientific, socio-economic, ethic and public interest
p.000028: experts are preferred over a big committee due to the wide range of GMOs and GMO products. The roles and
p.000028: responsibilities of the Advisory Committees are listed below:
p.000028:
p.000028: o Conduct the biosafety reviews of applications and make recommendations on the various concerns in
p.000028: relation to the risks and risk management conditions for each permit to the National Biosafety Board;
p.000028: o Provide technical support to the Administration Office and assist with the reviewing of guidelines, regulations and
p.000028: legislation;
p.000028: o Assist with training on relevant issues to build local capacity;
p.000028:
p.000028: The Biosafety Advisory Bodies will have access to a wide pool of reviewers (both locally and international) to cover
p.000028: specialist sections of any application on both safety and non- safety issues during the (socio-economic) reviewing
p.000028: processes. Comprehensive reviews shall include safety and non-safety issues and will be undertaken on applications when
p.000028: necessary. Recommendations made will be conveyed to the National Biosafety Board. This process would ensure
p.000028: that all concerns are taken onboard during decision making on applications.
p.000028:
p.000028: 9.6 Appeal System
p.000028:
p.000028: An appeal process will provide a mechanism to appeal any decision(s) by the National Biosafety Board. All appeals
p.000028: should be made to the Minister responsible to implement the Biosafety Framework and legislations. This process
p.000028: will be embedded in the Biosafety Act and will be opened and accessible to all stakeholders. Provision
p.000028: for a second review, totally independent of the first review may be allowed within the appeal process. The appeal
p.000028: process will be stringent so as not to be subjected to manipulation, but yet accessible and user friendly so as not to
p.000028: discourage appeals, particularly from the public.
p.000028:
p.000028: 9.7 Inspection Services
p.000028:
p.000028: Approvals for granting GMO activities and/or products containing GMOs in Seychelles will contain conditions, including
p.000028: risk management that need to be applied and will be restricted to a duration not exceeding 5 years. Approval may be
p.000028: renewable subjected to compliance with the conditions. Inspection services will check to ensure that the
p.000028: activities are carried out in accordance with the permit requirements and the Biosafety Act. Senior
p.000028: members of the Inspectorate teams will sit on an advisory committee for reviewing application(s) and should
p.000028: be conversant with both the local requirements as that of the protocol. They should also be competent in assessing
p.000028: the level of compliance and any unintended socio-economic effects.
p.000028:
p.000028:
p.000028:
p.000029: 29
p.000029:
p.000029: 9.8 The Notification Process Procedure for Launching a Notification
p.000029: Before the first transboundary movement of a GMO or a GMO product regulated by the Biosafety Act is
p.000029: destined to arrive in Seychelles, or a local development of GMO is initiated a notification must take place.
p.000029:
p.000029: The Party of Export/designated authority or the party developing the GMO locally (Applicant) will
p.000029: have the legal obligation under the Biosafety Act to ensure that the National Competent Authority of Seychelles
p.000029: (through the Biosafety Administration Office) receives notification of the proposed transboundary movement
p.000029: or the proposed local development. For request from outside Seychelles the Notification must come from
p.000029: the party of export (mandated under the Cartagena Protocol) or designated authority (for countries not a party to
p.000029: the protocol).
p.000029:
p.000029: All Notifications must be made to the Biosafety Administration Office (The office of the Focal Point for
p.000029: Biosafety, Division of Nature & Conservation), and shall be accompanied by the appropriate processing fee to be
p.000029: specified by the Biosafety Act.
p.000029:
p.000029: A Notification must contain, at a minimum, the information specified in the Biosafety Act. In the case of
...
p.000032:
p.000032: Acknowledgement of Receipt from Protocol by Focal Point
p.000032: Proceed according to Seychelles Biosafety Regulations
p.000032:
p.000032:
p.000032:
p.000032:
p.000032: Focal Point informs the Applicant whether to proceed or not
p.000032: Seychelles through its local procedure considers the Application
p.000032: The decision making procedure starts internally
p.000032:
p.000032: Seychelles (Focal Point of CPB) communicates decision to Applicant and BCH
p.000032:
p.000032:
p.000032:
p.000032:
p.000032:
p.000032: Approving the Import with conditions (stating reasons)
p.000032: Prohibiting the import & stating reasons
p.000032: Requesting more information & stating reason (in accordance with Biosafety Act)
p.000032: Extending the 270 days deadline & stating reasons
p.000032:
p.000032:
p.000032:
p.000032:
p.000032:
p.000032: 9.10 Summary of the Administrative Process
p.000032:
p.000032: After acknowledging the Notification by the Biosafety Administration Office to the Applicant, the
p.000032: document will be sent to the National Biosafety Board (NBB) within a week from the acknowledgement date. After
p.000032: reviewing the Application the NBB will appoint experts to review the risk assessment of the Application produce
p.000032: by the Applicant. In the case where expertise is not available in Seychelles the rooster of experts on the BCH will
p.000032: be consulted for possible international assistance to review the risk assessment document. The NBB will also send the
p.000032: document to the consumer and public group for them to give their views and comments, as well as to the relevant
p.000032: authorities for assessment of the socio- economic and ethical impacts.
p.000032:
p.000032:
p.000032:
p.000032:
p.000032:
p.000032:
p.000033: 33
p.000033:
p.000033: The results of the various risk assessment reviews should be sent back to the NBB. After thorough
p.000033: analysis of the comments received the NBB will make a decision on the application. The
p.000033: decision will then be communicated to the Minister responsible for Environment (MENR) for endorsement.
p.000033: Following its endorsement by the Minister, the decision will then be communicated to the Biosafety Administration
p.000033: Office. The Office will then inform the Applicant of the decision. All appeal shall be made to the
p.000033: Minister responsible for Environment (MENR) within two months of the receipt of the decision.
p.000033:
p.000033: In the case that approval is granted the relevant body (ies) of inspectorate shall be involved in control, enforcement
p.000033: and monitoring of the conditions and progress. Periodic reports and findings shall be communicated to the
p.000033: National Biosafety Board.
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033: MINISTER RESPONSIBLE FOR ENVIRONMENT (MENR)
p.000033:
p.000033: Appeal
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033: APPLICANT
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033: National Biosafety Board
p.000033: Public/consumer interest group
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033: Biosafety Administration (CPB Focal Point Office)
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033: Advisory & Inspectorate Committees
p.000033: National Needs (Social, economic & ethical)
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033: BCH
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000033:
p.000034: 34
p.000034:
p.000034: 10.0 Risk Assessment and Risk Management
p.000034:
p.000034: 10.1 Knowledge of risks base on Science
p.000034:
p.000034: Before Seychelles decides to import ANY GMO and/or promote the application of modern biotechnology locally, the people
p.000034: of Seychelles have to be aware as far as possible of the following:
p.000034:
p.000034: • The effects of both intentional and unintentional release and;
p.000034: • The possible harmful effects of the GMO or the technology that may impact on human health and on the natural
p.000034: environment of the country.
p.000034: This applies to GMOs as commodity imports, research, field and laboratory tests, as well as in any other forms of
p.000034: introduction into Seychelles.
p.000034:
p.000034: The knowledge on all the effects of modern biotechnology and its applications is necessary for the Government and
p.000034: the people of Seychelles to have in order to allow them to make proper founded scientific decision of
p.000034: the risks, the chances that something untoward may happen and the nature and intensity of the consequences.
p.000034:
p.000034: Each decision will be made based primarily on the scientific knowledge available at the time of the application. As
p.000034: a result, all available knowledge in various disciplines should be increased through capacity building
...
p.000037: Organisation (WHO) guidelines on the Certification Scheme on Pharmaceutical Products Moving in International
p.000037: Commerce.
p.000037:
p.000037: The following certification is required for those pharmaceutical Products:
p.000037:
p.000037: 4. “the specific product is authorized to be placed on the market within the exporting country jurisdiction or, if
p.000037: it is not thus authorized, the reason why that authorization has not been accorded”;
p.000037: 5. “the plant in which the pharmaceutical product is produced is subject to inspections at suitable intervals to
p.000037: establish that the manufacturer conforms to Good Practices in the Manufacture and quality control of drugs as
p.000037: recommended by WHO”;
p.000037: 6. “all submitted product information, including labeling, is currently authorized in the certifying country”.
p.000037:
p.000037: The WHO Certification Scheme is consistent with the provisions of The 1970 Pharmaceutical
p.000037: Inspection Convention which Seychelles is a party to.
p.000037:
p.000037:
p.000037: 10.8 The use of Precautionary Principle
p.000037:
p.000037: For a small country like Seychelles, a central role in the consideration of risks will be allocated to the
p.000037: Precautionary Principle, as currently being defined in the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. This is very
p.000037: important for a small country of only 455 square km and with a high dependence on the local biodiversity for
p.000037: its economic growth and prosperity. Genetic changes are irreversible and by their nature self-reproducing. This is
p.000037: the most important reason why the people of Seychelles should be cautious with the application of Modern
p.000037: Biotechnology products within the jurisdiction of their country.
p.000037:
p.000037: In Seychelles the risks will be assessed on the basis of available information, or if this is not available, on the
p.000037: basis of a worst case scenario. In the case of an application for the release of a GMO in the environment, then
p.000037: if the risks are regarded as acceptable, permission will be granted for field trials of that GMO first. The
p.000037: introduction will always take place in line with the Precautionary Principle. If sufficient data is lacking then an
p.000037:
p.000037:
p.000037:
p.000038: 38
p.000038:
p.000038: acceptable risk level may also be obtained through the imposition of a series of additional regulations,
p.000038: such as confinement of working area, conducting the field trial only at certain period of the year,
p.000038: etc.., and such regulations and conditions can be adjusted in the course of time and as knowledge increases.
p.000038:
p.000038: 10.9 Assessing the risk in socio-economics and ethics
p.000038:
p.000038: In addition to the scientific issues, for a country with a population of 82,000 people, ethical and
p.000038: social considerations also demand considerable attention. Especially as most of the products that will enter the
p.000038: jurisdiction of Seychelles will be commodity import and would thus, directly influence the consumer market.
...
p.000038: life. E.g. genetic modification of any organism, whatsoever is not acceptable under any circumstances, while others
p.000038: will, due to the advantages of genetic modification in medical, environmental, industry and agricultural areas,
p.000038: will regard the application of this technology as highly desirable. The Government is aware that such considerations
p.000038: and the resulting choices are far from simple, especially as this technology is quite recent. Such matters will be
p.000038: carefully treated in the Biosafety Act in order to provide the consumers with informed choices.
p.000038:
p.000038: 10.10 Safety and Acceptability
p.000038:
p.000038: In general, Seychelles recognizes the opportunities that Modern Biotechnology provides for sustainable farming,
p.000038: cleaner production methods, better health care and a better environment. There is no doubt that such
p.000038: opportunities should not be explored. However, these opportunities should be accompanied by optimum safeguards
p.000038: to ensure safety; transparency in decision-making; freedom of choice for the individual; and ethical
p.000038: acceptability. Thus, it is not surprising that Seychelles opted for optimum safety and acceptability to
p.000038: come with every new GMO or GMO product entering the country.
p.000038:
p.000038: 10.11 Approval
p.000038:
p.000038: (i) Field trials or market introductions into the country will only be permitted if it has been sufficiently
p.000038: shown in a scientific manner that it does not pose any social, economic and ethical threats to the country
p.000038: and its population; and that these trials or introductions constitute an acceptable risk to human and the environment.
p.000038: (ii) Only when application of the “step by step” method and an exhaustive risk analysis (either by
p.000038: local experts or with the assistance of foreign experts) has reasonably indicated that a GMO or GMO product
p.000038: constitutes an acceptable risk to human and the environment will it be authorized to be placed on the
p.000038: local market.
p.000038: (iii) If uncertainties in the assessment indicate that the risk may be too great because the effect may be serious
p.000038: and the chance of them occurring are too high, then in accordance with the Precautionary Principle the
p.000038: introduction will not be authorized in Seychelles.
p.000038: (iv) Since field trials are to be permitted only if the risks are acceptably low this means that a
p.000038: field trial is more likely to be approved if the organism:
p.000038:
p.000038:
p.000038:
p.000038:
p.000039: 39
p.000039:
p.000039: a) shows that there is a high degree of certainty about the possible effects on human, and the
p.000039: environment;
p.000039: b) does not cross-breed with wild relatives of local economic importance;
p.000039: c) cannot survive unassisted in the environment.
p.000039: (v) If the reverse situation applies to an organism, approval will not be made. This means that in the case,
p.000039: for instance of a field trial, more data would be needed on the behaviour of the GMO plant in order to judge
p.000039: whether the risks can be reduced to an acceptable level.
p.000039: (vi) The method of risk assessment will be evaluated and adjusted if necessary. The risk assessment will devote a
p.000039: lot of attention to the possible ecological effects of introducing GMOs into the environment and of market approval of
p.000039: GMOs, while on health products international guidelines and the minimum requirement of the protocol will be used where
p.000039: applicable as much as possible.
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000039:
p.000040: 40
p.000040:
p.000040: 11.0 Public Awareness, Education and Participation
p.000040:
p.000040: In Seychelles every citizen has access to environment, agriculture, health and consumer related
...
p.002010:
p.002010:
p.002010:
p.002010:
p.002010:
p.002010:
p.002010:
p.002010:
p.002010:
p.002010:
p.002010:
p.000050: 50
p.000050:
p.000050: 4.0 Strengthening existing local institutional to address Biosafety
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050: Activities
p.000050:
p.000050: Government and the local private sector to facilitate the enhancement of technological and institutional
p.000050: capacities in Biosafety.
p.000050: Government to ensure that the local requirement in institutional strengthening in Biosafety
p.000050: is brought to the attention of international funding agencies, organisations and
p.000050: institutions and such is discussed in Meeting of Parties (MoPs).
p.000050: Funding Agency N/A
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050: N/A
p.000050: Responsible Agency NCA/NBB
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050: NCA/NBB
p.000050: Verifiable Indicator Institution capacities strengthened
p.000050:
p.000050: Seychelles needs placed on the agenda of MoPs and project proposals sent to
p.000050: funding agencies
p.000050: Time Frame By 2007
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050: By 2007
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050: Objective:
p.000050: Strengthen existing local institutions through technology transfer and enhance capacities and know-how to
p.000050: address Biosafety issues nationally.
p.000050:
p.000050: Actions:
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050: 5.0 Study the impacts of Modern Biotechnology on local agricultural (including livestock productions and
p.000050: aquaculture practices)
p.000050:
p.000050: Objectives:
p.000050: Sensitise local farmers and policy makers about Modern Biotechnology applications in agriculture, including potential
p.000050: socio-economic effects of modern biotechnology on local farming, food security, and any possible potential,
p.000050: adverse impacts that may result from the use of the technology. (In Seychelles small farmers face
p.000050: some most difficult agricultural challenges: significant portions of their harvests are lost to pests,
p.000050: diseases, poor soil, poor quality seeds, flooding and lack of agricultural technologies).
p.000050:
p.000050: Actions:
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050: Activities
p.000050:
p.000050: To identify, monitor and assess opportunities and challenges of Modern Biotechnology-related
p.000050: changes in the agriculture and food industries in Seychelles.
p.000050: To identify and address relevant Biosafety and Modern Biotechnology issues
p.000050: for Seychellois farmers through continued monitoring, education
p.000050: Funding Agency
p.000050: Local (Gov.) and international (yet to be identified)
p.000050: Local (Gov.) and international (yet to be identified)
p.000050: Responsible Agency NCA/NBB
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050: NCA/NBB
p.000050: Verifiable Indicator Assessment reports, workshop reports, field monitoring reports
p.000050:
p.000050: Awareness programmes made, educational materials produced
p.000050: Time Frame Ongoing
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050: Ongoing
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000051: 51
p.000051:
p.000051: and awareness activities.
p.000051: To advise decision makers of ‘proven safe’ Modern Biotechnology applications that
p.000051: can be used to enhance food security in Seychelles.
p.000051: To ensure that the views of farmers are reflected in local policies (especially where importation of GMOs
p.000051: for agricultural purposes is concerned)
p.000051:
p.000051: Local (Gov.) and international (yet to be identified)
p.000051:
p.000051: Local (Gov.) and international (yet to be identified)
p.000051:
p.000051: NCA/NBB/Ad visory committees
p.000051:
p.000051:
p.000051:
p.000051: NCA/NBB
p.000051:
p.000051: Scientific docs reproduced, case studies analysed, BCH docs and notifications from MoPs.
p.000051: Concerns taken into consideration in GMO application procedures
p.000051:
p.000051: Ongoing
p.000051:
p.000051:
p.000051:
p.000051:
p.002005: 2005
p.002005: onwards
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005: 6.0 Maintaining Food and Pharmaceutical use safety in Seychelles: a public health priority.
p.002005:
p.002005: Objective:
p.002005: Pursue the economic and public benefits of improved health care through products of Modern Biotechnology,
p.002005: but at all times ensuring that the products have been considered safe for human health (by reputed,
p.002005: recognised organisations/institution).
p.002005:
p.002005: Actions:
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.002005:
p.000052: 52
p.000052:
p.000052: Activities
p.000052:
p.000052: To advocate and support the development of objective, rigorous risk-based, sustainable, integrated
p.000052: food safety systems.
p.000052: To improve on existing systems of assessment and management of food borne risks, risks from
p.000052: pharmaceuticals and other drugs products, and communicating information, in cooperation with
p.000052: other sectors and partners
p.000052: To conduct a survey on impacts on change in health care, risk perception, acceptance of MB, legislation and liability
p.000052: in Seychelles.
p.000052: Funding Agency International (yet to be identified)
p.000052:
p.000052: International (yet to be identified)
p.000052:
p.000052:
p.000052:
p.000052:
p.000052: International (yet to be identified)
...
p.000053: public and the environment against possible risks are enforcing the regulations, procedures and policies in
p.000053: place.
p.000053: To revise and update the regulations and policies periodically to take into consideration the evolving
p.000053: issues that occurs in that field.
p.000053: Funding Agency International (under the GEF/UNEP
p.000053: NBF Project) National (Gov.)
p.000053:
p.000053:
p.000053:
p.000053:
p.000053:
p.000053:
p.000053: National (Gov.)
p.000053: Responsible Agency AG’s
p.000053: Office/NCA
p.000053:
p.000053:
p.000053: All Inspections and Monitoring bodies with appropriate mandates mentioned in the NBF
p.000053: NBB/NCA/AG
p.000053: ’s Office
p.000053: Verifiable Indicator Biosafety Act
p.000053: approved by National Assembly
p.000053:
p.000053: A workable, enforceable and a system based on good cooperation and collaboration
p.000053:
p.000053:
p.000053: Revised regulations
p.000053: Time Frame June. 2006
p.000053:
p.000053:
p.000053: Continuous
p.000053:
p.000053:
p.000053:
p.000053:
p.000053:
p.000053:
p.000053: Continuous
p.000053:
p.000053:
p.000053: Below are the details of the basic activities that require urgent regional and international attention and financial
p.000053: support in order for Seychelles to fully comply with the National Biosafety Framework and the Cartagena Protocol for
p.000053: Biosafety.
p.000053:
p.000053:
p.000053: Field
p.000053: Institution Building for Biosafety Regime Development
p.000053:
p.000053:
p.000053: General Risk Assessment Capacities
p.000053:
p.000053:
p.000053:
p.000053:
p.000053:
p.000053:
p.000053:
p.000053:
p.000053: Science and socio-economic capacities
p.000053: Activities
p.000053: • Finalise the Biosafety Act;
p.000053: • Develop/strengthen administrative structures and processes to support the Biosafety Act;
p.000053:
p.000053: • Develop/strengthen administrative processes to conduct Risk Assessment and to manage Risk;
p.000053: • Develop local risk assessment capacity to coordinate multi-disciplinary analyses;
p.000053: • Enhancement of technological and institution capacities for risk assessment;
p.000053: • To identify outside experts for Reviewing GMO Applications;
p.000053: • Understanding of relevant biotechnological processes and applications;
p.000053: • Analyse risks to conservation and sustainable use of diversity;
p.000053: • Evaluation of genetic modifications;
p.000053: • Analyse risks to human health of the effects on biodiversity;
p.000053: • Analyse ecosystem effects of GMO introduction;
p.000053: • Assess food security issues arising from risks to biodiversity;
p.000053: • Enhancement of existing related scientific, technical capacities
p.000053:
p.000053:
p.000053:
p.000053:
p.000054: 54
p.000054:
p.000054: General risk management capacities
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054: Decision-making capacities
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054: Monitoring and Enforcement
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054: Data management and information-sharing
p.000054:
p.000054:
...
General/Other / Dependent
Searching for indicator dependent:
(return to top)
p.000010: address the use of GMOs. In
p.000010:
p.000010:
p.000010:
p.000010:
p.000011: 11
p.000011:
p.000011: such a way, the protection of the environment is undertaken in a planned and coherent manner involving all
p.000011: stakeholders.
p.000011:
p.000011:
p.000011: 5.0 The Challenges facing the Seychelles’ Natural Environment
p.000011:
p.000011: The Seychelles being a Small Island Development State (SIDS) with scarce natural resources is especially
p.000011: interested in developing methods for ensuring sustainable use so as to encourage a more dynamic and diverse
p.000011: economy and an equitable sharing of benefits for all citizens. As a SIDS, the country combines land
p.000011: scarcity and a small population with great distance from market sources and consequently high import and
p.000011: export costs (NBSAP, 1997).
p.000011:
p.000011: With the expansion of tourism, fisheries and agriculture in the country over the last two decades, the demand for the
p.000011: importation of products has greatly increased. The influx of plant materials, fruits and vegetables and other plant
p.000011: products from neighboring countries without effective quarantine measures locally has led to an increase build up of
p.000011: pests and diseases in the country. The Government of Seychelles quickly realizes that the isolated and scattered
p.000011: nature of the islands no longer provides an effective barrier to the importation of alien species into the
p.000011: country. It was clearly recognized that biodiversity loss can lead to wide range of costs in biodiversity-dependent
p.000011: activities.
p.000011:
p.000011: The recognition that our islands’ environment and the inhabitants are vulnerable to the introduction of devastating
p.000011: new pests and diseases led to the setting up of an invasive species committee in July 2004. This
p.000011: committee involves the participation of officers from a wide range of relevant stakeholders. Just months after its
p.000011: set up, the committee made several recommendations on the proper sanitary and phytosanitary measures necessary
p.000011: for conservation of biological diversity, animal and plant life and health. More importantly the committee
p.000011: emphasized strongly on re-enforcing quarantine laws and other regulations to control import of alien
p.000011: species, and to adopt risk assessment techniques for identification of potentially harmful species, their
p.000011: entry, establishment and control. Furthermore, the committee has recommended the establishment of suitable quarantine
p.000011: facilities at entry points.
p.000011:
p.000011:
p.000011: 6.0 Biotechnology in Seychelles
p.000011:
p.000011: In Seychelles, neither the Government nor the private sectors have shown much interest in modern biotechnology or in
p.000011: its commercial application for the country. This is due to both lack of awareness of potential benefits and risk of
p.000011: modern biotechnology, and the little need to produce products on a large scale. As a result, the need to regulate GMOs
p.000011: was considered not a priority until the development of the present framework.- However, there is likely to be an
...
p.000012: section with the mandate to enhance the development of improved crop farming technology for the farming community.
p.000012: This would include production and introduction of new and high yielding crop varieties through adaptive or
p.000012: basic research. The department has a small Pig Genetic Center, which provides new varieties of pigs
p.000012: through importation of pig’s semen and allows breeding locally as part of an adaptive research programme.
p.000012: The Farmer’s Training Center apart from offering academic and technical training in the field of
p.000012: tropical
p.000012:
p.000012:
p.000012:
p.000012:
p.000013: 13
p.000013:
p.000013: agriculture, the institution is also exploring the possibility to breed goats and cattle using imported varieties.
p.000013:
p.000013: At present, the Research Centres are not involved in the development of new varieties as they are only mandated to
p.000013: do adaptive research. In general, the status of modern biotechnology development in Seychelles is non-existent
p.000013: and thus, there is no question of production of GMOs being developed nor intentional propagated or field
p.000013: tested at present, but with the new proposed Agricultural Policy 2003 – 2013 such possibility may exist and Seychelles
p.000013: will need to improve on its capacity to monitor and assess GMOs in the field of Agriculture.
p.000013:
p.000013: 6.2 Biotechnology in other economic sectors
p.000013:
p.000013: Tourism and Fisheries, the most important sectors of our economy are both directly dependent on the
p.000013: pristine, natural ecosystems. The Government of Seychelles is conscious that the use and release into the
p.000013: environment of GMOs produced by modern biotechnology could have adverse impacts on the conservation and
p.000013: sustainable use of biological diversity. For this reason, Seychelles supports through
p.000013: international agreements, principles of risk assessment and management to ensure a safe development, application,
p.000013: exchange and transfer of biotechnology products. As a result of these concerns and the realization that our
p.000013: capacity to detect such products are limited in the country, the Government of Seychelles strongly supports Advance
p.000013: Informed Agreement procedures in the field of the safe transfer, handling and use of GMOs resulting from
p.000013: modern biotechnology.
p.000013:
p.000013: The rapid developments in modern biotechnology create opportunities for improvement in health care, agriculture, food
p.000013: and the environment. Modern Biotechnology can exert a strong influence on developments in society. The
p.000013: Government of Seychelles believes that while these opportunities should be explored and used, this should be
p.000013: accompanied by measures to safeguard and ensure safety, transparency in decision-making, freedom of choice for our
p.000013: citizens and ethical acceptability. It is with this objective that the Government hereby develops this
p.000013: National Biosafety Framework.
p.000013:
...
p.000066:
p.000066: Total cost for option 4
p.000066: Cost
p.000066: USD 28,858.84
p.000066:
p.000066:
p.000066: USD 1682.06
p.000066:
p.000066:
p.000066: USD 931.73
p.000066:
p.000066: USD 31,472.63
p.000066:
p.000066: USD 98,944.60
p.000066:
p.000066:
p.000066: USD 1682.06 USD 100,626.66
p.000066:
p.000066:
p.000066: USD 1682.06
p.000066:
p.000066:
p.000066: USD 931.73
p.000066:
p.000066:
p.000066: USD 138,522.42
p.000066:
p.000066:
p.000066: USD 1682.06
p.000066:
p.000066:
p.000066: USD 140,204.48
p.000066: Option 1
p.000066:
p.000066:
p.000066:
p.000066:
p.000066:
p.000066:
p.000066:
p.000066:
p.000002: 2
p.000002:
p.000002:
p.000002:
p.000002:
p.000002:
p.000002:
p.000003: 3
p.000003:
p.000003:
p.000003:
p.000003:
p.000003:
p.000003:
p.000003:
p.000003:
p.000004: 4
p.000004: Remarks
p.000004: The cheapest option however does only one sample at a time requires manual preparation, which may incur errors.
p.000004:
p.000004:
p.000004:
p.000004:
p.000004:
p.000004: Third cheapest option although only one sample can be tested at a time. Sample preparation is automated.
p.000004:
p.000004:
p.000004:
p.000004: Second cheapest option and can test more than one sample at a time, but manual sample preparation may incur
p.000004: errors.
p.000004:
p.000004:
p.000004:
p.000004:
p.000004:
p.000004: Best option which tests more than on sample, preparation.
p.000004:
p.000004:
p.000004:
p.000067: 67
p.000067:
p.000067: Notes:
p.000067: These prices were calculated using an exchange rate of ZAR (South African Rand) 6.064 to USD (US Dollar) 1.00. This
p.000067: quote is subject to fluctuations in South African Rand to Euro exchange rate of >3%.
p.000067: • Running costs are dependent on the type of kit being used for extraction and for detection and
p.000067: Quantification.
p.000067: • Automated Mag NA Pure Extraction of Nucleic acid: If using the DNA I kit to extract (for certain food types). Cost
p.000067: per sample=USD.24.
p.000067: • If using the DNA III kit to extract (for difficult food types: Cost pr sample= USD 6.68
p.000067: Accessories Provided with LightCycler Instrument
p.000067: • Light Ccycler Sample Carousel
p.000067: • LightCycler Software Package
p.000067: • 1 box containing 96 Light Cycler capillaries (20ul)
p.000067: • Light Cycler Centrifuge Adapters
p.000067: • LightCycler capping tools
p.000067: • LightCycler capillary releaser
p.000067: • Operator’s Manual
p.000067: • One Pentinum PC (desktop or notebook) is also supplied with the lightCycler Instrument.
p.000067:
p.000067: Accessories Provided with the Mag Na Pure LC Instrument
p.000067: • Mag Na Pure LC Cooling Block, LC Centrifuge Adapters
p.000067: • Magna Pure LC Cooling Block, 96-well PCR plate
p.000067: • Magna Pure LC Disposables Starter Set (for two complete stage set-ups)
p.000067: • Magna Pure LC Operator Manual
p.000067: • One Pentium PC with Windows 2000 and MagNa Pure LC software Version 3.0
p.000067:
p.000067: Accessories required and not provided
p.000067:
p.000067: • Micropipettes (i.e 20 ul, and 100ul)
p.000067: • Disposable Tips for micropipettes.
p.000067:
p.000067:
p.000067:
p.000067:
p.000067:
p.000067:
p.000067:
p.000067:
p.000067:
p.000067:
p.000067:
p.000067:
p.000067:
p.000067:
p.000067:
p.000067:
p.000067:
p.000067:
p.000067:
p.000067:
p.000068: 68
p.000068:
p.000068:
p.000068: ANNEX 2
p.000068:
p.000068: SEYCHELLES BUREAU OF STANDARD (SBS)
p.000068:
p.000068:
p.000068: List of equipment available within the SBS Laboratory
p.000068:
...
General/Other / Public Emergency
Searching for indicator emergency:
(return to top)
p.000001: objectives on environment protection. This Act is administered by the Department of Environment in
p.000001: the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, which has been designated as the Authority under
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001: 1 The Draft National Agriculture Policy 2003-2013
p.000001: 2 National Fisheries Policy 2003-2014
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000016: 16
p.000016:
p.000016: the Act. The Act makes provisions for the Authority to co-ordinate the activities of other agencies concerned with the
p.000016: protection of the Environment.
p.000016: The functions of the Authority under the Act are as follows:
p.000016: 7.4 To evolve standards for quality of the environment in its various aspects, i.e., air, water, soil as well as
p.000016: for emission or discharge of environmental pollutants from various sources, i.e. effluent, emission of air
p.000016: pollutants, noise emissions, odours and pesticides residues.
p.000016: 7.5 To commission research and studies on problems relating to environmental pollution.
p.000016: 7.6 To examine manufacturing processes materials and substances likely to cause environmental pollution.
p.000016: 7.7 To evolve procedures and safeguards for the prevention of accidents which may cause environmental
p.000016: pollution, remedial measures for such accidents as well as coordinating actions required in a state of
p.000016: environmental emergency or any situation which may pose a serious threat to the environment.
p.000016: 7.8 To collect and disseminate information in respect of matters relating to environmental
p.000016: protection.
p.000016:
p.000016: The Act provides for the management and protection of coastal zones as well as the management and
p.000016: minimisation of wastes and hazardous substances.
p.000016: The Act also makes provisions for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) studies and authorisation for particular
p.000016: projects and activities. A person wishing to undertake any prescribed project or activity in a protected or
p.000016: ecologically sensitive area is required to produce an EIA document to the Ministry of Environment. The primary aim of
p.000016: the EIA is to assess the risk associated with the development and to come up with a risk management
p.000016: protocol before the development is authorised.
p.000016: The officers under the EPA are empowered to enter premises and to seize and destroy products that are in contravention
p.000016: of the Act.
p.000016: The penalties ranging from Rs. 5000 to Rs. 250,000 are seen as elevated to discourage potential offenders from spoiling
p.000016: the much dependable natural resources of the country. Despite the fact that there are no specific provisions under this
p.000016: Act relating to GMOs per se, we have seen that a number of general provisions that tackle any
...
p.000045: be addressed by the appropriate line ministries and simultaneously with the coordination of a concerted
p.000045: inter-ministerial effort. This would require committed cooperation from relevant line ministries, parastatal
p.000045: organizations, NGOs, media and the private sector.
p.000045:
p.000045: The monitoring of impact on the environment and human are conducted by the Environmental
p.000045: Impact Assessment Section within the Department of Environment. This section is responsible for carrying
p.000045: impact assessment on any proposed development of projects in the country. This includes GMO field trials
p.000045: projects intended for planting and commercial use in Seychelles.
p.000045:
p.000045: The Custom Officers, Environmental Health Officers and Natural Resources officers will be responsible to verify
p.000045: certificates, permits of import or export of goods and commodities. If any of these prove to contravene the Biosafety
p.000045: law or any other national legislation, these goods and commodities will be confiscated and will be sent to the relevant
p.000045: departments for further inspection and legal case development.
p.000045:
p.000045: In the event that there is an unintentional release, the Department of Environment would be the leading organization to
p.000045: ensure risks are immediately contained as soon as the unintended release is known. During normal inspection, the
p.000045: relevant ministries and groups should immediately report to the Biosafety Administration Office who in
p.000045: turn will notify the National Biosafety Board for urgent action, such as risk management and operation
p.000045: of an emergency response plan.
p.000045:
p.000045: Monitoring areas of priorities shall be:
p.000045:
p.000045: 1. Field trials of GMOs if they have been allowed into the Environment (DoE and NR);
p.000045: 2. GMO in contained use (if they have been allowed e.g. Laboratories) (DoH, DoE and NR);
p.000045: 3. Illegal transboundary movement (Custom, DoE, NR and DoH);
p.000045: 4. GMOs for direct use for food and feed (DoH, SBS, NATCOF and VET);
p.000045: 5. Impact of GMO on Biological Diversity (DoE);
p.000045: 6. GMO in transit (Custom and DoE).
p.000045:
p.000045: 12.2 Enforcement
p.000045:
p.000045: Enforcement varies according to the nature and intended use of the GMO. The GMO will be subjected to different laws
p.000045: other than the Biosafety laws as the nature of imports and uses of the GMOs could come and be in various forms.
p.000045: Therefore, the different laws that exist in the country will be used. With regard to the Biosafety laws, the following
p.000045: agencies will have the responsibilities in this law to uphold and ensure effective enforcement.
p.000045:
p.000045: o Ensuring labelling compliance (DoH, NATCOF, DoF and SBS);
p.000045:
p.000045:
p.000045:
p.000046: 46
p.000046:
p.000046: o Verification of permits, certificates or letters of approval (Custom and DoE, NR, DoH);
p.000046:
p.000046: o Ensure safe transfer, handling and use of GMO in Seychelles (All department, NGOs, and parastatals concerned);
p.000046:
p.000046: o Enforce Advance Informed Agreement procedure with parties and non-parties to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety
p.000046: (DoE);
p.000046:
p.000046: o Enforce fine or penalty for offenders related to the Biosafety Act (DoE and Police Department).
p.000046:
p.000046:
p.000046:
p.000046:
p.000046:
p.000046:
...
p.000054:
p.000054: Decision-making capacities
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054: Monitoring and Enforcement
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054: Data management and information-sharing
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054: Human Resources Strengthening and development
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054: Public awareness and participation
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054: Involvement of stakeholders, e.g. non- governmental organisations, local communities, private sector
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054: Financial assistance for Biosafety
p.000054: • Understanding of application of risk management tools to different Modern Biotechnology sectors;
p.000054:
p.000054: • Identification and quantification of risks, including through sound application of the precautionary approach;
p.000054: • Capacity to assess relative effectiveness of management options for import, handling and use of Modern
p.000054: Biotechnology and its products, where appropriate;
p.000054: • Capacity to assess relative trade impacts of management options, where appropriate;
p.000054:
p.000054: • Identification and handling of GMOs at point of import;
p.000054: • Monitoring of environmental impacts against expected impacts;
p.000054: • Capacity to monitor, enforce and report on compliance
p.000054: • Enforcement capacity at Port of Entries;
p.000054: • Emergency notification and planning and response capacity;
p.000054: • Capacity to monitor longer term environmental impacts, if any (base on current baselines);
p.000054: • Establishment of reporting systems.
p.000054: • Exchange of scientific, technical, environmental and legal information;
p.000054: • Collection, storage and analysis of scientific, regulatory and administrative data;
p.000054: • Communication to the Biosafety Clearing-House.
p.000054: • All aspect of the regulatory regime development, evaluation and maintains for risks assessment and risk
p.000054: management.
p.000054: • Raise awareness of modern biotechnology and Biosafety among scientists, government officials;
p.000054: • Training and longer term education;
p.000054: • Procedures for safe handling, use and transfer of GMOs
p.000054: • Administer and disseminate information on legal and administrative framework;
p.000054: • Public awareness of participation in scientific assessment process;
p.000054: • Risks associated with handling, use and development of GMOs
p.000054: • Processes for community, NGO consultation in development of risk assessment and management regimes;
p.000054: • Processes for community, NGO consultation prior to decisions.
p.000054:
p.000054: • Actively search for funding to support Biosafety in Seychelles
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000054:
p.000055: 55
p.000055:
p.000055: ANNEX I
p.000055:
p.000055: PUBLIC AWARENESS AND PARTICIPATION IN BIO-SAFETY
p.000055: (Rachel Marie)
p.000055:
...
General/Other / Relationship to Authority
Searching for indicator authority:
(return to top)
p.000001: 1.4 The National Biosafety Framework Drafting Committee (NBFDC)
p.000001: 1.5 Public Awareness and Public Participation Committee (PAPPC)
p.000001:
p.000001: 2.0 Background Information on Seychelles
p.000001:
p.000001: 3.0 Seychelles and the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety
p.000001:
p.000001: 4.0 Environment Plans and strategies in Seychelles
p.000001:
p.000001: 5.0 The challenges facing the Seychelles Natural Environment
p.000001:
p.000001: 6.0 Biotechnology in Seychelles
p.000001: 6.1 Biotechnology in Agriculture
p.000001: 6.2 Biotechnology in other economic sectors
p.000001:
p.000001: 7.0 Existing Regulatory Regimes
p.000001: 7.1 Agriculture
p.000001: 7.2 Fisheries
p.000001: 7.3 Environment
p.000001: 7.4 Health
p.000001: 7.5 Consumer protection
p.000001:
p.000001: 8.0 Seychelles Biosafety Policy on Importation of GMOs or GMO Products
p.000001: 8.1 Introduction
p.000001: 8.2 The Mission
p.000001: 8.3 Government Goals for biosafety and the use of Modern Biotechnology
p.000001: 8.4 Policy of Modern Biotechnology and Biosafety in the Health Care
p.000001: 8.5 Policy of Modern Biotechnology and Biosafety in Agriculture
p.000001: 8.6 Policy of Modern Biotechnology and Biosafety in Industry
p.000001: 8.7 Policy of Modern Biotechnology and Biosafety in Social & Ethical Environment
p.000001: 8.8 Advance Informed Agreement
p.000001: 8.9 The Competent Authority
p.000001: 8.10 Notification and information
p.000001: 8.11 Decision for Importation
p.000001: 8.12 GMOs not subject to Protocol provisions
p.000001: 8.13 GMOs in transit
p.000001: 8.14 GMOs destined for contained used
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000002: 2
p.000002:
p.000002: 8.15 GMOs intended for direct use for food, feed, or for processing (GMO-FFPs)
p.000002: 8.16 GMOs for pharmaceutical use that are addressed by other relevant international agreements or organizations
p.000002: 8.17 GMOs identified by the meeting of parties to the Protocol as not being likely to have adverse effects
p.000002: 8.18 Biosafety Clearing-House (BCH)
p.000002: 8.19 Illegal Cases, Liability and Redress
p.000002:
p.000002: 9.0 The Administrative System to address GMOs in Seychelles
p.000002: 9.1 The National Biosafety Structures
p.000002: 9.2 The National Competent Authority
p.000002: 9.3 The Biosafety Administration Office
p.000002: 9.4 The National Biosafety Board
p.000002: 9.5 The Biosafety Advisory Bodies
p.000002: 9.6 Appeal System
p.000002: 9.7 Inspection Services
p.000002: 9.8 The Notification process
p.000002: 9.9 Decision Procedure
p.000002: 9.10 Summary of the Administrative Process
p.000002:
p.000002: 10.0 Risk Assessment and Risk Management
p.000002: 10.1 Knowledge of risks base on Science
p.000002: 10.2 Risk Assessment – who does it?
p.000002: 10.3 The need to weigh the Risks against the Benefits
p.000002: 10.4 Risk Assessment – “case by case” and “step by step” approval
p.000002: 10.5 Procedures for Risk Assessment
p.000002: 10.6 Assessing Risk to Seychelles Ecological Environment
p.000002: 10.7 Assessing risk in the Medical Sector
p.000002: 10.8 The use of precautionary Principle
p.000002: 10.9 Assessing the risk in Socio-economics and ethics
p.000002: 10.10 Safety and Acceptability
p.000002: 10.11 Approval
p.000002:
p.000002: 11.0 Public Awareness, Education and Participation
p.000002:
p.000002: 12.0 Monitoring and Enforcement
p.000002: 12.1 Monitoring
p.000002: 12.2 Enforcement
p.000002:
p.000002: 12.0 Seychelles Biosafety Action Plan 2005 – 2010 Appendix I
p.000002: Appendix II
p.000002:
p.000002:
p.000002:
p.000002:
p.000002:
p.000002:
...
p.000004: Section/Agricultural Planning
p.000004:
p.000004: - Mr. Wills Dogley - Crop Protection &
p.000004: Promotion/Technical Advisor
p.000004:
p.000004: 2. Environment Sector
p.000004:
p.000004: • Mr. Selby Remie - Conservation Section (Chairperson).
p.000004:
p.000004: • Mr. Denis Matatiken - Botanical Gardens Section
p.000004:
p.000004: • Mrs. Bergeon Nageon - Environment Management Plan for Seychelles
p.000004: 2000-2010
p.000004:
p.000004: • Mrs. Lynn Bastienne - Education, Information & Communication
p.000004: Section
p.000004:
p.000004: 3. Health Sector
p.000004:
p.000004: • Mr. Daniel Bresson - Food Control Section
p.000004:
p.000004: • Mr. Philip Palmye - Public Health Laboratories
p.000004:
p.000004: 4. Trade and Finance Sector
p.000004:
p.000004: • Mrs. Raymond Course - Import and Export Division
p.000004:
p.000004:
p.000004:
p.000004:
p.000005: 5
p.000005:
p.000005: 5. Parastatal Organisation
p.000005:
p.000005: • Mr. Riaz Aumeerudy - Seychelles Fishing Authority
p.000005:
p.000005: • Mr. Jude Shroff - Seychelles Bureau of Standard
p.000005:
p.000005: 6. NGOs, Private Sectors
p.000005:
p.000005: • National Consumers Organisation
p.000005:
p.000005: • Lungos (Unity for Non-Government Mrs.Rachel Marie organisation)
p.000005:
p.000005: • Mr. Marlon Montano - Roman Catholic Church
p.000005:
p.000005: • Mr. Kantilal Shah - Seychelles Chambers of Commerce
p.000005:
p.000005: 7. Legal Affairs
p.000005:
p.000005: • Mrs. Laura Valabjee/Iris Carolus
p.000005: Caroline Hoareau/Joel Camille - Attorney General Office/Private Lawyers
p.000005:
p.000005: Others
p.000005:
p.000005: 8. Joseph Francois - National Project Coordinator
p.000005: (Secretary to NCC)
p.000005:
p.000005:
p.000005: 1.3.3 Responsibility of NCC
p.000005: The National Coordinating Committee worked together as a team for the management of the project. The members met at
p.000005: least on a monthly basis performing the following duties:
p.000005: 1. Develop a common understanding of what was needed to expedite the preparation of the National Biosafety Framework;
p.000005:
p.000005: 2. Oversee the preparation of the National Biosafety Framework;
p.000005:
p.000005: 3. Provide advise on the detailed work plan produced by the National Project Coordinator;
p.000005:
p.000005: 4. Mobilise necessary expertise, when needed for the proper execution of the project outputs;
p.000005:
p.000005: 5. Provide overall policy advice on the implementation of the project;
p.000005:
p.000005: 6. Review and advise on the main outputs of the project;
...
p.000014: submitted to review the Act.
p.000014:
p.000014: ii. The Animal and Diseases Act, 1981
p.000014:
p.000014: The Act provides for the notification of notifiable diseases and the related powers of inspectors of the
p.000014: Veterinary Section in the Department of Natural Resources to act in such cases. The Act also makes provides
p.000014: for imports and quarantine procedures
p.000014:
p.000014: iii. The Agriculture and Fisheries Incentives Act, 2005
p.000014:
p.000014: The Act provides for the grant of certain incentives to persons engaged in Agriculture, Fisheries and related
p.000014: activities.
p.000014:
p.000014: iv. The National Agricultural Policy
p.000014:
p.000014: The National Agricultural Policy 2003-2013 is in the process of being submitted for approval. The overall
p.000014: objective of the policy is the achievement of higher food security through sustainable agricultural production.
p.000014: Furthermore, the policy envisages exploiting proven technology packages for intensive production with due regard for
p.000014: human health and the environment. One of the strategies envisaged under the policy is that Government would respect
p.000014: any eventual policy on genetically modified crops, foods and the use of
p.000014:
p.000014:
p.000014:
p.000014:
p.000015: 15
p.000015:
p.000015: plant and animal growth growers as well as enforce any legislation subsequently enacted.
p.000001: 1
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001: 7.2 Fisheries
p.000001:
p.000001: a) The Fisheries Act 1986
p.000001:
p.000001: The Fisheries Act 1986 addresses the conditions and regulations for fishing in Seychelles. The Seychelles Fishing
p.000001: Authority (SFA) administers the Act. The Act has a practical set of administrative systems that address aquaculture in
p.000001: Seychelles with a clear system of permit and post permit monitoring protocols. The SFA also has a mechanism for close
p.000001: consultation with the Department of Environment before making such a grant under this Act. However, aquaculture
p.000001: practices have so far been very limited and almost exclusively centred around the large-scale commercialisation of
p.000001: prawns on Coetivy Island. The SFA boosts a relatively high level of expertise in the Fisheries Sector with a number of
p.000001: its staff with postgraduate qualifications in marine sciences. However, the small number of staff and low level of
p.000001: technology that exist in the organisation does not make it possible to monitor the entire1.3 million sq km of the
p.000001: Seychelles Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
p.000001:
p.000001: b) The Agriculture and Fisheries Incentives Act, 2005
p.000001:
p.000001: See above comments.
p.000001:
p.000001: c) The National Fisheries Policy 2003 – 2013
p.000001:
p.000001: Government policy for the fishing industry promotes sustainable and responsible fisheries development and optimising
p.000001: the benefits from this sector for the present and future generations. It focuses principally on the
p.000001: promotion of sustainable management and responsible fishing practices as well as the effective protection of the
p.000001: marine ecosystem. The policy projects more development in aquaculture aimed at exportation. Government will promote
p.000001: responsible research and development in this area and also ensure that this development is ecologically sustainable and
p.000001: that it allows the rational use of resources. Aquaculture will be promoted with the aim of minimising adverse
p.000001: environmental changes and related economic and social consequences. This is an area where
p.000001: Modern Biotechnology is likely to feature.2
p.000001:
p.000001: 7.3 Environment
p.000001:
p.000001: I. The Environment Protection Act (EPA) 1994
p.000001:
p.000001: The Environment Protection Act 1994 provides for the protection, preservation and improvement of the
p.000001: environment and for the control of hazards to humans and biodiversity. The Act also
p.000001: provides for the coordination, implementation and enforcement of policies pursuant to the national
p.000001: objectives on environment protection. This Act is administered by the Department of Environment in
p.000001: the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, which has been designated as the Authority under
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001: 1 The Draft National Agriculture Policy 2003-2013
p.000001: 2 National Fisheries Policy 2003-2014
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000001:
p.000016: 16
p.000016:
p.000016: the Act. The Act makes provisions for the Authority to co-ordinate the activities of other agencies concerned with the
p.000016: protection of the Environment.
p.000016: The functions of the Authority under the Act are as follows:
p.000016: 7.4 To evolve standards for quality of the environment in its various aspects, i.e., air, water, soil as well as
p.000016: for emission or discharge of environmental pollutants from various sources, i.e. effluent, emission of air
p.000016: pollutants, noise emissions, odours and pesticides residues.
p.000016: 7.5 To commission research and studies on problems relating to environmental pollution.
p.000016: 7.6 To examine manufacturing processes materials and substances likely to cause environmental pollution.
p.000016: 7.7 To evolve procedures and safeguards for the prevention of accidents which may cause environmental
p.000016: pollution, remedial measures for such accidents as well as coordinating actions required in a state of
p.000016: environmental emergency or any situation which may pose a serious threat to the environment.
p.000016: 7.8 To collect and disseminate information in respect of matters relating to environmental
p.000016: protection.
p.000016:
p.000016: The Act provides for the management and protection of coastal zones as well as the management and
p.000016: minimisation of wastes and hazardous substances.
p.000016: The Act also makes provisions for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) studies and authorisation for particular
p.000016: projects and activities. A person wishing to undertake any prescribed project or activity in a protected or
p.000016: ecologically sensitive area is required to produce an EIA document to the Ministry of Environment. The primary aim of
...
p.000021: they are consuming. The population must be sufficiently equipped through vigorous public awareness programmes in order
p.000021: for them to make informed decisions based on choices, and should be at any given time be able to identify such
p.000021: products.
p.000021:
p.000021: 8.8 Advance Informed Agreement (AIA) procedure
p.000021:
p.000021: The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety’s general scope includes the transboundary movement, transit, handling and use of
p.000021: all LMOs that may have adverse effects on the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, taking into
p.000021: account also risks to human health (Article 4). However, some categories of LMOs or transboundary movements
p.000021: are excluded by the protocol. In some cases the exclusions are limited to specific provisions relating to the AIA
p.000021: procedure, while in others they are not covered by protocol’s provisions.
p.000021:
p.000021: For Seychelles, all GMOs (LMOs and products of LMOs) will be subjected to regulations under our national legislation
p.000021: through appropriate AIA procedures. This will remain in application until sufficient scientific evidence
p.000021: proves otherwise. Even when certain GMOs are excluded from the Protocol’s provisions, in the context of Seychelles
p.000021: they may still be subjected to national regulations depending on decisions made nationally. Such decisions
p.000021: will be made available to all parties on the BCH.
p.000021:
p.000021: The AIA procedures will only apply to the first occasion that a GMO is intentionally moved into Seychelles from any
p.000021: exporting countries or exporting parties.
p.000021:
p.000021: 8.9 The Competent Authority
p.000021:
p.000021:
p.000021:
p.000021:
p.000022: 22
p.000022:
p.000022: In line with Article 19, The Ministry responsible for Environment in Seychelles which also house the Focal Point for
p.000022: the Convention for Biological Diversity and the Cartagena Protocol for Biosafety will be responsible for performing the
p.000022: administration functions required by the Protocol, and is authorized to act on behalf of Seychelles with regard to
p.000022: those functions (as per Article 19).
p.000022:
p.000022: 8.10 Notification and information
p.000022:
p.000022: All GMOs subjected to transboundary movement into Seychelles must be notified to the Government of
p.000022: Seychelles. Depending on the nature of the GMO different set of information will be required (to be featured in the
p.000022: Biosafety Act). Such information would be revised from time to time in line with new knowledge in the field.
p.000022:
p.000022: 8.11 Decision for Importation
p.000022:
p.000022: In line with the Protocol Seychelles within 90 days of receiving the notification, would acknowledge
p.000022: receipt. Within 270 days of receiving the notification, Seychelles will communicate its decision to
p.000022: the Applicant and to the Biosafety Clearing House established under the Protocol. In its decision, Seychelles may
p.000022: either:
p.000022: • Approve the import of the GMO, with or without conditions;
p.000022: • Prohibit the import of the GMO;
p.000022: • Request additional information; or
p.000022: • Inform the Applicant that the import decision will be taken within a further defined period of time.
p.000022:
p.000022: 8.12 GMOs not subject to Protocol AIA provisions
p.000022:
p.000022: The protocol’s specific AIA procedure does not apply to the transboundary movements of following GMOs in
p.000022: Seychelles:
p.000022: • GMOs in transit,
p.000022: • GMOs for contained use,
p.000022: • Approved GMOs for the pharmaceutical use (see chapters below).
p.000022:
p.000022: Instead, the national laws make provisions for a simplified AIA procedures to apply for such products (refer to
p.000022: paragraphs below). This exclusion also does not affect the right of Seychelles to review its decision
p.000022: when reliable scientific information becomes available concluding otherwise.
p.000022:
p.000022: 8.13 GMOs in transit
p.000022:
p.000022: The Protocol does not make provision for a specific AIA procedure for GMOs in transit. Seychelles being a
p.000022: small island development states is highly vulnerable to the introduction of invasive organisms. It has limited
p.000022: human resources to conduct eradication once organisms are established in its natural environment. Thus,
p.000022: the authority has decided to regulate the transportation of GMOs transited in Seychelles territory. The
p.000022: Applicant will just have to produce a simple notification document for the GMO is question (format to be
p.000022: developed). Seychelles will also make available to the Biosafety Clearing-House its decisions regarding the transit of
p.000022: specific GMOs through its territory.
p.000022:
p.000022:
p.000022:
p.000022:
p.000023: 23
p.000023:
p.000023: 8.14 GMOs destined for contained use
p.000023:
p.000023: Even if the Protocol’s AIA procedure does not apply to the transboundary movement of GMOs destined for
p.000023: contained use, this would be undertaken in accordance with the standards of the Seychelles Bureau of Standard for
p.000023: research purposes (SBS Act). It is noted that contained use is defined in Article 3 (b) of the Protocol to
p.000023: include activities in which GMOs are controlled by specific measures that effectively limit their contact with, and
p.000023: their impact on, the external environment.
p.000023:
p.000023:
p.000023: 8.15 GMOs intended for direct use for food, feed or for processing (GMO-FFPs)
p.000023:
p.000023: GMOs use for food, feed or for processing covers activities such as genetically modified agricultural
p.000023: commodities, such as GM Maize or GM soybeans for food or feed use. GMO- FFPs in Seychelles are subjected to the same
p.000023: AIA procedure set out in the Article 4 of the protocol. In principle such products were not meant to be
p.000023: planted into the natural environment, but in the context of Seychelles it is without doubt that such products will
p.000023: be planted mostly in back yard farming. Thus, a full AIA would be required for GMO-FFPs with prior
...
p.000024: GMOs by repatriation or destruction.
p.000024:
p.000024:
p.000024:
p.000024:
p.000024:
p.000024:
p.000024:
p.000025: 25
p.000025:
p.000025: Seychelles awaits the decision of the Meeting of Parties to adopt a process with respect to the appropriate elaboration
p.000025: of international rules and procedures for liability and redress for damage arising out of the transboundary movements
p.000025: of GMOs.
p.000025:
p.000025:
p.000025:
p.000025:
p.000025:
p.000025:
p.000025:
p.000025:
p.000025:
p.000025:
p.000025:
p.000025:
p.000025:
p.000025:
p.000025:
p.000025:
p.000025:
p.000025:
p.000025:
p.000025:
p.000025:
p.000025:
p.000025:
p.000025:
p.000025:
p.000025:
p.000025:
p.000025:
p.000025: 9.0 The Administrative System to address GMOs in Seychelles
p.000025:
p.000025: 9.1 The National Biosafety Structures
p.000025:
p.000025: The National Biosafety structures under the present National Biosafety Framework are the structures required and
p.000025: relevant to the effective implementation of requests and applications involving Modern Biotechnology and its
p.000025: resulting products. Due to resources constraints (mainly financial, infrastructural and human resources) most
p.000025: of the structures proposed in this chapter are already in existence, but will be modified to also include
p.000025: the roles and responsibilities associated with Biosafety. These structures and their supporting procedures are all in
p.000025: compliance with The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, but tailored specifically for practical and local implementation
p.000025: based on national competences.
p.000025:
p.000025: 9.2 The National Competent Authority
p.000025:
p.000025:
p.000025:
p.000025:
p.000026: 26
p.000026:
p.000026: The National Competent Authority for implementing the Cartagena Protocol for Biosafety in Seychelles is the Ministry
p.000026: responsible for the portfolio of Environment. This ministry also administers the Convention of Biological Diversity
p.000026: (CBD). It is the same ministry that has been identified to administer the implementation of the
p.000026: present National Biosafety Framework and the Biosafety Act (under development). At present the ministry in
p.000026: question is referred to as the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MENR). As functions this ministry is
p.000026: responsible for exercising the administrative functions required by the Cartegena Protocol, and is mandated to
p.000026: act on behalf of the Seychelles’ Government to the following functions:
p.000026:
p.000026: • Receive notification of transboundary movement of GMOs and products of GMOs that fall within the scope
p.000026: of the Biosafety Act (under development);
p.000026: • Acknowledge receipt of notifications;
p.000026: • Request further information from Applicant(s), when and if necessary;
p.000026: • Communicate the country’s decisions to Applicant(s) and the Biosafety Clearing House Mechanism(BCH)
p.000026: with reason(s) where required;
p.000026: • Respond to request by the Parties of export or Applicant (s) to review decisions;
p.000026: • Consult with the Applicant (s), where necessary, on treatment of confidential information;
p.000026:
p.000026: The MENR is responsible for carrying out administrative functions under the Cartegena Protocol and is also
p.000026: responsible for liaising with other parties. The decision-making process in the National Biosafety Framework will
p.000026: constitute of a wide range of representatives from national authorities, departments and other stakeholders. They
...
p.000028: for a second review, totally independent of the first review may be allowed within the appeal process. The appeal
p.000028: process will be stringent so as not to be subjected to manipulation, but yet accessible and user friendly so as not to
p.000028: discourage appeals, particularly from the public.
p.000028:
p.000028: 9.7 Inspection Services
p.000028:
p.000028: Approvals for granting GMO activities and/or products containing GMOs in Seychelles will contain conditions, including
p.000028: risk management that need to be applied and will be restricted to a duration not exceeding 5 years. Approval may be
p.000028: renewable subjected to compliance with the conditions. Inspection services will check to ensure that the
p.000028: activities are carried out in accordance with the permit requirements and the Biosafety Act. Senior
p.000028: members of the Inspectorate teams will sit on an advisory committee for reviewing application(s) and should
p.000028: be conversant with both the local requirements as that of the protocol. They should also be competent in assessing
p.000028: the level of compliance and any unintended socio-economic effects.
p.000028:
p.000028:
p.000028:
p.000029: 29
p.000029:
p.000029: 9.8 The Notification Process Procedure for Launching a Notification
p.000029: Before the first transboundary movement of a GMO or a GMO product regulated by the Biosafety Act is
p.000029: destined to arrive in Seychelles, or a local development of GMO is initiated a notification must take place.
p.000029:
p.000029: The Party of Export/designated authority or the party developing the GMO locally (Applicant) will
p.000029: have the legal obligation under the Biosafety Act to ensure that the National Competent Authority of Seychelles
p.000029: (through the Biosafety Administration Office) receives notification of the proposed transboundary movement
p.000029: or the proposed local development. For request from outside Seychelles the Notification must come from
p.000029: the party of export (mandated under the Cartagena Protocol) or designated authority (for countries not a party to
p.000029: the protocol).
p.000029:
p.000029: All Notifications must be made to the Biosafety Administration Office (The office of the Focal Point for
p.000029: Biosafety, Division of Nature & Conservation), and shall be accompanied by the appropriate processing fee to be
p.000029: specified by the Biosafety Act.
p.000029:
p.000029: A Notification must contain, at a minimum, the information specified in the Biosafety Act. In the case of
p.000029: transboundary movement, the Notification should be launched through The Party of Export. The Party of Export
p.000029: must ensure that legal requirement is imposed for the accuracy of information provided by the exporter. The language
p.000029: of the Notification can be in any of the Seychelles official languages (English, French and Creole).
p.000029:
p.000029:
p.000029:
p.000029:
p.000029:
p.000029:
p.000029:
p.000029:
p.000029:
p.000029:
p.000029:
p.000029:
p.000029:
p.000029:
p.000029:
p.000029:
p.000029:
p.000029:
p.000029:
p.000029:
p.000029:
p.000029:
p.000029:
p.000029:
p.000029:
p.000029:
p.000029:
p.000029:
p.000029:
p.000029:
p.000029:
p.000029:
p.000030: 30
p.000030:
p.000030: The FIRST points of communications for importation/local production of GMOs & GMO products in Seychelles
p.000030:
p.000030:
p.000030:
p.000030:
p.000030: Party of Export/Designated Authority
p.000030: The Seychelles Biosafety Administration Office (Focal Point for CPB)
p.000030: in
p.000030: The Ministry of Environment & Natural Resources
p.000030: (The National Competent Authority)
p.000030:
p.000030:
p.000030:
p.000030:
p.000030:
p.000030: APPLICANT
p.000030:
p.000030: For GMO coming from outside Seychelles,
p.000030: The Exporter)
p.000030:
p.000030:
p.000030: APPLICANT
p.000030:
p.000030: For GMO produced in Seychelles
p.000030:
p.000030:
p.000030:
p.000030:
p.000030:
p.000030: 9.8 Acknowledgement of Receipt of Notification
p.000030:
p.000030: 1. The Biosafety Administration Office will acknowledge receipt of the notification, in writing, to the
p.000030: Applicant to the Party of Export or the Applicant (if local) within ninety (90) days of its receipt.
p.000030:
p.000030: 2. The acknowledgement shall state:
p.000030:
p.000030: (a) The date of receipt of the notification;
p.000030: (b) Whether the notification, prima facie, contains the information referred to in the Biosafety Act;
p.000030: (c) Whether to proceed according to the procedure described in the Biosafety Act (AIA procedure);
p.000030: (d) Confirms the date upon which the 270-day period begins within which Seychelles should reach a decision
p.000030: on the proposed application;
p.000030:
p.000030: 3. A failure by the Biosafety Administration Office to acknowledge receipt of a notification shall not imply its
p.000030: consent to the notification.
p.000030:
p.000030: 9.9 Decision Procedure
p.000030:
p.000030: The Biosafety Administration Office within 270 days will inform the Party of Export or the Applicant (if request is
p.000030: made locally) and the BCH, in writing whether the intentional boundary movement or the local development of
p.000030: the GMO or GMO products may proceed.
p.000030:
p.000030:
p.000030:
p.000031: 31
p.000031:
p.000031: The number of days the Biosafety Administration Officer has to wait for additional relevant information will not be
p.000031: included in the 270 days.
p.000031:
p.000031: This writing response will include the following:
p.000031:
p.000031: (a) Approving the import or local development, with or without conditions, including how the decision will
p.000031: apply to subsequent imports or local development of the same GMO or GMO products;
p.000031:
p.000031: (b) Prohibiting the import or local development;
p.000031:
p.000031: (c) Informing the Party of Export/designated authority or the Applicant that the period specified is extended by a
p.000031: defined period of time.
p.000031:
p.000031: Except in a case in which consent is unconditional, a decision will set out the reasons on which it is
p.000031: based;
p.000031:
p.000031: A failure by the Biosafety Administration Office to communicate the decision within 270 days of the date of
p.000031: the receipt of the notification will not imply its consent to go ahead with the transboundary movement or the local
p.000031: development of the GMO or GMO products;
p.000031:
p.000031: Lack of scientific certainty due to insufficient relevant scientific information and knowledge regarding the extent of
p.000031: the potential adverse effects of a GMO (or GMO product) will not prevent the National Biosafety Board from taking a
p.000031: decision, as appropriate, with regards to the import or the local development of a GMO or GMO product in question, in
p.000031: order to avoid or minimize such potential adverse effects.
p.000031:
p.000031:
p.000031:
p.000031:
p.000031:
p.000031:
p.000031:
p.000031:
p.000031:
p.000031:
p.000031:
p.000031:
p.000031:
p.000031:
p.000031:
p.000031:
p.000031:
p.000031:
p.000031:
p.000031:
p.000031:
p.000031:
p.000031:
p.000031:
p.000031:
p.000031:
p.000031:
p.000031:
p.000031:
p.000031:
p.000032: 32
p.000032:
p.000032: The Administrative Steps involve in the NOTIFICATION process of a new GMO in Seychelles
p.000032:
p.000032:
p.000032:
p.000032: Notification of 1st export or R&D of GMO or GMO product into Seychelles. made to the Focal Point for the Protocol at
p.000032: Biosafety Administration Office (Designated as the Competent National
p.000032:
p.000032:
p.000032:
p.000032:
p.000032:
...
p.000047:
p.000047: 1.0 Setting up of Biosafety Structures
p.000047:
p.000047: Objective:
p.000047: Support the implementation of the National Biosafety Framework through the setting up of the Biosafety Administration
p.000047: systems
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047: Actions
p.000047:
p.000047: Activities Funding
p.000047: Agency
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047: Responsible Agency
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047: Verifiable Indicator
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047: Time Frame
p.000047:
p.000047: To set up and equip a Biosafety Administration Office
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047: To establish a high level Biosafety Board to handling GMO Applications and to advise the
p.000047: Government on Modern Biotechnology issues (including capacity building,
p.000047: research possibilities and priorities, international links, public interest issues and ethical
p.000047: issues),
p.000047: To establish a rooster for experts available in the country that could be consulted to review GMO
p.000047: applications as and when required (to form the Biosafety Advisory Committees).
p.000047: To facilitate information sharing and access to international pool of experts through the
p.000047: Biosafety Clearing House.
p.000047: Local (Gov.) and International (not yet identified)
p.000047:
p.000047: Local (Gov.)
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047: Local (Gov.) and International (not yet identified)
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047: International (GEF)
p.000047: National Competent Authority (NCA) NCA
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047: NCA
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047: NCA
p.000047: Office up and running
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047: Biosafety Board up and running
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047: Committees set up with experts identified
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047: BCH being actively used
p.000047: By Dec. 06
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047: By Dec. 06
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047: By June. 06
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047: By Dec. 06
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000047:
p.000048: 48
p.000048:
p.000048: 2.0 Establishment of a Public Awareness, Education and Awareness system for Biosafety
p.000048:
p.000048: Objective:
p.000048: Increase public awareness of Biosafety in the application of Modern Biotechnology, the potential benefits and risks
p.000048: associated with the technology, and of the regulations, procedures that safeguard the people of Seychelles and the
p.000048: natural environment in order to facilitate informed participation and choices among the public.
p.000048:
p.000048: Actions
p.000048:
p.000048:
p.000048: Activities
p.000048:
p.000048: To set up of a Committee to sensitise the public on the regulations set up for their protection, the
p.000048: content of the National Biosafety Framework, the provisions of the Cartagena Protocol for Biosafety,
p.000048: the way risks are assessed and managed.
...
p.000056: get involved in these televised programmes.
p.000056:
p.000056: The Import and Export Division within the Ministry of Finance and the customs division are also key players in
p.000056: bio-safety as the Seychelles is major importer of food, agriculture products and pharmaceutical products,
p.000056: therefore they are also a player that should create an avenue for public participation within their respective area of
p.000056: work, which at present is none existent. The public are vary rarely informed of activities within these
p.000056: divisions and are rarely if at all consulted on any matters in relations to import, export and customs services.
p.000056: These two sections are more into policing rather than creating an avenue for the public to participate.
p.000056:
p.000056: Various other stakeholders are either directly or indirectly involved in sensitization information
p.000056: dissemination or are the public’s avenue for representation or participation, such organization such as consumer
p.000056: organizations which are champions of consumer rights, such as their rights to be heard ensure through regular
p.000056: meetings and through representation on various boards and committees that the public’s opinions, comments and
p.000056: concern are taken on board. Through these bodies the public are able to lobby or advocate for public
p.000056: participation either directly or indirectly on various issues that are of concern to them, notably
p.000056: bio-safety, food security, food safety etc….
p.000056:
p.000056: Other agencies such as the Seychelles Bureau of Standards, Seychelles Marketing Board, Farmers Association,
p.000056: and the Seychelles Fisheries Authority who are also partners in promoting, facilitating and creating public
p.000056: awareness through education visa vis bio-safety and the implementation of the Cartegena Protocol does not have on board
p.000056: any direct avenues for public participation, although indirectly through their various activities the public may be
p.000056: able to get involved.
p.000056:
p.000056: The proposed plan that the country is working on does ensure public participation at various stages, if and when the
p.000056: country does decide to either import, produce or handle genetically or living modified organisms in the near future.
p.000056: The proposed document makes provision for representative of the public or civil society organizations to sit on
p.000056: committees to represent the public. It also ensures an avenue for direct public comments and opinion within
p.000056: a define period of time.
p.000056:
p.000056:
p.000056:
p.000056:
p.000057: 57
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000057:
p.000058: 58
p.000058:
p.000058: ANNEX II
p.000058:
...
Orphaned Trigger Words
p.000034: introduction into Seychelles.
p.000034:
p.000034: The knowledge on all the effects of modern biotechnology and its applications is necessary for the Government and
p.000034: the people of Seychelles to have in order to allow them to make proper founded scientific decision of
p.000034: the risks, the chances that something untoward may happen and the nature and intensity of the consequences.
p.000034:
p.000034: Each decision will be made based primarily on the scientific knowledge available at the time of the application. As
p.000034: a result, all available knowledge in various disciplines should be increased through capacity building
p.000034: programmes. The government realizes that it is impossible to achieve zero risks. Therefore, the
p.000034: continuous flow and exchange of the information will result in knowledge increase. This knowledge will
p.000034: allow maximum transparency in research and policy formulation. It will allow responsible decision making on
p.000034: applications and close monitoring and enforcement which would serve to keep these risks at a minimum.
p.000034:
p.000034: 10.2 Risk assessment – Who does it?
p.000034:
p.000034: The National Biosafety Board of Seychelles will have the mandate to make decisions on GMO applications.
p.000034: In order to assist the board to come up with well-informed decisions, pools of expertise on specific
p.000034: requests of the Applications will be brought together on committees called Advisory Committees. One of the main
p.000034: roles of the Advisory Committee is to review the applications and to come up with recommendations and
p.000034: advice. The Applicant should produce a Risk Assessment document based on the requirement of the
p.000034: Biosafety Act. The NBB and Advisory Committees will only review the Risk Assessment document and come up with
p.000034: recommendations or decisions whenever appropriate. In the case that more information is required, the onus lies with
p.000034: the Applicant to provide the required information. Shall there be a need to make specific tests or independent
p.000034: reviews, all costs shall be borne by the Applicant.
p.000034:
p.000034: Although, not always required, expert committees offer an invaluable adjunct to members of the National Biosafety
p.000034: Board. They not only expand the pool of expertise brought on specific issues, but also provide stimulating
p.000034: debate around the limitations of scientific data to arrive at conclusions and the uncertainties that must be
p.000034: considered. There is limited supply of national experts in Seychelles and it is particularly challenging to find
p.000034: reviewers/assessors without conflict of interest. At present, Seychelles seeks support of other SIDS countries for
p.000034:
p.000034:
p.000034:
p.000035: 35
p.000035:
p.000035: regional cooperation and the use of experts from larger international communities. With the issues of the Biosafety Act
p.000035: and Biotechnology this will be no exception and Seychelles will continue to seek international support to effectively
p.000035: ensure that unbiased risk assessments are made. Capacity building in the field of risk assessment is of
p.000035: overriding importance to Seychelles. It is noted that at the moment, Seychelles, cannot afford the cost of
p.000035: assembling such experts as well as the cost to conduct assessments. In such instances Seychelles will
p.000035: have to seek support from the international community to meet such costs.
p.000035:
p.000035:
...
p.000035:
p.000035:
p.000036: 36
p.000036:
p.000036: 10.4 Risk Assessment - “case by case’ and “step by step” approval
p.000036:
p.000036: The Government of Seychelles firmly believes that Risk Assessment of GMOs either for consumption, field trials or
p.000036: commercial release should take place using a “case by case” and “step by step” assessment techniques method. This
p.000036: means that each use of GMOs in a permit application will be judged separately and that the risk assessment is geared to
p.000036: the specific situation of the GMO application. It also means that a permit application must be accompanied by a
p.000036: detailed profile of the GMO and a detailed description of the proposed procedures with the GMO as will be listed in
p.000036: Annex I of the Biosafety Act.
p.000036:
p.000036: 10.5 Procedures for Risk Assessment
p.000036:
p.000036: The risk assessment will begin with an identification of potential harmful effects on human and the
p.000036: environment resulting from the introduced genetic properties, the organism used the specific application
p.000036: and the circumstances under which the application will be used in Seychelles. The possibility of unintended
p.000036: uses will also be taken into consideration. Any harmful consequences for human and the environment will be regarded as
p.000036: including the effects on both natural and agro ecosystems and safety to animal feed. The identification of
p.000036: harmful effects will be followed by an estimate of probability that such an effect will occur. The
p.000036: ultimate risk will be decided on a combination of the gravity of the effects and the probability that
p.000036: they will occur. Therefore, the heavier the gravity of the effects or greater the probability that the risk will
p.000036: occur and the higher are the risks, then the higher are the chances that the GMO or GMO products will be refused to be
p.000036: intentionally introduced in Seychelles.
p.000036:
p.000036: Uncertainties are likely to be encountered when estimating the possibility of a certain effect occurring;
p.000036: such as the possibility of a gene (such as an antibiotic – resistance gene) being transferred from a genetically
p.000036: modified plant to another type of plant or to bacteria. If no adequate data is available to estimate the change
p.000036: of such a cross-breeding or transfer, then it will be assumed that cross-breeding or transfer will take place, and
p.000036: thus, it would be essential to know the effects of it. In such cases, therefore, the Seychelles will
p.000036: adopt a worst case approach.
p.000036:
p.000036: 10.6 Assessing Risk to Seychelles Ecological Environment
p.000036:
p.000036: The possible effects of GMOs and GMO products on the local ecosystems will be considered when assessing
p.000036: the risks to humans and the environment. The knowledge and experience acquired by local farmers
p.000036: and/or Environmentalists through the cultivation of certain food crops or propagation of invasive alien species
p.000036: for instance will be considered useful in making a responsible estimate of the ecological effects of a
p.000036: proposed genetically modified crop.
p.000036:
p.000036: By combining practical knowledge and experience with available information given or obtained during the “step by step”
p.000036: method and the development process of the GM crop, The National Biosafety Board will be able to make an estimate of the
p.000036: possible risks that the introduction or market approval could bring to the ecosystem.
p.000036:
p.000036: However, on the other hand, it is widely recognized that the current knowledge of ecology in Seychelles is
p.000036: very limited to safely allow any large-scale field trials or market
p.000036:
p.000036:
p.000036:
p.000037: 37
p.000037:
p.000037: approval. It is believed that more research is required on the possible effects of GMOs on the tropical
p.000037: ecosystems, especially into the country which the GMOs are to be introduced. Furthermore, Seychelles
p.000037: believes that extreme precaution should be taken to prevent irreversible situations. In general fundamental knowledge
p.000037: of tropical ecosystems and possible ecological effects of GMOs are limited. Extension of the knowledge on the possible
p.000037: effects of GMOs on the tropical and ecological systems is expected to continue and expand in Seychelles. At this
...
p.000048:
p.000048:
p.000048: To Provide a clear mechanism for public participation in the decision making process
p.000048: To Encourage public contribution to policy decisions through various target groups
p.000048: To ensure that the rights of consumers are reflected in the national decisions
p.000048: Funding Agency Local (Gov.)
p.000048:
p.000048:
p.000048:
p.000048:
p.000048:
p.000048: Local (Gov.) and International (yet to be identified) Local (Gov.) and International (yet to
p.000048: be identified) Local (Gov.)
p.000048:
p.000048:
p.000048: Local (Gov.)
p.000048:
p.000048:
p.000048: Local (Gov.)
p.000048: Responsible Agency NCA
p.000048:
p.000048:
p.000048:
p.000048:
p.000048:
p.000048: Public Sensitisation Committee
p.000048:
p.000048:
p.000048: Public Sensitisation Committee
p.000048:
p.000048:
p.000048: NCA
p.000048:
p.000048:
p.000048: Public Sensitisation Committee Public sensitisation Committee/NC A
p.000048: Verifiable Indicator Committee up and running
p.000048:
p.000048:
p.000048:
p.000048:
p.000048: Committee up & running, feedback obtained from public
p.000048:
p.000048: Programmes produced, feed back obtained from Public.
p.000048:
p.000048: Mechanism established under the law
p.000048: Inputs and
p.000048: Feedbacks from public
p.000048: Consumer concerns are reflected in the GMO Decisions
p.000048: Time Frame
p.000048: By June. 06
p.000048:
p.000048:
p.000048:
p.000048:
p.000048: By June 06
p.000048:
p.000048:
p.000048:
p.000048: Ongoing
p.000048:
p.000048:
p.000048:
p.000048: By June 06.
p.000048:
p.000048: Ongoing
p.000048:
p.000048:
p.000048: For each notification s as per NBF
p.000048:
p.000048:
p.000048: 3.0 Building of local capacity to handle Biosafety
p.000048:
p.000048: Objective:
p.000048: Build human resource capacity and technical competence in all areas of Biosafety (including risk assessment
p.000048: and management, monitoring and enforcement, and Biosafety politics, policies and regulations).
p.000048:
p.000048:
p.000048:
p.000048:
p.000048:
p.000048:
p.000048:
p.000048:
p.000049: 49
p.000049:
p.000049: Actions
p.000049:
p.000049:
p.000049: Activities
p.000049:
p.000049: To source funding from international organizations and institutions in order to
p.000049: strengthen local human resources capacity in the field of Biosafety.
p.000049: To encourage and facilitate trainings of Seychellois professionals to
p.000049: conduct risk assessment and risk management in the field of Biosafety.
p.000049: To provide local and facilitate international trainings for Inspectors who will be
p.000049: involved in field and post market release monitoring.
p.000049: Funding Agency
p.000049: Yet to be identified
p.000049:
p.000049:
p.000049:
p.000049: Local (Gov.) and International (yet to be identified)
p.000049:
p.000049: International (yet to be identified)
p.000049: Responsible Agency NCA
p.000049:
p.000049:
p.000049:
p.000049:
p.000049: NCA/NBB
p.000049:
p.000049:
p.000049:
p.000049:
p.000049: NCA/NBB
p.000049: Verifiable Indicator
p.000049: Funding made available
p.000049:
p.000049:
p.000049:
p.000049: Trained Seychellois in the mentioned field
p.000049:
p.000049:
p.000049: Trained Inspectors in the mentioned field
p.000049: Time Frame From Sept. 2005 to
p.000049: Dec. 2010
p.000049:
p.000049:
p.000049: Ongoing up to 2010
p.000049:
p.000049:
p.000049:
p.000049: Ongoing up to 2010
p.000049:
p.000049:
p.000049: To provide legal trainings for lawyers and legal officers in the field of Biosafety to
p.000049: better understand the international politics of Modern Biotechnology and Biosafety.
p.000049: To build partnership with regional and international institutions in order to facilitate short
p.000049: courses, graduate and post-graduate trainings in the field of Biosafety To explore the possibility
p.000049: for a Small Island Developing States regional approach to address capacity building where
p.000049: possible.
p.000049: International (yet to be identified)
p.000049:
p.000049:
p.000049:
p.000049: Regional and International (Yet to be identified)
p.000049:
p.000049: Regional, Meeting of Parties, International (yet to be identified)
p.000049: NCA/NBB
p.000049:
p.000049:
p.000049:
p.000049:
p.000049:
p.000049: NCA/NBB
p.000049:
p.000049:
p.000049:
p.000049:
p.000049: NCA/NBB
p.000049: Trained lawyers and legal officers
p.000049:
p.000049:
p.000049:
p.000049:
p.000049: Qualified Graduates and post graduates in the mentioned field
p.000049:
p.000049: Regional agreements signed and exchange programmes running
p.000049: Ongoing up to 2010
p.000049:
p.000049:
p.000049:
p.000049:
p.000049: Ongoing up to 2010
p.000049:
p.000049:
p.000049:
p.000049: 2006 -
p.002010: 2010
p.002010:
p.002010:
p.002010:
p.002010:
p.002010:
p.002010:
p.002010:
p.002010:
p.002010:
p.002010:
p.002010:
p.002010:
p.002010:
p.002010:
p.002010:
p.002010:
p.002010:
p.002010:
p.000050: 50
p.000050:
p.000050: 4.0 Strengthening existing local institutional to address Biosafety
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050: Activities
p.000050:
p.000050: Government and the local private sector to facilitate the enhancement of technological and institutional
p.000050: capacities in Biosafety.
p.000050: Government to ensure that the local requirement in institutional strengthening in Biosafety
p.000050: is brought to the attention of international funding agencies, organisations and
p.000050: institutions and such is discussed in Meeting of Parties (MoPs).
p.000050: Funding Agency N/A
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050:
p.000050: N/A
p.000050: Responsible Agency NCA/NBB
p.000050:
p.000050:
...
Appendix
Indicator List
| Indicator | Vulnerability |
|---|
| access | Access to Social Goods |
| age | Age |
| alcoholic | alcoholism |
| authority | Relationship to Authority |
| dependence | Drug Dependence |
| dependent | Dependent |
| drug | Drug Usage |
| economic | Economic/Poverty |
| education | Educational |
| educational | Educational |
| emergency | Public Emergency |
| faith | Religion |
| health | Health |
| home | home |
| illegal | Illegal Activity |
| influence | Drug Usage |
| language | Linguistic Proficiency |
| nation | stateless persons |
| officer | Police Officer |
| opinion | philosophical differences/differences of opinion |
| party | Political |
| police | Police Officer |
| political | Political |
| poor | Economic/Poverty |
| restricted | Incarcerated |
| single | Marital Status |
| social | Social |
| student | Student |
| threat | Threat of Stigma |
| union | Trade Union Membership |
| women | Women |
| youth | Youth/Minors |
Indicator Peers (Indicators in Same Vulnerability)
| Indicator | Peers |
|---|
| drug | ['influence'] |
| economic | ['poor'] |
| education | ['educational'] |
| educational | ['education'] |
| influence | ['drug'] |
| officer | ['police'] |
| party | ['political'] |
| police | ['officer'] |
| political | ['party'] |
| poor | ['economic'] |
Trigger Words
capacity
consent
cultural
developing
harm
protect
protection
risk
sensitive
vulnerable
Applicable Type / Vulnerability / Indicator Overlay for this Input