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GMOs Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) ... ... are organisms in which the genetic material has been modified. Such organisms are different from those occurring naturally. The characteristics of an organism may be modified in a laboratory setting to produce an organism with desired characteristics – a GMO. For thousands of years humans have been selecting the characteristics they prefer in plants and animals in order to satisfy their needs. This involved selecting and breeding the most beautiful, the strongest and the most productive with a hope to produce offspring which would have inherited some of the desirable traits. Today, however, humans can directly alter the genetic code of an organism, radically, rapidly and precisely, modifying them like never before. Genes can be transferred from one organism to the other. This process of gene manipulation in a laboratory setting is known as genetic engineering or recombinant DNA technology. A gene is that section of the DNA which contains information about a particular characteristic or function of the organism, such as the colour of the eyes, the athletic ability, and even diseases and conditions. Altering the genes of an organism means that the characteristics of the organism are being altered. A gene from a completely different species can be used – for example tomatoes can be genetically modified to stay fresh for longer by inserting a gene from fish into their DNA – something that is not possible by selective breeding. The discovery of the possibility to alter the genetic makeup of an organism has led to an explosion of research and development which has benefited many fields - agriculture, medicine, environment protection and the chemical industry amongst others. But there has also been some controversy surrounding these recent developments. This science is full of promise ... but is it safe? Is it desirable? More info ? Should you require any futher information do not hesitate to contact the Nature Protection Unit within MEPA’s Environment Protection Directorate, on telephone numbers (+356) 2290 6009 and (+356) 2290 3091 or via email : [email protected] www.mepa.org.mt Some uses of GMOs Genetically modified animals that produce beneficial products for humans e.g. insulin from pigs Genetically modified animal feeds such as maize with higher protein content Micro-organisms genetically modified to produce vaccines Genetically altered crops with new characteristics such as longer shelf life or better pest resistance Regulating GMOs GMOs bring benefits to society as well as risks. Thus, there are strict regulations in Malta and the EU to ensure that a case-by-case evaluation is carried out in order to assess the effects of a new GMO on society and the environment before it is released from the laboratory setting. The Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA), is the competent authority in Malta for the implementation of the regulations pertaining to GMOs that have an impact on the environment. These include all living GMOs such as seeds, unprocessed grains, plants and animals. On the contrary, products derived from GMOs, such as tomato paste from a genetically modified tomato, do not have any impact on the environment and are therefore not covered by these regulations. In order to ensure an integrated approach in the effective implementation of these regulations, MEPA has set up an advisory committee, the Biosafety Co-ordinating Committee (BCC). This committee was set up by virtue of the Biosafety Co-ordinating Committee Regulations, 2002, (Legal Notice 290 of 2002) with the aim of achieving an integrated approach on biosafety, the contained use of GMOs, the deliberate release into the environment and the placing on the market of GMOs. The ultimate aim is to achieve a high level of protection of human health and the environment. The main function of the BCC is to advise MEPA and the Minister responsible for Rural Affairs and the Environment on environmental implications of GMOs. This publication was financed by the UNEP-GEF project for the Development of a National Biosafety Framework for Malta