Assessment & Impacts

Principles and Approaches Genetic interactions in ecosystems are more dynamic and complex than acknowledged so far. Genetic change and genetic exchange phenomena seem to occur more frequently in nature than in laboratories, and may be regulated by unknown environmental factors. Local environmental conditions and chemical contaminants (pesticides and other xenobiotics), that will undoubtedly vary in concentrations and combinations between different locations are examples of such environmental factors. These may have impacts on the extent of horizontal gene transfer, and on how modified genes are expressed and affect the recipient organisms. Consequently, it is important to establish model systems in the laboratory, which mimic the ecological interactions and complexity of the real world.

Basis for risk assessment and management:
Risk and probability are not the same. Risk can be defined as the probability of an occurrence of an incident or phenomenon, multiplied by the consequences arising therefrom, if it occurs. At this moment we know little about both probability and consequences in relation to putative health and environmental effects of many genetic engineering applications.

Horizontal gene transfer: Horizontal gene transfer signifies a non-sexual transmission of genetic information within or between species. The phenomenon is common in nature, but our knowledge concerning ecological processes promoting such events and barriers prohibiting them is scanty.

Socio-economic considerations: The impact of genetically modified organisms goes beyond ecological and health dimensions. They have profound impact on society, including livelihoods, production systems, trade, culture and ethics.

Broken Promises

Will GM crops really help developing countries? Lim Li Ching looks at some telling examples in Kenya, Indonesia and India. […]

GM crops in Africa are poverty-insensitive

Biotechnology does not address the real causes of poverty and hunger, concludes a recent study which examined the impact of three genetically modified crops on poverty alleviation in Africa. […]

Genetic engineering hazards unveiled

Lim Li Ching highlights evidence of genetic engineering hazards that can throw light on the way forward in building an international biosafety system […]

Genetic engineering hazards unveiled (Chinese)

Lim Li Ching highlights evidence of hazards of genetic engineering that can throw light on the way forward in building an international biosafety system. […]

Argentina, the GM paradox

Argentina’s disastrous experience with GE crops should be an object lesson to developing countries which cling to the illusion that this technology will foster genuine development, says an activist. […]

Genetic engineering hazards unveiled (Chinese)

The First Meeting of the Parties to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety is tasked with building an international biosafety system, including a liability and redress regime. Lim Li Ching highlights evidence of hazards that can throw light on the way forwar […]

The economics of biotech

The following article considers whether there is any justification for the optimistic outlook for biotechnology and whether it would be prudent for developing countries to devote their limited financial resources to this technology. […]

Genetic engineering hazards unveiled (Chinese)

The First Meeting of the Parties to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety is tasked with building an international biosafety system. Lim Li Ching highlights evidence of hazards in the way forward. […]

Impacts of Genetically Engineered Crops on Pesticide Use in the United States: The First Eight Years

The first comprehensive study of the impacts of all major commercial GE crops on pesticide use in the US between 1996-2003. If found that found that GE, especially soyabeans, showed substantial increase in herbicides use compared to conventional plant va […]

Genetically Modified Crops and Sustainable Poverty Alleviation In Sub-Saharan Africa

This paper recasts the debate over biotechnology by moving past overly general hyperbole, and instead empirically evaluating current experiences with GM crops in Africa. […]