Evaluation of GEF Support for Biosafety : Full Report

Biotechnology is probably as old as civilization itself. Special methods of food preparation, such as developing drinks from fermenting wheat or fruit, or making cheese, were known in prehistoric times. In recent decades, this old science has seen dramatic new developments. With the recent development of "new" biotechnologies, such as living modified organisms (LMOs), hope was raised that these would contribute greatly to an increase in world agricultural production and thereby help reduce hunger and diseases. However, the emergence of LMOs has also led to concerns about potential harmful effects on the environment and human health. These concerns were addressed through the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), which provided a framework to negotiate the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, which regulates international transfers of LMOs and aims to reduce risks for human health and the environment. The Global Environment Facility (GEF) is the designated financial mechanism for the Cartagena Protocol. The GEF's initial financing of capacity-building activities in biosafety began in 1997, but increased considerably after the GEF Council's approval in 2000 of the GEF's Initial Strategy for Assisting Countries to Prepare for the Entry into Force of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. Opposing voices were heard regarding the GEF's support, which was-according to these voices-"not neutral" but then either perceived to be against the biotechnology industry or against the opponents of this industry. Consequently, the GEF Council at its November 2004 meeting requested the GEF Evaluation Office to initiate an evaluation of the biosafety activities financed under the GEF's Initial Strategy. This report presents the results of this evaluation.