OO. 7.8 Promote research on the effects of GMOs on biodiversity and on socio-economical related aspects

Methods are needed to predict and prevent invasive behaviour of GMOs released into the environment. In order to allow coexistence of different forms of culture and to avoid potential negative effects of transgenes on the wild environment, research is also needed to develop reliable methods to predict and reduce the probability of transfers of genetic material from transgenic organisms.

There is also a need to develop methodologies in order to monitor and coordinate data on potential unforeseen effects of GMOs, not only on individual species but also on community structures of the ecosystem, after their deliberated release and commercialisation. In order to pursue objective 4.c.7, case-by-case studies on environmental risks for biodiversity of introduction of GMO cultures in Belgium should be undertaken. If those monitoring are already suggested by the guidelines of the strongest world biosafety regulations like those of the EU, the implementation of such guidelines should be seriously and completely pursued.

As such, for GM plants producing insecticide (like Bt GMOs), risks evaluations need to cover different ecosystems and agro- ecosystems as well as various species, including non targets species and especially those that are of particular relevance such as biological indicator, or playing a specific role in the ecosystem (earthworm, mycorrhizal fungi associated with roots, etc.). Evaluation must analyse impacts of GMOs culture not only on non target species survival but also on various social and nutritional behaviours and interactions of species.

Furthermore, as encouraged by Article 26 of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, extensive socio-economical studies on the impacts of GMOs cultures introduction in Belgium and elsewhere in the world should in particular be undertaken (link with Objectives 4.c.7, 4.d.3, 4.f.4, 5.8, 5.10, and 6).