MIAMI GROUP VS rest of the world

on a radio programme aired on a popular international station, representatives of the plant biotechnology industry likened the fear for genetically modified organisms (gmos) to the initial fear of vaccinations. Both, they claimed, are equally unfounded and come in the way of benefits to humankind. Just as vaccinations put an end to dreaded diseases, plant biotechnology could put an end to world hunger and malnutrition.

Playing safe

the case for using the 'precautionary principle' to protect human health has received a boost through recent negotiations for a global treaty to control toxic chemicals. Action can now be taken against toxic 'persistent organic pollutants' ( pops) as long as there is scientific evidence that they pose a risk to human health and environment even without complete certainty.

UN PLc

For many developing countries, the un represents half a chance at fair play in an increasingly globalised world. Many see it as their only chance of countering the World Trade Organisation's obsession with free trade. Many of them prefer to strengthen the un rather than create an altogether new World Environment Organisation to protect their local environment and the rights of their indigenous communities from a trade organisation that only recognises the might of multinational corporations.

UNITED NATIONS

Delegates representing more than a hundred governments have agreed to set-up a permanent United Nations ( un ) body to protect forests. This was decided at the Fourth Session of the Intergovernmental Forum on Forests (IFF). The world's forests are in grave danger with only 20 per cent of the original cover still in existence. The group, while moving closer to talks on a new preservation treaty, fell short of promising full-fledged talks as desired by Canada.

Talking in riddles

Modified treaty

for the first time ever, an international framework has been set up to regulate the trade in genetically-modified ( gm) products. Following a week of intense negotiations in Montreal, Canada, delegates from over 140 countries framed rules which will allow countries to ban the import of gm seeds, microbes, animals and crops that they believe is harmful to their environment.

All about agreements

'think global and act local' may sound cliched, but it most aptly describes the efforts that are required to stop, reverse and prevent environment degradation. No longer can the environment be thought of, or tackled at purely the local level, even the country level.

Heading for showdown

the us has criticised the European Union ( eu ) government's decision to seek limits on carbon emissions trading under the Kyoto global climate treaty. The us accused eu saying it was rewriting prior agreements.

Blues for the big cats

project Tiger, India's ambitious programme to protect the country's tiger population, recently completed 25 years -- an event duly celebrated by the government through a string of high-profile conferences and meetings highlighting the project's successes. Reality, however, tells a different story. Irrespective of the initiatives taken by the government and national legislation, poaching of tigers and destruction of their habitats continue unabated.

Media games

THE manner in which the media reports intergovernmental environmental conferences is unbelievably biased and distorted, which means that independent and informed public opinion can never be built on contentious environmental issues. This is indeed a very serious matter. As I had to leave Buenos Aires a few days before the end of the climate change conference for the US, I carefully scanned leading publications such as Washington Post, New York Times, Time and Newsweek to find out what finally transpired in this highly contentious meeting. Having been a journalist in