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The I. R. of Iran is currently in the process of completing its legal
and administrative framework to fully implement its obligations
under the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety.
Biotechnology may be defined as the integration of biological sciences in order to enable the use of microorganisms, organs or tissues or their molecular analogues for industrial or commercial activities. It is some times refered to as genetic engineering or recombinant DNA technology.
Biotechnology or the use of biotechnological process to serve mankind is it self not a new activity. Wine, bread and cheese making are the traditional application of biotechnology. Biotechnology in the modern sense involves the use of in-vitro genetic manipulation or the use of molecular biology techniques using nucleic acids, Enzymes, microoragnisms, cells or tissues to processes of potential and actual industrial concerns which would not occur naturally. During the last decades, substantial achievements have been made in the development of biotechnology of which the modern biotechnology achieved attention. The development of recombinant DNA technology opened up a whole new area for introducing specific genes into the genetic backgrounds of different cells. Certain benefits of modern biotechnology will be available for developing countries in the shorter term. Developing countries would be in position to acquire the final products of this technology through collaborative research with (international and national) research institutes.
The use of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), whether microorganisms, plants or animals, has raised concerns about the envcironmental risks created by this new technology. These concern, which are similar to those related to the introduction of exotic organisms in a country.
The products involving GMOs can be divided into two groups, one group where GMOs were the end product is not a GMO in itself (Growth hormones), and second group where the end product is GMO (Plants with foreign genes).
Emerging products of modern biotechnology commonly featuring as commercial products include: foods, beverages, fuels, fibers, plastics, medicines and detergents. Some of these products has already found a market in IRAN.The increase awareness of the importance of biotechnology is worldwide is now beginning to be also felt in Iran. However, amongst the 28 provinces in Iran a few of the universities have programs in biotechnology.
The most active centers involved in biotechnology are in development cities like Tehran.A number of researches institutes focused on GMO. However, these research & development activities are still in an early stage but we need to think about the potential hazards & risks to the environment when releasing the GMOs, as well as the potential benefits from the use of GMOs. The main reason for I.R.Iran to develop its National Biosafety Framework (NBF) is to put in place an enabling mechanism for making decisions on the safe transfer, handling and use of Living Modified Organisms (LMOs).
The main Objective of this National Project is the preparation of a National Biosafety Framework in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. The main elements of this framework would be:
- a regulatory system,
- an administrative system,
- a decision making system that includes risk assessment and management,
- mechanisms for public participation and information.
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