Information about the FAO/GEF Project: “Implementation of the National Biosafety Mechanism in the Kyrgyz Republic in accordance with the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety”

Brief Description

The project aims to establish and implement a national biosafety mechanism in the Kyrgyz Republic in accordance with the requirements and principles of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. It will strengthen the country’s institutional, regulatory, and technical capacities for the safe handling of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and GMO-containing products, while ensuring the protection of biodiversity, human health, and the environment.

Kyrgyzstan’s Accession to the Cartagena Protocol

The Kyrgyz Republic recognizes its international obligations in the field of biosafety and adheres to the principles of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. This project will support the practical implementation of the Protocol at the national level — from legislative compliance to the execution of risk assessment procedures and public awareness initiatives.

Project Mission

To establish a sustainable national biosafety system that protects public health and Kyrgyzstan’s biodiversity, while creating transparent, predictable, and science-based procedures for managing biotechnology-related risks.

Project Objectives

  • Ensure national legislation and practices comply with the requirements of the Cartagena Protocol.
  • Develop and implement a functional national system for assessing and managing GMO-related risks.
  • Enhance the institutional and technical capacities of government bodies, research institutions, and stakeholders.
  • Strengthen mechanisms for public information, participation, and access to biosafety information.
  • Ensure sustainability and coordination among key stakeholders (government agencies, scientific community, agricultural producers, and the public).

Expected Results

Updated biosafety legislation and procedures aligned with international standards.
A functioning system for registration and evaluation of applications based on transparent risk assessment criteria.
Trained personnel: experts, inspectors, and laboratory specialists capable of conducting independent assessments and monitoring.
Equipped laboratories with approved analytical methods.
Increased public awareness and engagement of key stakeholders in decision-making processes.
Reduced environmental and social risks associated with biotechnology products.

Target Groups and Beneficiaries

Government bodies and regulators responsible for environment, agriculture, health, and safety.
Research institutions and laboratories.
Farmers and agricultural producers.
Industrial enterprises working with biotechnology.
Civil society and the general public.

Latest news

The FAO and CAREC Present a Documentary on the Development of the National Biosafety Mechanism in the Kyrgyz Republic News
15.08.2026

The FAO and CAREC Present a Documentary on the Development of the National Biosafety Mechanism in the Kyrgyz Republic

FAO and CAREC present a documentary film about the development of the National Biosafety Mechanism of Kyrgyzstan. The film talks about the Cartagena Protocol, improving legislation, developing laboratories, risk assessment and protecting the country's biodiversity.

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Living Modified Organisms: What Is Important to Understand? News
14.08.2026

Living Modified Organisms: What Is Important to Understand?

CAREC's new animated video tells in simple language about living modified organisms (LMOs), GMOs and biosafety principles, and also introduces the role of the Cartagena Protocol and the development of the national biosafety system of Kyrgyzstan.

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FAO supports Kyrgyzstan in strengthening its national biosafety system under the Cartagena Protocol Events
06.07.2026

FAO supports Kyrgyzstan in strengthening its national biosafety system under the Cartagena Protocol

A two-day national seminar dedicated to the development of the national biosafety mechanism was held in Issyk-Kul. The participants discussed digitalization, improvement of legislation, interdepartmental interaction and prepared recommendations for the further development of the biosafety system of Kyrgyzstan.

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Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision of the Kyrgyz Republic

Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision of the Kyrgyz Republic

Global Environment Facility

Global Environment Facility

UN Environment Program

UN Environment Program

Website of the Convention on Biodiversity

Website of the Convention on Biodiversity