Bishkek – On 29 May, a national workshop on the development of biosafety policies and guidelines was held in Talas. The workshop was organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in collaboration with the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC).

The event took place under the project “Implementation of the National Biosafety Framework of the Kyrgyz Republic in Accordance with the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety,” which has been implemented since 2023 with technical assistance from FAO and financial support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF). The project aims to facilitate the development and implementation of coherent national biosafety policies and to strengthen the country’s regulatory, legal and institutional framework.

The workshop brought together representatives from government bodies of Talas Region, the scientific community, educators, farmers, laboratory specialists, and experts. Participants discussed pressing biosafety issues, the regulation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and measures to enhance public awareness at the regional level.

In his opening remarks Abdymital Chyngojoev, FAO National Specialist on Living Modified Organisms (LMO) Risk Assessment and Risk Management, underscored the importance of strengthening the national biosafety system and fostering collaboration between state institutions, the expert community, and the regions.

“Biosafety issues are becoming increasingly relevant today,” stated Abdymital Chyngojoev. “As a Party to the Cartagena Protocol, Kyrgyzstan must develop effective control mechanisms, raise public awareness, and improve its legal and regulatory framework. It is vital that regions actively engage in this process.”

Ermek Kurmankulov, Head of the Laboratory of the Centre for Veterinary Diagnostics and Expertise, presented national experience in the detection and identification of GMOs in Kyrgyzstan.

“Ensuring biosafety requires not only adequate legislation but also the necessary technical infrastructure, trained specialists, and modern equipment. The control and monitoring system is being progressively strengthened,” he reported.

The workshop also addressed the socio-economic aspects of GMO handling, presented by expert Maral Sagynalieva. Her presentation covered issues related to sustainable development, gender equality, and social inclusion.

Educators from educational institutions in Talas Region highlighted the importance of enhancing youth knowledge in the fields of genetics, biotechnology, and biosafety.

“Today’s youth must understand how modern technologies are evolving and why biosafety issues are critical for the environment, agriculture, and the future of our country,” noted Zamira Tashibekova, Dean of the Faculty of Agribusiness, Bioecology and Tourism at Talas Regional Multidisciplinary Institute. “It is particularly important that, with the support of partners such as FAO and the GEF, systematic work is being carried out in our country to develop the legislative framework and strengthen laboratory capacities. This allows us to advance scientific approaches, improve specialist training, and respond effectively to contemporary biosafety challenges.”

The organization of such events contributes to strengthening the national biosafety capacity of the Kyrgyz Republic, fostering scientific collaboration, and fulfilling international commitments under the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety.

Source: https://www.fao.org/kyrgyzstan/news/detail/kyrgyzstan-advances-biosafety-policy-and-the-implementation-of-the-cartagena-protocol/en