Bishkek – Biosafety is intrinsically linked to food security, environmental conservation and sustainable agricultural practices. In a broader sense, it encompasses political and regulatory frameworks, as well as a comprehensive set of risk management measures in the food, agriculture, fisheries and forestry sectors.

With this in mind, a national seminar on the development of biosafety policies and guidelines in accordance with the Cartagena Protocol was held in the city of Naryn on 19 June. The seminar was organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in collaboration with the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (RECCA).

The event was part of the project “Implementation of the National Biosafety Mechanism in the Kyrgyz Republic in accordance with the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety”, which has been implemented in Kyrgyzstan 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 a coherent national biosafety policy, as well as to strengthen the country's regulatory and institutional framework.

The event brought together representatives from government agencies, research institutes, the expert community, the agricultural sector and other stakeholders.

During the seminar, participants discussed a wide range of issues concerning the implementation of the national biosafety mechanism, the improvement of the legislative framework and the development of subordinate regulatory legal acts. Particular attention was paid to the regulation of the circulation of genetically modified organisms and living modified organisms.

In 2025, the Law “On Biological Safety” entered into force in Kyrgyzstan, establishing legal norms in this area and enshrining State guarantees for protection against potential risks associated with the exposure to biological agents and the use of products of modern biotechnology. Opening the seminar, Abdiimital Chyngozhoev, FAO Specialist on Living Modified Organisms, emphasized the importance of further developing the regulatory framework as a foundation for the effective implementation of the law.

“For the law to function fully, a number of subordinate acts are required to regulate the procedures for control and regulation of the circulation of GMO products,” said Abdymital Chyngojoev. “The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety grants States the right to make independent decisions in this area, and our task is to ensure the transparency of these processes.”

During the discussions, participants expressed particular interest in questions related to the practical implementation of the law. Special attention was given to State regulatory mechanisms, control over the circulation of GMOs, and the application of legislation in real economic conditions. Expert Maral Sagynalieva emphasized the need for systematic consideration of gender aspects and inclusive approaches in the formulation of State policy.

“Biosafety issues affect a wide range of people,” noted Maral Sagynalieva. “For regulation to be fair and effective, it is important that everyone has equal access to information and can participate in decision-making.”

The significance of such meetings as a platform for exchanging views was also highlighted by Zhamilya Mambetzhanova, Expert at the Community Development and Investment Agency of the Kyrgyz Republic for Naryn Region.

“The Naryn Region is actively developing livestock production, and the natural environment here is very diverse. Therefore, biosafety issues are extremely important for the region,” noted Zhamilya Mambetzhanova. “Such seminars help specialists to better understand the laws and strengthen dialogue between authorities and local residents.”

The organization of such seminars contributes to strengthening national capacity in biosafety, fostering inter-ministerial cooperation and enhancing the effectiveness of Kyrgyzstan's implementation of its international obligations, including the provisions of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to the Convention on Biological Diversity.

Source: https://www.fao.org/kyrgyzstan/news/detail/fao-supports-the-development-of-the-national-biosafety-framework-in-kyrgyzstan/en