The Regional Environmental Center for Central Asia (CAREC) presents the animated video “Living Modified Organisms: What Is Important to Understand?”, produced as part of the project “Implementation of the National Biosafety Mechanism in the Kyrgyz Republic in accordance with the Cartagena Protocol,” carried out with support from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF).

In an accessible and clear manner, the video explains what living modified organisms (LMOs) and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are, how they differ from common misconceptions about them, and why their use requires a scientifically sound assessment. Particular attention is paid to the potential environmental and socioeconomic aspects of handling LMOs, as well as to the role of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety in ensuring the safe transboundary movement, handling, and use of living modified organisms.

The video also introduces viewers to the development of the Kyrgyz Republic’s national biosafety system, including improvements to legislation, the development of scientific expertise, laboratory capacity, and government oversight mechanisms. The material is intended for a broad audience and aims to raise awareness of biosafety as a key component of biodiversity conservation, public health protection, and the country’s sustainable development.

The project “Implementation of the National Biosafety Mechanism in the Kyrgyz Republic in Accordance with the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety” aims to strengthen the national biosafety system, ensure the Kyrgyz Republic’s compliance with its obligations under the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, as well as to develop institutional capacity and raise awareness in the field of biosafety. 

The Kyrgyz Branch of the Regional Environmental Center for Central Asia (Kyrgyz Branch of CAREC) is implementing the project with support from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF). 

For more information:

Kuban Matraimov – Director of the Kyrgyz Branch of CAREC, kyrgyzstan@carececo.org