Support to the Implementation of the National Biosafety Framework

This project proposal addresses the most urgent priorities among those identified in the National Biosafety Framework for Namibia and ensures that Namibia can meet its obligations under the Cartagena Protocol. The overall objective consists in providing support to strengthen capacity building for the implementation of NBF in compliance the obligations of the Cartagena Protocol. Specific objectives are set as follows: (A) To support the establishment of the legal and administrative system needed to enable the safe development, handling, transport, use, transfer and release of Living Modified Organisms (LMOs) in Namibia and meet the obligations foreseen under the Cartagena Protocol (B) To improve the ability to screen LMOs in order to monitor and manage the risks associated to their handling, transport, use, transfer and release by equipping an independent scientific laboratory; (C) Strengthen capacity building, including research capacity, of main stakeholders; (D) Strengthen information sharing of relevant stakeholders and enhance public awareness on biosafety related issues;