Jambay Dorji Bhutan Agriculture and Food Regulatory Authority MoAF Bhutan Background Info on Bhutan Total Area 38394 km 2 Forest land area 71 Population 2017 681720 Capital Thimphu ID: 1040532
Download Presentation The PPT/PDF document "Development of communication toolkit on ..." is the property of its rightful owner. Permission is granted to download and print the materials on this web site for personal, non-commercial use only, and to display it on your personal computer provided you do not modify the materials and that you retain all copyright notices contained in the materials. By downloading content from our website, you accept the terms of this agreement.
1. Development of communication toolkit on Food Biotechnologies Jambay Dorji , Bhutan Agriculture and Food Regulatory Authority, MoAF, Bhutan
2. Background Info on BhutanTotal Area: 38,394 km2Forest land area: 71%Population (2017): 681,720Capital: ThimphuGovernment: Democratic Constitutional Monarchy
3. ProblemsAbsorption of communication by public is not so appreciative General public not being able to understand the subject (GMO) is a problemGeneral public might not have taken our awareness program seriously-GMO not cultivated in Bhutan Simple online surveys conducted in 2011 and 2013 to understand the level of awareness on Biosafety - general awareness is low in Bhutan. Target group-public, scientific community and hoteliers-lack of ongoing scientific research and GM technology adoption in the country. Currently there is no other institute/NGOs than regulatory body who is interested in GMO-good problem
4. What did your country do?Awareness creation through TV jingles, radio talk shows, animations, booklet, brochures, basically to make general public aware on legislation and ‘dos’ and ‘don’ts’ Developed communication strategy on biosafety (GMOs)-Main criteria for implementing the strategy-‘Need to know’ versus ‘Want to know’Requirements under Biosafety Act 2015 is being incorporated in import permits Developed incident management plan on biosafety-LLP issues and other non-compliant products
5. What worked and what did not work in your country?Rigorous awareness program for our field officials worked well in dissemination of Biosafety informationProfiling of importer or agencies which are likely to contravene laws/non-compliance and communicating directly with them. E.g., Agencies reviving Cotton in Bhutan Action didn’t work????
6. What do consumers need to know?During national consultation meeting on development of communication strategy on biosafety of Bhutan the stakeholders, such as the food importers, they need to know about the following:Safety of the productPrice of GM food Social benefits associated with GM foods – who benefits the most? Why GM product is in the market?What is the role of the government?Why the trade of GMOs is increasing globally?
7. What do consumers want to know?During national consultation meeting on development of communication strategy on biosafety of Bhutan the stakeholders, such as the food importers, they want to know about the following:What is allowed and what is not allowed for importation into Bhutan?Reliable source of information on GMOsThe process of importing GM food products into BhutanThe applicable regulations (including labelling requirements) on GMOs
8. ExamplesPossible benefits of GMOPossible risks of GMOWhat is Genetically Modified FoodUnknown effects on human healthTypical crops and its product subjected to gene modificationAre GM foods safe for human consumption? What is GMO? How do we make GMO?
9. Essential elements for the toolkit“Novel technologies in effort to end world hunger”“Novel technologies in combating climate change”Toolkit should be kept as broad as possible to include all novel technologies Toolkit need to be streamlined in national documentsToolkit should be user-friendly and use simple English for clear understanding
10. Thank you very much6th Annual South Asia Biosafety ConferenceSome points described in the slides are from a personal view point of the presenter.