BIOTECHNOLOGY & BIOSAFETY
STATUS IN SWAZILAND
Bongani Nkhabindze Cebisile N. Magagula
Swaziland Environment Authority Department of Biological Sciences
Mbabane University of Swaziland, Kwaluseni
>> Registrar (Biosafety ) >> Academic and Research
- biotechnology,
- biosafety,
- GMOs,
- level of awareness
- problems
- the best /recommended approach to raising
awareness .
General information on Biosafety regulation
Swaziland acceded to the CPB on the 13thof January
2006
As a Party to the protocol, the country has an obligation
to domesticate the treaty
In 2005 Swaziland developed a Biotechnology and
Biosafety Policy
In 2009, had Biosafety Bill: to ensure an adequate level
of protection in the field of the safe transfer, handling
and use of GMOs
Biosafety Bill finally passed into Biosafety Act of 2012
Institutional arrangement for the regulation of biotechnology in SD
Biosafety Appeals
Board
Minister responsible for
Environment
SEA Board
National Biosafety
Advisory Committee
Socio-economic
review
subcommittee
Scientific review
subcommittee
Office of the Biosafety Registrar
checking for completeness and
acknowledgement
Public informed and
gathering of input from
public
Submission of application
by applicant
Biosafety Public
Awareness &
Participation
Platform
Biosafety regulation (cont.)
All applications are handled by the Swaziland Environment Authority (Biosafety Focal Point)
The Act identifies three uses for which GMOs can be applied for:
i. contained use,
ii. intentional release to the environment
iii. import as food, feed and processing
The application/notification should be supported by proof that risk assessments have been undertaken (RA guidelines provided)
No RAs have been undertaken in the country > new legislation & expertise
Current status: GMO and proposed
objective for its introduction
Prior to Act: 2 applications for the introduction of Bt cotton and maize and round-up ready soya beans and maize to the environment
Not processed b’cos:
- no biosafety legislation
- applicants’ failure to comply with Annex 1 of CPB protocol
Currently: 1 application from the SD Cotton Board for national trials > under review by NBAC
Current status: LMO-FFPs
Authorised importation of GM maize intended for
food, feed or processing
Specific events > list available from SEA
Mandatory procedures, including
communication by the importer,
transportation (sealed containers),
destruction of embryo (milling, heating)
Public Awareness and Participation in
Biotechnology & Biosafety issues
WHO IS RAEIN-Africa?
Regional Agricultural and Environmental Innovations Network -
Africa
> facilitating access by communities to user-friendly
emerging technologies
> development of policies or mechanisms that facilitate
access and guarantees safe and sustainable use of such
technologies
Regional partners in 12 SADC countries
Public Awareness & Participation Platform
on biosafety (PAPP)
GOAL
promote public understanding of modern biotechnology and
biosafety
Emphasis on innovative and participatory approach
Workshops and seminars
Excursion and field demonstrations
Debate
Case studies
Media articles and interviews
Citizen jury
Level of awareness
Region Attribute tested
Biotechnology
(%)
Biosafety (%) GMOs (%) Average (%)
Hhohho 48 14 26 29.3
Lubombo 18 0 56 24.7
Manzini 51 42 51 48.0
Shiselweni 18 14 21 17.7
Baseline survey - 2011
Problems
Misperceptions
Technical & Polarising subject
Language / translation to siSwati
Funding – Baseline studies, public awareness, etc.
Best /Recommended approach to
raising awareness
Grass roots / Regional level
Mainstreaming into various structures
Govt procedures
Education curricula at various levels
Stakeholders’ networking / cooperation (within &
between countries)
m
Media workshop
Journalists from various media houses > print &
electronic
Media tour
No GM cotton in SD – tour in SA (Mpumalanga province)
Interactn with farmers
growing GM cotton
Public debate – UNISWA Green team Deputy Prime Minister
VC
Panelists
Students
Citizens’ jury
Panel of Jurists
Expert witnesses
Public input
Interactive workshops: various stakeholders
• Extension officers
• Food consortium
• Border personnel – MOA, USDF,
RSP, SRA, etc.
• Training of trainers
• MORE NEEDED!!!
Outreach material
100 Posters
300 Brochures
+ TRAINING MANUAL FOR TRAINERS
