Sharon Singh, Research Associate, National Law School of India University, Bengaluru
ABSTRACT:
Technological advancements have altered the nature and scope of trade in such a manner that the vital environmental facet of sustainable development has come under severe strain. In a globalized and deeply integrated world, diversification and strengthening of international trade is of key economic value but ensuring that the pursuit of economic development does not impinge upon environmental sanctity is what the global environmental regime aims to achieve. In 1992, the emerging field of biotechnology was identified as a potential contributor to sustainable development. The by- product of the international deliberations on this subject-matter was marked by the birth of the twin documents, the Convention on Biological Diversity, 1992 and the Cartagena Protocol on Bio-safety, 2000. Aimed at conserving biodiversity, they stress upon sustainable trade in genetic resources. Such legal framework has escalated and upgraded trade in LMO’s by upholding key environmental protection measures. Underlined by a precautionary approach, the intentional trans-boundary trade in LMO’s is based on an Advanced Informed Agreement between the contracting parties. Despite an elaborate and binding legal mechanism, the practical difficulties faced by developing countries in carrying out such trade and the reconciliation between the environmental and economic interests are irritants in this regard. In a post pandemic world, the balance between economic and environmental imperatives has rapidly deteriorated and it has thrown light on our misplaced priorities. Therefore, in the immediate future, adopting, accepting and embracing a One Health perspective is the only rational, fair and equitable approach for ensuring harmonious and growth-based co-existence of the humankind and environment.
Keywords: sustainable development, economic development, environmental protection, biodiversity, trans-boundary trade, LMO’s
