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The Miami Group - the bad guys

Greenpeace corn action during the International Biosafety Protocol.

Greenpeace corn action during the International Biosafety Protocol.

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A powerful negotiating block called the Miami Group, led by the US, Argentina and Canada, feared that a strong protocol would disrupt their export markets. They tried to force an agreement where most GE organisms (including those destined for use as food for humans and livestock) would actually be excluded from the protocol.

They also wanted any protocol to be subordinate to the rulings of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). This move was vigorously opposed, as a treaty specifically designed to protect biodiversity could become meaningless if it were subordinate to the WTO. Besides, in international law, treaties are equivalent in power to each other unless stated otherwise. Why would the signatories to the protocol deliberately weaken the treaty in this way?

In marked contrast to the position of the Miami Group, nearly all the countries of the developing world have worked for a strong protocol, based on the precautionary principle, where their right to reject GE organism imports would be protected. Many developing countries have tropical environments, which are rich in biological diversity, and they are especially vulnerable to genetic pollution. These countries were the leaders in the effort to secure a strong protocol.


In-Depth:

Help us stop Bush & Co force feeding the world GE food

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