VI. CAPACITY-BUILDING

53. These Technical Guidelines have been developed under the clear recognition that:

• The implementation of these Guidelines depends on the availability of human resources (in terms of quantity and quality) and financial resources, information, and/or institutional and infrastructural capacities at the national, regional and international levels;
• Such resources and capacities are currently either not available or are not adequate in a number of countries at various levels.

54. Capacity-building is one of the prime elements which will facilitate effective implementation of the Technical Guidelines. Capacity-building is the strengthening and/or development of human resources and institutional capacities. It involves the transfer of know-how, the development of appropriate facilities, training in sciences related to safety in biotechnology and in the use of risk-assessment and risk-management techniques (see Annex 3).

In this regard, countries, organizations, the private sector and biotechnology industry are called upon to contribute actively to capacity-building at the local, national, regional and international levels.

55. Capacity-building should aim to ensure:

• That countries develop and strengthen their endogenous capacities to facilitate the implementation of these Technical Guidelines;
• That nations and countries involved in the development, use, release or production of organisms with novel traits are aware of any risks associated with their work and have the means to assess and manage risks;
• That Governments are able to achieve safety when certain organisms with novel traits (see Chapter V) are to be transferred into and/or to be used in their countries;
• That the safe development, transfer and application of biotechnology be enhanced by the development and/or strengthening of appropriate policies, facilities (including adequate information systems) and training in sciences related to biosafety and biotechnology, including training in risk-assessment and risk-management techniques and procedures for biosafety.

56. In drawing up programmes directed at capacity-building, Governments and international agencies providing technical and financial assistance to other countries should consider the expressed need of those countries to increase awareness of, expertise in and facilities and resources for assessing and managing risks associated with the use of organisms with novel traits.

57. Those conducting studies or developing products involving organisms with novel traits in countries which have not yet been able to implement safety mechanisms should assist in training at the local and national level in the safe handling and use of such organisms in cooperation with the concerned Governments.

58. Regional and international cooperation and coordination are key factors of the implementation of these Guidelines. Countries, organizations and companies are encouraged to contribute actively to the sharing of experience, through appropriate means.

59 . National and international organizations are encouraged to draw up and/or provide directories/databases of individuals (such as scientists, administrators, policy makers and legislators) and organizations that can help in reviewing risk assessments and risk-management strategies and in providing detailed guidance on mechanisms for national and regional controls.