Genetically modified organisms (GMO) in bioremediation and legislation

Some authors expect genetically modified organisms (GMO) to bring a breakthrough in bioremediation. Besides biochemistry and microbial ecology, legislation and biosafety should be considered in this regard. World wide rules request risk assessment to be performed before any release of GMO to the environment. Recently, the protocol has been negotiated by UNEP to the Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD), which will be binding to all parties of the CBD. Most attention to the harmonisation of regulation was paid by OECD. Member as well as non-member states of OECD from central and eastern Europe meet regularly within the framework of UNEP every year. Such harmonisation is vital for international trade, scientific activities and co-operation. EU legislation based on directives 90/219/EEC and 90/220/EEC with amendments comprising more directives and decisions is the general frame for the European legislation. European Standards will be issued shortly. Czech Law on GMO is expected in the near future and will be based on the EU regulations and protocol to CBD. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.