Producing enough food for a rapidly growing population, and taking care of our planet are two of the world's biggest challenges.
Nongovernmental organisations
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An international non-governmental organisation run from Canada (formerly known as RAFI — the Rural Advancement Foundation International). Dedicated to the 'socially responsible development of technologies useful to rural societies', the ETC group has taken the lead on various campaigns on the impact of intellectual property on agriculture and world food security. The website includes ETC 'comment' articles which are generally opposed to GM technology.
ABSF aims to create an enabling environment in which Africa can participate and benefit from biotechnology in a responsible and sustainable manner. The association — through the dissemination of information — aims to enhance an understanding and awareness of all aspects of biotechnology including bio-safety and intellectual property rights. The news and features section mostly contains short information and opinion pieces giving perspectives of scientists and policy-makers in Africa.
AgBioWorld brings information about technological advances in agriculture to the developing world. Members include scientists, physicians, professors and others who believe that recent developments in plant science — such as biotechnology — can and should be used to increase crop yields, grow more nutritious plants and reduce dependence on chemicals in order to alleviate hunger and help preserve the environment. AgBioWorld is used by many scientists, but is also relevant to teachers, journalists and the general public. The site is kept fairly up-to-date — comments and reports are usually added in response to significant events, and there is also a
discussion group.
AGRA — a joint initiative of the Rockefeller Foundation and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation — aims to improve African agriculture through new technologies such as improved seeds and fertilisers, better cultivation practices and greater access to credit and marketing channels to help farmers sell their produce.
AGRA's initial investment — US$150m — will be used to develop stronger varieties of African crops, train African scientists and build distribution channels for agricultural inputs such as seeds and fertilisers.
The AGRA website publishes information about the alliance's staff and activities and links to a selection of related documents, news and other information.
Founded in 1995, BIOTHAI raises awareness of the links between biodiversity and local livelihoods among policymakers and the general public. BIOTHAI is now a member of the Thai National Biosafety Committee and Plant Varieties Protection Board and advises the government on national biodiversity policy. The organisation campaigns on issues surrounding biotechnology and genetically modified organisms in South-East Asia. Its website links to related news, articles, reports and public statements, from a variety of online sources.
BioWatch South Africa is a nongovernmental organisation based in Cape Town founded in 1997 to 'publicise, monitor and research issues of genetic engineering and promote biological diversity and sustainable livelihoods'. It publishes a monthly newsletter, occasional policy briefings and information booklets on genetically modified crops. A library of images, free to reproduce for educational purposes, is also available.
Bright Edges of the World is an online exhibition of life in drylands. This exhibit by the UN Environment Programme and the Smithsonian Institution is aimed at schools. It describes drylands, why they are important, as well as some of the threats that they face. A special section of activities for children includes puzzles, quizzes, links to further reading and other teaching resources.
The Centre for Biodiversity and Indigenous Knowledge (CBIK) is an NGO based in Kunming (China) dedicated to conserving nature and culture. CBIK promotes socially equitable and environmentally sound development in mountainous areas of southwest China that are inhabited by ethnic minorities. The website includes links, articles and notices of events.
Chinadialogue is the world's first bilingual Chinese-English online magazine on environmental issues, with a special focus on China. Chinadialogue publishes articles by experts, policy makers, activists and concerned citizens. We aim to find solutions through debate and discussion on shared global issues.
In June 2004, the Climate Change Biodiversity Alliance (CCBA), a consortium of large businesses and mostly US conservation NGOs, launched a certification system for global climate protection and biodiversity conservation projects around the world.
Under the scheme, projects that mitigate or adapt to climate change, such as forestry projects, or renewable energy plants, are given scores for their contribution to greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity conservation, and benefits to local communities. Projects that score at least 50 per cent in each of these three components are eligible for a CCBA certificate.
The certification system, which was launched on 7 June, can work in both developing and developed countries and on projects with private investment, public investment or a combination of the two. CCBA’s founding organizations include the oil company BP and the conservation organisations The Nature Conservancy and Conservation International.
The Doyle Foundation has been established in honour of Dr John J Doyle, formerly Deputy Director General of the International Laboratory for Research on Animal Diseases (now part of the International Livestock Research Institute) in Nairobi, Kenya. Dr Doyle died in 1999 at the age of 55, after an outstanding career in international agricultural research and veterinary medicine.
The purpose of the foundation is to advocate and provide support for the role of science in international development, in keeping with Dr Doyle's wide interests and beliefs that science should be directed at solving clearly defined problems.
The Doyle Foundation was officially launched at the University of Glasgow Veterinary School on 30 June 2000.
The Doyle Foundation provides a forum for analysis and advocacy of the role of science in development with special regard to livestock health and the safe applications of modern biotechnology.
Emphasis is given to identifying the research needed to reduce the constraints on production of livestock, especially in Africa, and targeted broadly to livestock health and production and related fields. The Foundation achieves its aims through support for fellowships, sharing information and knowledge and related activities.
BIO-EARN's mission is to build capacity in biotechnology in Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda and promote appropriate research and related policies. The programme aims to use biotechnology in a sustainable manner in order to help improve livelihoods, ensure food security, and safeguard the environment. The site does not appear to have been up-dated since 2001, but contains relevant background information on biotechnology, biosafety and biotechnology policy development.
The Food Security Network is an independent, non-profit coalition of people throughout the world dedicated to participating in an open, informed and impactful dialogue addressing solutions to global food security concerns through sustainable agricultural practices. The website includes regular updates and news stories, which are often pro-biotechnology.
FoodFirst opposes the use of genetic engineering in agriculture and food. It publishes briefings, position papers and opinion articles on genetically modified crop technology in relation to sustainable agriculture, hunger and poverty. Its website includes audio and video interviews with FoodFirst staff as well as photo galleries illustrating, among other topics, agriculture in developing countries.
The Foundation for Revitalisation of Local Health Traditions is a charity that was founded in 1993 to promote India’s self reliance in primary health care and to help India’s traditional knowledge make a contribution to the world of medicine. It describes itself as an 'unconventional' educational institution that includes research into the conservation scientific analysis of medicinal plants.
FOEI disputes that genetically modified crops are safe and argues that genetic engineering is unsustainable. It claims to be the 'largest grassroots environmental network' in the world, with 1.5 million members. Its website on genetically modified organisms contains campaign materials and meeting reports on biosafety, hunger and food aid, contamination and corporate control. Group activity notices and a set of frequently asked questions are also provided.
GE Food Alert is an information resource for people opposed to the use of genetically engineered crops in food without labelling or independent testing. The website, maintained by the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy in Minneapolis, includes news, information and resources on genetically modified crops, food safety and security and intellectual property rights.
Gene Campaign is a nongovernmental organisation based in Delhi. Established in 1993 by Dr. Suman Sahai, it organises public debates on genetically modified crops and their relevance to Indian small farmers. It also publishes articles and booklets on genetically modified technology, biopiracy, indigenous knowledge and intellectual property rights.
The Genetic Engineering Network is a UK-based network of people opposed to the imposition of GM technology. GEN aims to support, link and publicise all those campaigning against genetic engineering, including local campaign and action groups NGOs, direct activists, and individuals.
GRAIN is an international non-governmental organisation which promotes the sustainable management and use of agricultural biodiversity based on people's control over genetic resources and local knowledge. It is dedicated to combatting 'genetic erosion', seeks to prevent the destruction of diversity by industrial agriculture, and supports agricultural biodiversity-based programmes. GRAIN publishes quarterly magazines in English (
Seedling) and Spanish (
Biodiversidad).
