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GE Commission: The First Real Environmental Test
Royal Commission on GE :
The First Real Environmental
Test
Friday 7 April, 2000, Auckland, New Zealand
The
status of genetically engineered (GE) field trials whilst
the Royal Commission of Inquiry on GE takes place will be
the first real test of the new Government’s commitment to
environmental protection, warned Greenpeace today [1]. An
announcement on the terms of reference for the Royal
Commission is expected imminently.
“If there is not a ban placed on GE field trials, the risks of genetic pollution - which the Royal Commission is being set up to investigate - will not be prevented. Allowing GE field trials to continue whilst the Royal Commission proceeds is like opening the prison gates whilst the Government considers penal reform. In short, without a ban on field trials, the Royal Commission will be a sham” said Tricia Allen, Campaigns Director for Greenpeace in New Zealand.
As one of the few
outstanding pre-election commitments which the new
Government failed to meet within their first 100 days of
Government, the Royal Commission on GE poses the biggest
environmental challenge Helen Clark has faced since coming
to power.
“The irreversibility and unpredictability
of allowing GE crops to be grown in the open environment is
at stake here. The wisdom of applying the precautionary
principle and banning commercial GE applications whilst the
Commission meets makes good sense, but if this is combined
with weak measures which will still allow field trials to
go ahead in secret locations, we can kiss goodbye to the
notion of New Zealand being protected from genetic
pollution” said Tricia Allen.
“Will the Royal
Commission protect our country from genetic pollution
whilst a proper debate takes place? We expect Helen Clark
to show the leadership required on this issue, and announce
a ban on field trials, for the sake of our precious
environment” said Tricia Allen.
ENDS
For
further information, contact Tricia Allen on +64 (0)25 790
817.
NOTES FOR EDITORS
[1] Where the term GE
field trial is used here, Greenpeace does not refer to the
application of GE technology for medical purposes, where
these experiments are carried out within closed laboratory
controlled conditions.
Greenpeace
Greenpeace exists because this fragile earth deserves a voice.
Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning organisation that acts to change attitudes and behaviour, to protect and conserve the environment and to promote peace.
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