Review report on progress in the implementation of sustainable development commitments related to biotechnology in Africa

This Review report takes stock of progress made in Africa and concrete actions taken to implement sustainable development resolutions and outcomes of the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) and related summits. It focuses on commitments related to Agenda 21, the Programme for the Further Implementation of Agenda 21 (PFIA21) and the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation (JPOI). The commitments underscore the need to promote access to biotechnology and its benefits in order to achieve sustainable development. It stresses the importance of enhanced scientific and technical cooperation on biotechnology and biosafety. Equally important is the transfer and handling of biotechnology and its benefits, and the need to build biosafety capacity.