GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS: A CASE FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN AN ANTI-GLOBALISATION ERA

Abstract

The  research  aims  at  critically  analysing  the  nationalism  and  anti-globalisation  arguments  in  opposition  to biotechnology,  particularly  Genetically  Modified  Organisms  (GMOs),  in  a  bid  to  address  their  impact  on  the achievement  of  the  sustainability  objectives. The  research  further  sought  to  examine  the  key  international instruments regulating the cultivation and trade of GMOs.  The methodology adopted is doctrinal with primary and secondary   sources   on   Law   and   biotechnology,   aided   by   international   treaties,   textbooks,   journal   articles, newspapers  and  online  materials.  This work,  following  the  nationalist  arguments  in  opposition  to  GMOs,  finds among others that differences in laws on GMOs cause trade conflicts and that by genetically engineering products, big biotechnology companies are trying to impose food totalitarianism on the world. Nevertheless, these arguments were  outweighed  by  the  numerous  sustainability  objectives  to  be  derived  from  the  globalisation  of  GMOs.  The research  therefore  made  a  case  for  States  to  be  more  receptive  of  GMOs,  provided  adequate  and  less  complex national and international standards have been met