The Zambian government said it has begun reviewing its Biotechnology and Biosafety Policy of 2003 to strengthen the application of biotechnology and biosafety in the country.
That country’s minister of green economy and environment, Collins Nzovu disclosed this during a meeting in which a draft policy is currently being validated and will provide a legal framework to address challenges in biotechnology and related areas.
Nzovu – who was represented by the ministry’s permanent secretary, Engr. John Msimuko – explained that biotechnology is being used in agriculture, medicine, the environment and industry to find solutions. He cited Malawi as a neighbouring country already utilising biotechnology in agriculture and commercialising the production of genetically modified cotton.
Nzovu urged Zambian researchers and scientists to take an interest in biotechnology research to improve lives, combat diseases and spur socio-economic development.
The CEO of Zambia’s National Biosafety Authority, Lackson Tonga stated at the same event that biotechnology could provide solutions to environmental challenges such as climate change.
