The issue of GM trees in relation to forest biodiversity is on the agenda of the current meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice of the Convention on Biological Diversity in Rome that takes place from 18 to 22 February 2008.
Invasive alien species are a major cause of biodiversity loss in forests and other ecosystems, but the issue of invasive alien tree plantation species is rarely mentioned or addressed, in spite of the fact that some species of eucalyptus, pines and acacias have already become invasive in many countries (e.g. in South Africa, Chile, USA, Uruguay and others).
Genetically modified (GM) trees are mostly planned for large-scale commercial purposes and their impact would be similar to the current industrial tree monocultures and more. Research into GM trees is extensive mostly in industrialized countries as well as in some countries in the South but China, where more than one million GM poplar trees have been planted in "reforestation" initiatives since commercialisation was approved in 2002, is thus far the only known country that has commercialized such trees (apart from GM papaya, which is a fruit tree).
In March 2006, in Curitiba, Brazil, the parties to the Convention on Biodiversity (CBD) discussed the issue of genetically modified (GM) trees (see Choike's special coverage of the meeting).The conference delegates agreed a decision which "Recommends Parties to take a precautionary approach when addressing the issue of genetically modified trees." The CBD report notes that many scientists echo this decision, "emphasizing that the precautionary approach should be applied when considering the use of genetically modified trees."
Several environmental organizations think this does not go far enough. A ban on GM trees is needed.
Sources: Third World Network, World Rainforest Movemement
KEY DOCUMENTS:
WRM briefing on transgenic trees (PDF)
The World Rainforest Movement has issued a briefing on GM trees which it believes are more hazardous than agricultural crops given that their lifespans are longer and therefore their effects will be felt over many years.
WRM resource page on the meeting
See a compilation of news and reports on the 13th meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SBSTTA 13) including declarations and photos for civil society activities in Rome.
Moratorium on all GM trees and ban on GM forest trees
Institute of Science in Society (ISIS)
Genetically modified (GM) trees have all the hazards of GM crops only worse, GM forest trees, in particular, are the ultimate threat to people and planet argues this report.
Week of events and protest at CBD meeting in Rome
Delegates representing governments in Rome were greeted with a demonstration against genetically engineered trees and agrofuels as they entered the plenary session on February 21. This CBD body discussed those issues, and more, prior to the CBD's Conference of the Parties in Bonn, Germany.
The full CBD report: "The potential environmental, cultural and socio-economic impacts of genetically modified trees" (PDF)
