Economic analysts have predicted that by year 2025, 70% of the global industry and 40% of the total world economy will be linked to modern biotechnology (ref). A large part of this activity will be related to genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Today, however, there are uncertainties and lack of knowledge regarding the potential risks of modern biotechnology, and this uncertainty reflects the lack of relevant risk research carried out locally within a precautionary, holistic context combining ecological, ethical, socio-economical, health, cultural and legal issues. These issues are some of the fundamental challenges addressed by The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to the Convention on Biological Diversity. The Protocol seeks to protect biological diversity from the potential risks posed by GMOs resulting from modern biotechnology.

Norway is one of the 147 countries that have signed the protocol and is thereby bound by its obligations regarding safe transfer, use of and handling of GMO. A major issue in connection with the Cartagena Protocol is capacity building and technology transfer that enables developing countries to fulfil their obligations under the Protocol. This is a challenge that requires collaberation at national, regional and international levels, including a high standard of teaching, training and methodology transfer from countries with institutions experienced in handling safety in relation to modern biotechnology.

The Gateways Institutes Program (GIP) is an initiative for supporting countries that wish to fulfil their obligations under the Cartagena Protocol. The program is developed by GenØk – Centre for Biosafety in Tromsø, Norway and Centre for Integrated Research in Biosafety, New Zealand. One of the goals of the Institutes is to grow into facilities that serve to build a global capacity in biosafety, converting research and training in biosafety into well informed regulation and policy throughout the world.

The Gateways Institutes Program has today two MoUs. The first MoU were signed between National Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research (NISIR) of Zambia and GenØk. The second MoU is between the Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences and the State Environmental Protection Administration (NIES/SEPA) of China and GenØk. The Program will in the future also include other countries, among other Brazil.

From 2004 – 2005 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Norway financed the developing of the Gateways initiative. Today the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) and FK Norway (Fredskorpset) is financing the program. FK Norway supports an exchange program where eight young scientists are exchanged between the institutions over a period for one to two years. From the autumn of 2008, NORAD is supporting a research program between GenØk, NIES and NISIR.

The Institute program includes a research collaboration to assist governments with new knowledge as a foundation for independent holistic broad-minded risk assessments of GMO’s and gene technology. This includes knowledge around the spread of modified genes between GM plants and cultivated plants, GM plants impact on health and unintended effects of GM plants on the biological diversity, agriculture and society. The collaboration also includes knowledge transfer to the member countries so they can achieve the requirements set by The Cartagena Protocol and carry out risk assessments of GMO’s. In addition, the collaboration includes the exchange and training of scientists and technicians. One of the goals is to develop top scientists inside the natural and social sciences. The Gateways initiative is a support to national and regional research institutes and government, aiming to contribute to a sustainable and safe development of modern biotechnology.