Number: 1986-23
WHEREAS, there are important health, economic and environmental benefits to be derived from the use of genetically-engineered organisms; and
WHEREAS, these benefits include the use of genetically-engineered organisms in agriculture, health, mineral development, waste treatment and other fields; and
WHEREAS, the use of genetically-engineered organisms may result in food crop enhancement, decreased reliance on pesticides, and more conservative use of natural resources; and
WHEREAS, human health and environmental harm may occur from the release of genetically-engineered organisms into the environment through uncontrolled reproduction or growth, competition with native organisms, plant or animal toxicity, or through many secondary or indirect effects; and
WHEREAS, present regulations and protocols are not consistent, thorough, or comprehensive for testing, evaluation or control of genetically engineered organisms that may be released into the environment; and
WHEREAS, there appears to be inadequate enforcement of existing guidelines;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation in annual meeting assembled March 20-23, 1986, in Seattle, Washington, recommends that a comprehensive, consistent policy be established that controls the national and international testing, release, monitoring and ultimate fate of genetically-engineered organisms that may be released into the environment; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this policy should include sound pre-release testing procedures for all genetically-engineered organisms that may be released into the environment; that pre-release testing include a holistic assessment which gives consideration to the roles and functions of organisms that will be replaced by genetically- engineered organisms, and that any pre-release assessment provide quantitative information about the potential for negative effects of genetically-engineered organisms; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a mechanism of recall or control be established for genetically-engineered organisms and that the use of scientific experience of ecologists and evolutionary biologists be combined with that of geneticists, microbiologists and other experts to evaluate all potential impacts of the release of genetically- engineered organisms into the environment.