Subsequent international agreement to the Convention of Biological Diversity. The Cartagena Protocol aims at providing consistent and high definitions for requirements regarding the transboundary movement (transport) of GMOs worldwide. That is to prevent that GMOs threatening biological diversity, taking also into account risks to human health.

Means a competent authority designated by a Party to the Cartagena Protocol, or the relevant equivalent body of a non-Party, which is responsible for performing the administrative functions required by the Protocol, or equivalent functions in the case of a non-Party, and is authorised to act on its behalf with respect to those functions. (source: Art. 3 Regulation (EC) No 1946/2003)

Meeting of the parties to the Cartagena Protocol that takes place every two years. At COP-MOPs parties discuss the continued development of the Cartagena Protocol.

An entity for the notification of the unintentional transboundary movement (transport) of GMOs (regarding Art. 17 Cartagena Protocol) and for the initiation of emergency measures.

Facility in which genetic engineering operations are carried out and which uses specific containment measures to limit the contact of the used organisms with the general population and the environment and to ensure an appropriate safety level with regard to their risk potential.

International agreement that aims to ensure conservation and the sustainable use of biological diversity.