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[GWL]: On-line Gene-Technology debate

I know that gene technology is not strictly gardening - but i know many 
on this list are interested in the issue and so I post this. It may be 
of interest to some. Looks interesting.

Regards

greenthumbZ
(Michael Elliott)


what:   online debate on genetechnology
where: http://www.southernvoices.nl 
who:    an initiave by The Terlouw Commission, The European Network
University and The Biotechnology and Development Monitor 
when:    31 October to 13 November 2001


What's it all about? How far can gene technology be trusted to provide a
safe and sustainable solution to the problem of hunger? Should privately
funded research only benefit those who funded it? Will eating 
genetically
engineered food affect our health in the long term? Do we have 
sufficient
scientific evidence and information to make any judgments about these
issues at all? 
 From our experiences and the experiences of other people throughout the
world we are searching for answers to such questions. In many countries
changing climate conditions, natural disasters, and population pressure
demand an urgent solution to the problem of food security. 
Genetechnology
seems to offer promising solutions, but is this a technology that can be
applied with trust  and if so, under what conditions?

We would like to invite you to take part in an online-event organised by
The European Network University (www.netuni.nl) and the Biotechnology 
and
Development Monitor (www.biotech-monitor.nl), a quarterly magazine
concerned with the socio-economic impacts of biotechnology in developing
countries. Both organizations are based in Amsterdam. The aim of the 
event
is to exchange experiences, explore opinions and generate new insights 
on
the issue of genetically engineered food. This event is unique in that 
it
aims to draw together those concerned with agriculture, food production 
and
development in an international debate where the agenda is set by the
priorities of those most closely affected by food insecurity.

Why? We have called our online debate Southern Voices. It is a response 
to
the activity and discussion surrounding a Dutch Government initiative  
The
Terlouw Commission - to involve public and private interest groups in 
the
debate about genetechnology and food. This discussion has considerable
implications outside the borders of the Netherlands itself. The 
complexity
and global character of the agricultural chain and the intensity of 
trade
in agricultural products with developing countries means that the issue 
of
introducing genetically modified food crops is of critical importance to
policy makers, researchers, civil society organisations and consumers,
throughout the South. 

How? The online debate will be divided into two rounds. The first round 
is
set up around four dichotomies. These are: Food Safety vs. Food 
Security,
Local vs. Global, Organic Farming vs. GMO's and Public vs. Private. Each
dichotomy has a virtual 'room'. Each room will be moderated by an expert 
in
their field. The goal of the first round is to let participants 
brainstorm
on those issues they consider most relevant in the discussion on
genetechnology and food.  In the second round, the 'deep' round,
participants will have the opportunity to enter into an indepth 
discussion
on the key topics that have been identified in round 1. 

When? The first round will start on the 31 October 2001 and will run 
until
the 1st of  November 2001. The second round will begin shortly 
afterwards,
on 6 November 2001 and will last until 13th of November 2001.

How can you join? You can register as a participant on our site:
www.southernvoices.nl

What about the results? Round one will result in a 'topic map' available
online before the second round starts. A report of the second round will 
be
published online. You can immediately view the results of the discussion
you contributed to. This report will be presented to the Terlouw 
Commission
for consideration in the further discussion on Dutch Biotechnology 
Policy. 

This is a unique opportunity to share your ideas with divergent minds 
from
all over the world. We look forward to hearing your voice on our site.

email:    fellow@netuni.uva.nl
tel:         + 31 (0)20 561 8163

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