'Periodica Polytechnica Budapest University of Technology and Economics'
Abstract
As Ukraine proclaimed the model of innovative economic development in 2001
and chose `the development of new and resources-economy technologies in the
industry and the agricultural complex´ as one of the priority directions,
this topic is of great interest for our society. Development of genetic
engineering, biotechnology and their safe application are the most urgent
questions.
There are some biotechnological risks, which are highly discussed in mass
media. They are:
- transfer of artificial genetic constructions to genotype of existing
organisms and appearance of more viable unhealthy organisms which can
displace other organisms;
- appearance of new albumen and biologically active substances which are
harmful for people and animals. These problems are known as `biosafety´.
Scientists of the world develop theoretical basis of `biosafety´, create
legislative base which could provide health and environment protection.
Our Ukrainian scientists have good results in biotechnology. There are
some examples: microbe super synthesis of some important albumen; creation
of bio-sensory systems for medicine and ecology; creation of new transgene
plants.
These investigations are biologically not so harmful as they are not used in
practice yet. Another danger exists. Foreign biotechnological companies are
interested in the promotion of their products at Ukrainian market. These
products are very often not checked. Now in Ukraine transgenic products are
being tested although it contradicts to our legislation. Thus, genetically
modified potatoes are tested in Ukraine (resistant to Colorado beetle,
MONSANTO Company), as well as corn (resistant to insects, NOVARTIS Company),
sugar beet, etc.
Committee for safety questions was established at the Ministry of Science and
Technology. Some conditions of ecological safety are included in the laws
of Ukraine, but some standard legislative acts contradict to the Ukrainian
legislation. Scientists of Ukraine proclaimed the necessity of
intensification of the state control on safety during works in genetic
engineering and on entry of unaudited products in Ukraine. Moreover, they
emphasized the necessity of cooperation with European Community in
terms of biosafety.
So, conferences, symposia on legislative regulation are held. Not only
specialists take part in such discussions but also mass media, Internet
visitors discuss them on-line.
The raising of the interest in biotechnology and
ecological safety on the part of society is also necessary to mention