Genetically modified organisms and its impact on environment: A legal perception

There is a complex ecological interdependence between all soil organisms. Together they are responsible for the cycle of decomposing and restructuring organic material so that it will be accessible to growing plants. It is also responsible for the nitrogen and water-retaining properties as well as for other factors of great importance for soil fertility. In order to transfer of genes between soil micro-organisms by vector DNA from genetically engineered plant, soil ecology and fertility may be affected and it would reduce soil fertility to a growing extent more the soil is saturated with the species diversity-disrupting GMO (genetically modified organisms) genes. GMOs are created by transferring genetic material from one organism to another. All the GMOs are under controversy, citizens and governments in different countries want to ensure that these GMOs do not pose a threat to the environment and human health. The Cartagena Protocol is the first international agreement to regulate the transboundary movement of GMOs. Under the Convention on Biological Diversity, states agreed on the importance and concern over the spread and cross-border transfer of GMOs and their risks to environment as well as human beings. Consequently, in 2000, they adopted the Cartagena Protocol to address the possible risks of GMOs. The protocol is an important step in the protection of biodiversity and biosafety.