European Commission International Cooperative Programme (INCO)

European Commission

In 1995, the European Commision initiated the European Commission International Cooperative Programme (INCO) which included several activity areas relevant to biosafety. From 1995 to 1998, over 126 projects and activities related to biotechnology were financed by the European Union and carried out in cooperation with developing countries. This collaboration encompasses joint research projects, the organization of workshops for exchange of information on technical issues and policy matters, including regulations and product authorization procedures for GMOs. <BR>Capacity-building specifically targeted to biosafety includes funding for genetic resources and biosafety projects in Asia, Latin America, and Mediterranean countries and development of methodologies to assess and conserve biodiversity.

National level activities
Human-resources development
Information exchange & data management
Institutional strengthening
Scientific, technical and institutional collaboration

International level activities
International guidance
Strengthening of North-South and South-South Cooperation

Goals
To support countries in developing risk assessment and management
To concentrate on biotechnology applications for agriculture, health and natural resources management

Objectives
To support the sound management and use of biotechnology

Main outcomes
1) Over 126 projects/activities related to biotechnology were supported, from 1995 to 1998 . <BR>2) Approximately 200 post-doctoral fellowships in biotechnology for researchers from developing countries have been supported.