New Delhi, Oct 2, IRNA - The United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity kicked off Monday at the Hyderabad International Convention Centre with host nation India taking over as the chair from Japan.

Union Minister for Environment and Forests Jayanthi Natarajan took over the reins of the Eleventh Conference of Parties (COP-11) from Japan's Masamichi Saigo on the occasion.

Delivering the inaugural address, Natarajan noted that some countries had reservations on the living modified organisms (LMOs), particularly with reference to their long-term impact on biodiversity, human health and socio-economics.

"The Cartagena Protocol on Bio-safety (CPB) recognizes that Parties may take into account their international obligations and the impact of LMOs on conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, including human health. Let us allay the apprehensions and reach a consensus," she added.

The Union Minister observed that it was not an easy task to balance modern technology and impact on bio-safety.

LMOs is a controversial issue with concerns on long-term impact on ecology and conservation, she said.

She pointed out that investments in biotechnology were increasing significantly in several countries. "We need science-based regulation in this regard," she added.

Natarajan hoped the momentum built at MOP-6 would help in resolving critical issues for effective implementation of the CPB, including the early entry into force of the Supplementary Protocol on Liability and Redress.

India is a recognised megadiverse country rich in biodiversity and associated traditional knowledge. With just 2.4 per cent of the land area, India accounts for nearly 7 per cent of the recorded species even while supporting almost 18 per cent of human population as well as cattle population. The biotic pressure on our biodiversity is therefore immense.

The convention began with meeting of the Parties to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (COP MOP 6) and will be followed by 11th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP 11). While COP MOP 6 will conclude on Oct 5, the COP 11 will be from Oct 8 to 19.

CoP-11 is expected to come out with a road map for operationalisation of the Strategic Plan and Aichi targets; facilitation of early entry into force of Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing; and determine targets for mobilizing resources for implementing the Strategic Plan.

CoP-10 held in Nagoya in October 2010 had adopted the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 alongwith twenty Aichi biodiversity targets.