Briefing Document: Critical Role of Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology

--In assuring recognition of the importance of industrial and environmental biotechnology from the outset, the U.S. and other nations can provide a context for, and should then seek to achieve, comprehensive consideration of important, related matters such as intellectual property protection, and harmonization of regulatory standards, that can expand or limit the prospective biotechnology advances toward Sustainable Development.

--Given its promise for providing solutions for key issues identified in Agenda 21 implementation, it is important that industrial and environmental biotechnology be specifically included as integral part of the implementation plans resulting from the Johannesburg Summit, including resulting national action plans.