• It is important to emphasize that the Biosafety Protocol is an environmental agreement and that it does not address food safety. Food safety is addressed by experts in other international fora.

• The Protocol will help to realize the potential benefits of modern biotechnology around the world, such as reduced pesticide use and increased crop yields, while appropriately managing the potential risks to the environment.

• Another key fact is that the Biosafety Protocol in no way changes the rights and obligations of countries under the WTO.

• Another positive feature of the Protocol is that it establishes an internet-based "Biosafety Clearing-House," which promises to be an extremely important tool for sharing information about modern biotechnology around the world.

• In addition, this agreement will help developing countries build their capacity for managing modern biotechnology.

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