Principles

Responsible Use:
Biotech Tree Principles

Overview of the Purpose and Principles of this Initiative

Reference SheetThe Responsible Use: Forest Biotechnology Principles (referred to as simply Principles throughout) is structured in a progression from high-level guiding Principles to verifiable, on the ground practices. Each step is described on this page and summarized in this reference sheet       

 

The goal of these Principles is to help protect the future of forests by creating a verifiable set of practices that can be applied wherever biotech trees Biotech trees are trees that are developed through genetic engineering (also called genetic modification) and subsequent trees using asexual propagation (commonly known as cloning). are used. Developed through a transparent, multistakeholder mechanism, the nine practices focus on the following objectives:

  1. Provide a comprehensive framework to document aspects of biotech trees that stakeholders deem important.
  2. Create a simple and effective mechanism so users along the value chain know what biotech trees they have and how to care for them.
  3. Promote interaction and cross-education between forest biotechnology practitioners and stakeholders to maximize social benefits.

Embodied in every value chain step of responsibly used biotech trees is an understanding that these trees and their products should create sustainable benefits. Benefits may be derived from environmental or economic benefits of the tree, the tree’s products, or scientific insight gained through forest biotechnology research. Some practices give users insight and tools to enhance the benefits of forest biotechnology while mitigating risks. Other practices focus on maintaining the integrity of a biotech tree’s history as it moves along the value chain.

 

Using these Principles is purely voluntary - this is not a certification system. These Principles only apply to ‘biotech trees’ which the Institute of Forest Biotechnology defines as: “Trees that are developed through genetic engineering (also called genetic modification) and subsequent trees using asexual propagation (commonly known as cloning).” Therefore, trees clonally propagated or traditionally bred without the use of genetic modification anywhere in their lineage are not considered biotech trees.

 

5 Truths

There are some aspects of forests and biotech trees that cannot be denied regardless of personal opinions or convictions. These truths are integrated in the Responsible Use: Forest Biotechnology Principles.

  • Forests are important to people
  • Biotechnology is a powerful tool
  • Biotech trees have the potential for unique and diverse applications
  • Biotech trees raise personal, environmental, and cultural questions
  • Biotech trees are being used around the world under different levels of oversight

Having widely agreed upon principles and facts is a critical part of developing on the ground practices.

 

Reference Sheet

This sheet offers a quick overview of the components and steps in the Responsible Use: Forest Biotechnology Principles. Starting with broad directives at number one, progressing through specific aspects, and finally to the public optional attestation of performance at number seven. A hard copy of this table is available here.

Principles

High-level guiding directives
  • Biotech trees will benefit people, the environment, or both
  • Risks and benefits of biotech trees will be assessed
  • Transparency is important - stakeholders will be engaged
  • Social equity and indigenous rights are important and will be respected
  • Biotech trees use must follow regulations of the appropriate country

Value Chain

Nine steps that encompass all biotech tree uses
 

Selective Application

Holistic Application (In Accordance)

Practices

What to accomplish for value chain steps

Complete all applicable practices

Actions

How to accomplish the practices

 Follow all actions
Optional

Recommendations

Optional actions that users are encouraged to take

 Follow as meany recommendations as feasible
Optional
Optional

Tools

Templates and worksheets help users complete actions and recommendations

 Add additional information as necessary to achieve goals of the practices

Attestation

Alert the IFB of being In Accordance with these Principles

 Publicly attest to completing all steps and being In Accordance

No

Principles

As you read in 'About' this initiative, these Principles are in recognition that responsibly used biotech trees have the potential to benefit society, the environment, economies, and cultures. They were developed by a broad spectrum of stakeholders to provide guidance on using biotech trees responsibly. This initiative is guided by these five high-level Principles:

  • Biotech trees will benefit people, the environment, or both
  • Risks and benefits of biotech trees will be assessed
  • Transparency is important - stakeholders will be engaged
  • Social equity and indigenous rights are important and will be respected
  • Biotech tree use must follow regulations of the appropriate country

These Principles are the result of many stakeholder meetings and communication within the Forest Biotechnology Partnership. The Principles evolved over time and will continue to as the science, dialogue, and stewardship of biotech trees advance.

Forest Biotechnology Value Chain

The vlaue chain includes every step in the development, growth, and use of biotech trees. Starting with step one, product concpetion, and ending with the final use or disposal of a biotech tree or its a product of the tree.

value chain

Practices

The practices describe what should be accomplished. Each practice corresponds to a particular step in the value chain of biotech trees. Each step has at least one practice while some have more. Each practice is designed to be additive to previous ones already followed by a responsible biotech tree user. Actions detail how users should implement each practice.

Actions

Actions detail how to accomplish what practices require. Most of the actions consist of documenting results and attesting to completeness. The level of documentation should be proportional to the novelty or risk of the trait or biotech tree. Detailed information may be confidential and can be restricted from outside parties. However, a secondary attestation within the organization or by a responsible party or peer can usually be made available to outside parties without divulging proprietary information. In no circumstance does any aspect of the Responsible Use: Forest Biotechnology Principles attempt to take precedence over confidential information. Most actions have a template or worksheet in the Tools section of the Appendix to help the user.

Recommendations and Discussion

Each practice has recommendations that are additional steps a user can take at their discretion. Users are encouraged to follow as many of the recommendations as feasible. Each practice also has a discussion section that gives insight into the reasoning behind it.

Tools

The Appendix includes templates and worksheets to assist biotech tree users in completing the actions and recommendations of each practice. These tools are intended to increase the efficiency of using these Principles in a manner that is capable of being verified if desired. However, since the templates and worksheets are generic and biotech tree uses are often unique, it is important to be flexible when using these tools. Be sure to achieve the intended goals of each action or recommendation accordingly. Adding more information or otherwise modifying a template or worksheet to suit the specific biotech tree situation is expected.

Attesting to being 'In Accordance'

These Principles are purely voluntary with no implied requirements. Users interested in applying this program to its maximum effectiveness can complete every applicable practice in a holistic manner. For detailed information on this high-performance stewardship option, please visit that the In Accordance section of this website.

R6.4 Growth and Stewardship - Additional information to gather to help future research

Recommendation 6.4 is voluntary and asks that users consider gathering additional information that can help researchers better understand the environmental effects of biotech trees.  Below is a a list of desirable types of information gathered from researchers and other stakeholders. If you want an information piece considered for this list, please submit it through the comment form, or contact the IFB directly.

  1. TBD