Variability among living organisms from all sources including, inter alia, terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part; this includes diversity
within species, between species and of ecosystems. (source: Art. 3 Regulation (EC) No 1946/2003)

With respect to the Cartagena Protocol the term biosafety points to the protection of human, animals, plants and the environment against adverse effects of genetic engineering operations and products thereof.

An internet platform to allow sharing of information by the parties to the Cartagena Protocol. Each party provides information related to the handling of GMO, decisions on GMOs and further aspects of biosafety from its own perspective.

Supreme federal authority that is responsible for the political orientation concerning food and agriculture.

Higher federal authority that comes under the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL). The BVL is responsible for the risk management and diverse tasks in authorization related to food safety.