EMBASSY KYIV PROPOSED BIOTECH OUTREACH STRATEGY

UNCLAS KYIV 000115 SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPT FOR EEB/TPP/MTAA/ABT - JACK BOBO AND MARCELLA SZYMANSKI E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAGR TBIO ETRD EAID UP SUBJECT: EMBASSY KYIV PROPOSED BIOTECH OUTREACH STRATEGY REF: 2008 STATE 129940 ¶1. (SBU) Summary. Embassy Kyiv requests $10,711.00 for public outreach to support USG trade and development policy positions on biotechnology. Ukraine has been listed as a "key" country for biotechnology engagement in FY 2009. Given Ukraine's robust agricultural sector and proximity to EU market influences, Embassy Kyiv proposes further advocacy of the benefits of biotechnology and science-based regulatory systems among policymakers, scientists, and journalists. Post plans to translate and disseminate peer-reviewed scientific materials, as well as organize a speaker program that would include conferences, workshops, and media outreach in Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Odesa. End summary. Scientific Roadshow -------------- ¶2. (SBU) Public apprehension towards biotechnology and transgenic foods in Ukraine results from persistent knowledge gaps and negative information campaigns. However, concerns about the quality and long-term health implications of GMOs have not been adequately addressed by government regulators, scientific researchers, or the media. In light of this, Post proposes to invite an American expert to Ukraine to conduct lectures, town hall meetings, and press events. Ideally, s/he would possess expertise in human health, genetics, environmental science, plant varieties, and global market trends. ¶3. (SBU) Post envisions a six-day "roadshow," with events in three regions: Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Odesa. These regions are important agricultural centers and also represent Embassy outreach priorities. The National Agricultural University (NAU),with a main campus in Kyiv and 17 satellite campuses across Ukraine, has indicated its willingness to facilitate and host events. Translation of Articles into Local Language -------------- ¶4. (SBU) Eight out of ten articles in Ukrainian newspapers on biotechnology, according to one local contact, negatively portray GMOs. These articles are often planted by officials who profit from fears of biotechnology. Anti-GMO environmental groups funded in Europe have also published materials in local media. Articles by Western scientists, using peer-reviewed data which debunks many GMO myths, are rarely translated into Russian or Ukrainian. Post proposes two recent articles for translation and reproduction -- "The Real GM Food Scandal," by Dick Taverne, published in the November 2007 edition of Prospect Magazine, and an editorial in the December 2007 edition of Nature entitled "Another Inconvenient Truth" -- to be distributed during the "roadshow" and other outreach opportunities. Recipients will include journalists, students at agricultural universities, university faculty, and scientific researchers. Proposed Budget -------------- ¶5. (U) Post estimates the following costs, in USD: 3,000.00 Roundtrip Airfare, US to Kyiv, Ukraine 800.00 Domestic Travel to Dnipropetrovsk and Odesa 576.00 Lodging, Kyiv (3 x 192/night) 420.00 Lodging, Other (3 x 140/night) 324.00 M&IE, Kyiv (3 x 108/day) 291.00 M&IE, Other (3 x 97/day) 400.00 Ground Transport for the "Roadshow" 1,200.00 Honorarium for the Presenter 1,500.00 Simultaneous Interpretation 1,200.00 Interpreter Travel Expenses 500.00 Translation, Proofreading, and Editing 500.00 Printing (400 copies) -------------- $10,711.00 TOTAL PROPOSED BUDGET ¶6. (SBU) Post Point of Contact: Jay Truesdale Economic Officer U.S. Embassy, Kyiv Tel. +380.44.490.4514 Fax +380.44.490.4277 truesdalejr(at)state.gov ¶7. (U) Post wishes to thank EEB/TPP/MTAA/ABT staff for its ongoing support of Embassy Kyiv's biotechnology promotion efforts. TAYLOR