PROPOSAL FOR FY2009 BIOTECH OUTREACH RESOURCES

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 LUSAKA 000041 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR EEB/TPP/MTAA/ABT (M SZYMANSKI AND J BOBO) E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAGR ECON ETRD TBIO KPAO ZA SUBJECT: PROPOSAL FOR FY2009 BIOTECH OUTREACH RESOURCES REF: A. SECSTATE 129940 ¶B. LUSAKA 34 ¶1. (SBU) Summary. In response to Ref A solicitation for FY2009 biotechnology outreach proposals, Embassy requests support for four activities. Three of the activities leverage the interest of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Secretary General's strong support for overturning regional biotechnology bans for the sake of economic growth and food security. The fourth proposal reaches out directly to the Zambian public to build support for biotechnology by demystifying the science. In fact, President Banda personally requested the Ambassador open the debate about biotechnology among the Zambian public because the GRZ felt constrained by its hard-line, but ill conceived, position. These proposed activities will support Mission efforts to promote GMO, including diplomatic demarches, media engagement, international visitor programs, and outreach to parliamentarians. Embassy Lusaka also submitted a Business Facilitation Incentive Fund (Ref B) proposal for outreach funding that will focus on outreach to Zambian Government (GRZ) policy-makers, civil society representatives, and growers' associations. Embassy has already succeeded, with the permission of the author, in reprinting in the local press an article by Professor Paul Collier, the thrust of which was that Africa cannot afford to reject genetically modified organisms. End Summary. LEVERAGING COMESA INTEREST ¶2. (SBU) In 2009, the COMESA Secretariat will employ (with USAID funding) a biotechnology advisor to advocate for the removal of all bans on biotechnology within COMESA's 19 member states, as well as other non-member states in the region, including Tanzania. The Secretariat intends to direct these efforts through private meetings at the head of government level. The biotechnology advisor would guide these efforts and support the COMESA Secretary General in these meetings, which will aim to deepen understanding and encourage top-down reforms to open the region to trade in biotechnology and increased agricultural productivity. The COMESA Secretariat's outreach is likely to wield more influence and credibility than an overtly USG-led effort. More importantly, it will allow a regional organization to show leadership on an issue that will bring economic rewards and benefits to its members, while encouraging increased market integration. ¶3. (SBU) PROJECT ONE: TRAINING. Post recommends sending a senior COMESA Secretariat official to attend the International Short Course in Agricultural Biotechnology in East Lansing, Michigan from September 13-25, 2009. Michigan State University, in partnership with state and federal agencies as well as private sector institutions, will host the course. The course will provide COMESA leadership with additional tools to more effectively advocate for the removal of all bans on biotechnology within the COMESA region. Total cost of the program will be USD 10,250, including airfare (USD 3,000),registration (USD 250),per diem (USD 1,000), and course fee (USD 6,000, which includes course materials, lodging, and domestic air and ground travel). ¶4. PROJECT TWO: RESOURCE MATERIALS. As the COMESA Secretariat representatives meet with regional leaders, it would benefit them to have printed and multimedia material to support their arguments. These publications and documentaries would help regional leaders disseminate information and build political coalitions. This project will cost approximately USD 2,850 (averaging about USD 150 per member state). ¶5. PROJECT THREE: POLICY WORKSHOP. On the margins of Lusaka-based COMESA meetings, the Secretariat hopes to host a short workshop on biotechnology for trade and agriculture ministers and officials. Post requests EEB biotech outreach resources to support two speakers. Speakers from other developing countries that have opened their doors to biotechnology would resonate better with the African audience, which has often viewed U.S. interest in biotechnology as commercially motivated, rather than motivated by an interest in economic development, agricultural growth, and global food security. Post understands, however, that EEB funding comes with restrictions and would also welcome USG speakers if third country speakers were not possible. This program item would cost approximately USD 7,400, including airfare (USD 2,500 x 2) as well as lodging and per diem (USD 1,200 x 2). LUSAKA 00000041 002 OF 002 OPENING THE ZAMBIAN DEBATE ¶6. PROJECT FOUR: DOCUMENTARY BROADCASTS. To increase public understanding of and interest in biotechnology, Embassy recommends airing a series of documentaries on Zambia's national broadcasting station during primetime viewing. Post requests EEB recommendations on documentaries that highlight the potential gains from bioengineered seed. Total cost of airing these programs would be approximately USD 6,000. BOOTH