The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (CPB) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) was adopted in 2000 in Montreal, Canada. It was ratified by Rwanda in 2003. The objective of the Protocol is to provide adequate level of the protection in the field of the safe transfer, handling and use of living modified organisms resulting from modern biotechnology that may have adverse effects on the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity.

The Protocol contributes to the operationalization of the Organic Law N° 04/2005 determining the modalities of protection, conservation and promotion of environment in Rwanda, especially the article 20 which provides for special legislation regarding the introduction, importation and exportation of plant and animal species as well as article 41 which guarantees a right of every person in Rwanda to a healthy environment and ecosystem protection.

It is required that all parties to the Protocol put in place appropriate legal and regulatory mechanisms for ensuring the effective implementation.