Assessment of Effects on Biological Diversity
For Type 1 Use, applicants submit a biological diversity risk assessment report
which evaluates the extent to which LMOs may affect biological diversity. Experts
then review this assessment (see From Application to Approval of Type 1 Use).
In cases involving genetically modified crops, for example, a comprehensive evaluation of the crop’s effects on biological diversity is performed. If there is a native species that could be affected, the evaluation examines what the possible effects are and to what extent the species will be affected.
Hybridization with Japanese Wild Species
In Japan, there are no native wild species that can cross with rice, maize or rapeseed.
On the other hand, there are native Japanese wild species that can cross with soybeans,
and also roses, for example wild soybean (Glycine soja) for soybeans, wild rose (Rosa multiflora) for roses.
Especially for those species, it is required to examine carefully if
recombinant genes spread into groups of Japanese wild species or not.