Global environmental pollution, destruction of the ecosystem, the crisis in agriculture, and food safety and security are all vital issues of the 21st century, creating a need for it to be considered the "environmental century". Nevertheless, there are those who claim that the biotech industry will be a major player in the 21st century in terms of wealth creation and economic growth. The market share for biotechnology already stands at 1,200 billion yen, with pharmaceuticals accounting for 40% of the biotech sector and agriculture some 20%. The government of Japan estimates that by 2010 the market for biotech could grow to 25 trillion yen.

However, there are major concerns about the use of genetic engineering - a commonly used technique in modern biotechnology - because it involves the manipulation and reconstruction of genes, which form the very blueprint of life, and because such a powerful technology could give rise to the unexpected destruction of ecosystems. Despite this, genetically engineered crops have already been introduced into the world market, without sufficient assessment of their risks or safety, and with no public involvement in decision making and no transparency.

Concern has centered particularly on agriculture. As the planting area of genetically engineered crops has expanded, environmental and food safety issues have come into ever greater prominence. There is also a closely related concern that the giant agro-chemical corporations are gaining control over the world's food supply.

In addition, research and development involving the genetic engineering of livestock, fish and trees is evolving as is the application of cloning technologies, bringing closer the prospect of the reconstruction of the human species.

There has been a need for an informative body which is independent from government or industry, to investigate, evaluate and analyse issues relating to biotechnology.

The Citizens' Biotechnology Information Center(CBIC) was founded in October 2001. CBIC's aim is to provide a reliable information source which can inform the public independently of the government or industry.
It is also intended to function as a citizens' think tank.

1. Data Collection and Analysis

CBIC gathers biotechnology-related information, including information on risk-safety issues relating to genetically modified foods and environmental impacts, in order to analyse this material and make information more broadly available to the general public.

2. CBIC's newsletter

CBIC publishes a monthly "Bio Journal" newsletter in Japanese for its members in order to bring them the latest news and issues arising out of biotechnology and genetic engineering in Japan and overseas.

3. CBIC's website

CBIC provides information to the public through its website.

4. Books, pamphlets and leaflets

CBIC makes available biotechnology-related literature and brings talented contributors to the biotech debate to public attention. It also publishes pamphlets and leaflets, and occasionally translates materials.

5. Networking among scientists

CBIC's aim is to develop a network among scientists who are independent from government or industry, who will be able to help inform, articulate and represent the general public's point of view.

6. Public education seminars and symposiums

CBIC organizes public seminars and symposiums with scientists　from Japan and from overseas in order to inform and educate the public about the relevant issues in biotechnology today.