Biological warfare, bioterrorism, biodefence and the biological and toxin weapons convention

Edgar J. DaSilva
Director, Division of Life Sciences UNESCO, France
E-Mail: e.dasilva@unesco.org

Keywords: Biodefence, Biosensors, Bioterrorism, Biowarfare, Robobiology, and Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC)

Biological warfare is the intentional use of micro-organisms, and toxins, generally of microbial, plant or animal origin to produce disease and death in humans, livestock and crops. The attraction of bioweapons in war, and for use in terroristic attacks is attributed to easy access to a wide range of disease-producing biological agents, to their low production costs, to their non-detection by routine security systems, and to their easy transportation from one place to another. In addition, novel and accessible technologies give rise to proliferation of such weapons that have implications for regional and global security. In counteraction of such threats, and in securing the culture and defence of peace, the need for leadership and example in devising preventive and protective strategies has been emphasised through international consultation and co-operation. Adherence to the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention reinforced by confidence-building measures sustained by use of monitoring and verification protocols, is indeed, an important and necessary step in reducing and eliminating the threats of biological warfare and bioterrorism.