The National Biodiversity Policy Statement aims to conserve Malaysia's biological diversity and to ensure that its components are utilized in a sustainable manner for the continued progress and socio-economic development of the nation. The Policy aims to maintain and improve environmental stability for proper functioning of ecological systems as well as emphasize biosafety considerations in the development and application of biotechnology. There are tables stating examples of conservation in Malaysia (Box 1). Box 3 refers to legislation relevant to biological diversity. Having ratified the Convention on Biological Diversity on 24th June 1994, Malaysia must incorporate into its national policy the set of commitments of the Convention. The Statement includes strategies for the effective management of biological diversity including the development of a center of excellence for research in tropical biological diversity and the strengthening and integration of conservation programmes. Strategy 11 refers to the adoption of an environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) procedure for biotechnology research and activities, including assessment on safety and social impacts.