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Abstract
A lack of data often makes biological management decisions difficult and has
been an area of contention in the debate over the approval of transgenic crops. Our
knowledge of natural systems is limited and our ability to gain additional information,
quickly and effectively, is often handicapped by statistical complexity. To adequately
cope with this requires new approaches and models that integrate decision-making and
management. This paper describes one possible approach to the integration of decision-making
and management, which may have application for the regulatory approval of
transgenic crops. In many situations countries wishing to approve transgenic crops will
have limited data on the environmental performance of the crop. The approach outlined
in this paper looks at how related information, possibly collected from other countries,
might be used to help inform decisions about the approval of transgenic crops. This is
done within an integrated decision-making and management framework.