Following the vote at the IUCN World Conservation Congress, members have rejected a moratorium on genetic engineering of wild species (Motion 133) and adopted the IUCN Policy on Synthetic Biology (Motion 087), a move observers see as a signal of support for a science-based, case-by-case approach to innovation in conservation.
The Outreach Network for Gene Drive Research has welcomed the outcome as a vote of confidence in scientific collaboration and evidence-led policymaking.
In a statement, the Outreach Network for Gene Drive Research said: “As a coalition that champions the value of responsible research, we welcome the adoption of IUCN’s Policy on Synthetic Biology as a constructive, balanced and science-based approach towards the potential application of this emerging field for conservation.
“The escalating biodiversity crisis poses a grave threat to the future of all life on earth, with more than a million species at risk of extinction. Synthetic biology, including genetic engineering, offers new hope for solutions that can rise to the scale and urgency of the challenge.
“While this is not a blanket endorsement of synthetic biology, it provides an important framework for informed, responsible decision-making on a case-by-case basis according to scientific evidence and risk assessments. It recognises the importance of governments making decisions about the use of synthetic biology that factors in their unique national priorities and contexts.
“By adopting its Policy on Synthetic Biology, IUCN has also signaled the importance of ongoing research into synthetic biology for other applications, including the control of vector-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue. This allows for continued research into potentially transformative new tools for addressing some of the world’s most persistent and pernicious health challenges.
“The outcome at the World Conservation Congress reinforces IUCN’s role as a responsible policy leader and aligns with international practices already set out in other key fora and agreements, including the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Cartagena Protocol.
“Moving forward, we look forward to the IUCN Council’s proposals to strengthen capacity-building efforts in the synthetic biology field. We also recognize the value of further collaboration with the UN’s Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), particularly as it develops its ‘Thematic Action Plan to build capacity in synthetic biology.’ Such coordination will be critical to ensure inclusive, informed, and effective implementation of the IUCN decision across stakeholders, especially in low- and middle-income countries.”
World-leading scientists and experts have also been reacting to the news.
Yacine Djibo, Founder and Executive Director of Speak Up Africa, a Senegal-based NGO working to advance public health and sustainable development across Africa: “By adopting the IUCN’s Policy on Synthetic Biology and rejecting a moratorium, the World Conservation Congress has endorsed a context-specific, science-based approach to the use of genetic tools for public good. This is significant because it helps keep all potential options on the table for addressing Africa’s most pressing challenges, which include biodiversity loss as well as public health threats.
“Across Africa, malaria remains one of the biggest public health challenges, killing one child nearly every minute, and existing tools are not sufficient in the face of new challenges such as invasive mosquito species, insecticide resistance or climate change impacts. The potential to use genetic technologies to reduce the population of malaria-carrying mosquitoes is a promising area of research, offering hope to help reverse stalled progress and save lives.
“By supporting governments’ rights to consider the development and use of genetic tools, the IUCN resolution has kept the door open to new, cost-effective and scalable solutions for controlling malaria and other vector-borne diseases.”
Dr. Leena Tripathi, Director of Eastern Africa Hub and Leader of the Biotechnology Program, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA): “It’s a huge relief to see the World Conservation Congress adopt IUCN’s Policy on Synthetic Biology and reject a proposed moratorium on genetic engineering. As a scientist working on agricultural biotechnology, I followed the discussions with interest because the outcome had ramifications for research to address global food security as well as conservation.
“This decision upholds the value of scientific research and the significant potential that synthetic biology has for tackling some of the world’s most pressing challenges, including achieving the 70 per cent increase in food production needed to meet demand by 2050. It also provides governments with an evidence-based framework for navigating new applications of biotechnology to determine their suitability on a case-by-case basis.”
Susan Lieberman, Vice President for International Policy at the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and a member of the IUCN Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group: “The Wildlife Conservation Society welcomes the decision to adopt the IUCN’s Policy on Synthetic Biology and reject a moratorium on genetic engineering of wild species in nature, which would have been inconsistent with the policy.
“Synthetic biology offers enormous potential to complement existing conservation tools at a time when current approaches are no longer sufficient to keep pace with the ongoing rate of biodiversity loss.
“The resolution at the World Conservation Congress accepts that synthetic biology applications should be considered on a case-by-case basis in line with international frameworks and agreements. It recognises the importance of taking informed decisions based on scientific evidence and rigorous risk assessments when weighing up how to address each conservation challenge.”
Oliver Ryder, Director of Conservation Genetics, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance: “It’s a huge boost to the future of conservation to have the IUCN Policy on Synthetic Biology adopted. This motion provides a critically important decision-making framework to evaluate opportunities for synthetic biology to contribute to our shared conservation goals.
“Synthetic biology has evolved significantly and has already shown potential to help restore genetic diversity among endangered species. For example, our work to preserve living cells in our Frozen Zoo enabled the birth of the first cloned black-footed ferret in 2020, re-introducing previously lost genetic variation back into the population.
“With the IUCN’s backing, scientists can continue to explore and develop new genetic technologies to support conservation efforts and help halt the rapidly accelerating biodiversity crisis.”
David Will, Director of Impact and Innovation at Island Conservation: “It’s encouraging to see the World Conservation Congress adopt IUCN’s Policy on Synthetic Biology. The policy represents a science-based approach to a rapidly evolving and hugely promising field of research, developed by consensus after consultation with all relevant parties.
“Invasive species like mice and rats are a leading driver of biodiversity loss, contributing to 60 percent of known extinctions – most of which happen on islands. Removing these invasive species is a proven method for restoring biodiversity, allowing species to return home for the first time in hundreds of years and directly contributing to reduced extinction risk as defined by the IUCN Red List. With projections that the total number of alien species will increase by an estimated 36 per cent by 2050 compared to 2005, these fragile but vital ecosystems urgently need new tools to protect native species.
“By rejecting a moratorium on synthetic biology, IUCN has ensured research exploring promising new tools, such as gene drive technologies, can continue. The future potential addition of targeted, scalable approaches to the island conservation toolbox could help more island communities remove invasive rodents, offering hope for protecting native wildlife on islands where existing conservation approaches are not enough.”
Dr. Seth Appiah-Kubi, National Director of environmental NGO, A Rocha Ghana: “I applaud the adoption of the IUCN Policy on Synthetic Biology, which sets out a responsible path forward based on evaluating each application on a case-by-case basis, guided by science-based risk assessments, ethical standards, and respect for the rights of Indigenous Peoples and local communities.
“This policy empowers members with a toolkit to guide decisions and supports countries in making informed choices. This is especially important in low- and middle-income countries where biodiversity loss is accelerating.
“Existing conservation tools alone cannot reverse biodiversity loss. We need innovations to complement available tools and protect endangered species, increase genetic diversity and improve adaptability and resistance to pathogens.”