In this issue:
The Importance of Technology Assessment in Synthetic Biology Governance
Barbara Ntambirweki, ETC Group & The African Technology Assessment Platform (AfriTAP) - Synthetic biology is advancing faster than most government systems can manage. Regulatory frameworks, scientific review processes and international governance mechanisms were largely designed for slower-moving technologies and many are struggling to keep pace with a field defined by rapid iteration and cross border research networks. After two decades of research investment, synthetic biology actual contribution to biodiversity conservation remains largely unproven in practice. Promised applications restoring degraded ecosystems, engineering disease resistance, replacing biodiversity-derived products with synthesized alternatives are still mostly theoretical or in early trials. For example gene drives or engineered organisms released into open environments can have irreversible ecological effects; once released, these present biosafety, socio-economic, ethical, and cultural risks. In addition, the conclusions of the AHTEG report clearly show that current benefits of synthetic biology to biodiversity are lacking, illustrating the speculative nature of synthetic biology. This means that the thematic action plan must incorporate precautionary safeguards, including ensuring that capacity is built for independent and sovereign assessment, governance and regulation of synthetic biology.
Engineering Nature: A Paradigm Shift for Conservation?
Joann Sy, Pollinis - As Parties began discussions on synthetic biology under SBSTTA agenda item 5, the opening statements serve as a timely reminder that debates about synthetic biology reflect a deeper discussion about the future direction of biodiversity conservation, and are not limited to technical risk assessment or governance.
Synthetic Biology and Biodiversity Conservation: A Case for Precaution
Dana Perls, Friends of the Earth USA - Under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), synthetic biology is increasingly promoted as a potential tool for biodiversity conservation. Proposed applications include species restoration, genetic rescue, invasive species control, and climate adaptation. High-profile initiatives, such as efforts to engineer grey wolves with traits associated with the extinct dire wolf, have contributed to narratives that synthetic biology could help address biodiversity loss. Other examples include genetically engineered American chestnut trees designed to resist chestnut blight, climate-adapted corals intended to withstand ocean warming, and gene drives proposed to suppress invasive Province of Como, Lombardy, Italy species populations.
ECO-74-2.pdf
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