*** This consultation is now closed ***
As documented on the IUCN website, the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Marseille, France, in September 2021 adopted WCC 2020 Res 123, to develop an IUCN policy on synthetic biology in relation to nature conservation. This Resolution calls for an inclusive discussion process on the topic across the Union, and for the appointment of a Policy Development Working Group to draft the policy taking into account the inputs from this inclusive discussion.
IUCN Council decisions 108/2 and 109/8 approved both a detailed process for implementation of the Resolution, and Terms of Reference for specific bodies to be involved, including for the Policy Development Working Group and for its Chair/Co-Chairs.
Specifically, the process for implementation establishes that “A call for information will be disseminated across current IUCN Members and Commission members to facilitate identification of such other relevant sources of information.”
In this light, IUCN Member organisations and IUCN Commission members are invited to share scientific papers, reports, and other information, including relevant indigenous and local knowledge, relevant to synthetic biology in relation to nature conservation, by commenting below and attaching any documentation you might have, by 31 August 2023. This includes specific ecological aspects, and wider questions such as conceptual, socio-economic, cultural, ethical and legal impacts of the diverse existing and possible future applications of synthetic biology, including gene drives, for nature conservation purposes. This documentation will be compiled and conveyed to the Policy Development Working Group for their consideration.
For questions, please contact [email protected].
Kind regards,
IUCN Council Programme and Policy Committee Res 123 Working Group