Conservation through synthetic biology
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In this publication, Dr Alexander Titus talks about how the Quad countries can play a leading role by: raising awareness of synthetic biology’s conservation potential; and demonstrating the utility of existing governance mechanisms.
Key points
- Synthetic biology is creating new options and hope for the recovery and conservation of endangered and threatened species.
- Existing mechanisms can be used to ensure the safe and equitable deployment of synthetic biology.
- Quad countries can play a leading role by: raising awareness of synthetic biology’s conservation potential; and demonstrating the utility of existing governance mechanisms.
Policy recommendations
Quad countries should:
- Publicise synthetic biology’s conservation potential through a select group of demonstration projects in agreed upon critical areas of need.
- Adopt a unified user-friendly presentation of the results of their diverse regulatory processes, ideally using the format based on the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety.
- Standardise the presentation of the results of their risk assessment of living modified organisms, produced in accordance with the Cartagena Protocol
About the series
This paper has been written for the Quad Tech Network Dialogue, as part of the Quad Tech Network (QTN) initiative. QTN is an initiative of the NSC, delivered with support from the Australian Government. It aims to establish and deepen academic and official networks linking the Quad nations – Australia, India, Japan, and the United States – in relation to the most pressing technology issues affecting the future security and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific.
