IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 Outcome Statement
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 recognizes 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.
