Synthetic Biology in relation to Nature Conservation

Join us on this course which offers an introduction to synthetic biology in relation to nature conservation, examining its potential risks and potential benefits, and how it is regulated and governed.

About the course

During the course, you will explore potential applications both within the nature conservation sector, and in other sectors (such as agriculture or health) which may have impacts on nature.

The course includes regular prompts to pause and reflect, and contains four immersive exercises exploring the risks and benefits of possible synthetic biology applications in different situations—from protecting endangered species to restoring ecosystems. You can use these as an individual exercise to reflect on the perspectives of the different stakeholders involved, or review them with your peers as a role-playing exercise.

Course details

Launch date: April 2024

🕒 Start date: Anytime

🕒 Duration: 6 – 12 hours in total

📖 Course type: Self-paced

📖 Course includes: 6 modules and 4 exercises

🗨️ Languages: English

Fees: FREE

Who should attend this course?

This course was developed as input into the IUCN Citizens’ Assembly on Synthetic Biology in relation to Nature Conservation, as part of the inclusive and participatory process for delivery of IUCN World Conservation Congress Resolution 123 “Towards development of an IUCN policy on synthetic biology in relation to nature conservation”. More information about the inclusive and participatory process is available here.

In this light, IUCN is making it available to the entire IUCN constituency and the world at large as a contribution to building capacity for engagement into discussion of policy development of synthetic biology in relation to the conservation of nature.

What are the course outcomes?

Analyse and evaluate data related to nature conservation
Define and interpret key concepts in synthetic biology
Identify and evaluate applications of synthetic biology in biodiversity management
Recognise and assess synthetic biology applications
Identify existing international regulatory mechanisms governing synthetic biology
Analyse the need for new international agreements to regulate synthetic biology
Reflect on the learning experience and engagement

Who is leading the course?

This course was primarily developed by ICGEB, along with IUCN, with ICGEB contracted by IUCN to serve as trainers in convening the IUCN Citizens’ Assembly on Synthetic Biology in relation to Nature Conservation, as part of the inclusive and participatory process for delivery of IUCN resolution WCC 2020 Res 123 (see iucn.org/synbio for more information). The course content was developed in a way to be responsive to the results of a training needs assessment undertaken across the Citizens’ Assembly participants.

Financial support:

To date, generous contributions towards implementation of WCC 2020 Res 123 have been provided by the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection of the Government of Germany, and the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation. More generally, the IUCN Council has endorsed a request for financial support in implementing the Resolution, sent by the IUCN Director General to IUCN Government Members and philanthropic foundations. This solicitation remains open to ensure sufficient resource mobilisation, with the anticipation that a draft IUCN Policy on Synthetic Biology and Nature Conservation is ready for consideration by the IUCN Membership at the 2025 IUCN World Conservation Congress. Importantly, IUCN is not approaching private sector and campaigning organisations for financial support, to reduce any risk of perceived conflict of interest.