RELEASE: Breakthrough Applauds International Union for Conservation of Nature on Approval of Biotechnology for Conservation

Berkeley, CA — October 15, 2025 — The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the world's largest conservation network, voted yesterday to approve a well-considered and thoughtful approach to synthetic biology for conservation, rejecting an opposing motion for an outright ban. The vote happened at IUCN’s World Conservation Congress, which takes place every four years, and followed eight years of discussion and debate among members. Members adopted Motion 87, which describes a case-by-case approach to decisions about how and whether to use synthetic biology for a specific conservation purpose, highlighting the importance of transparency, consideration of both risks and benefits, and consultation with relevant stakeholders.

“After 8 years of discussion and a motion opposing the use of synthetic biology for conservation, IUCN members made the right choice for the environment by adopting a well-considered and thoughtful approach to the technology.” Dr. Emma Kovak, Senior Analyst at the Breakthrough Institute, explains, “the IUCN members’ vote strengthens biotechnology’s place in the conservation toolkit, giving practitioners another way to protect the world’s most threatened species and ecosystems.”

The Breakthrough Institute welcomes the IUCN’s decision. Biotechnology is a powerful tool for conservation when deployed responsibly. Approaches enabled by synthetic biology including genetic rescue, gene drives for invasive species control, and disease-resistant trees are increasingly feasible interventions in key ecosystems. Yet policy frameworks and governance are bottlenecks. IUCN’s resolution strengthens global norms, but real impact depends on how countries and organizations implement IUCN’s guidance.

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Media Contact:

Emma Kovak

Senior Analyst, Food and Agriculture, Breakthrough Institute

ekovak@thebreakthrough.org