Synthetic Biology in Conservation

Syllabus: GS3/Science and Technology

Context

• With global biodiversity facing critical threats due to habitat loss, climate change, and species extinction, the 2025 IUCN Congress debate over Motion 133 has brought synthetic biology’s role in conservation science into sharp focus.

About Synthetic Biology

• Synthetic biology refers to the design and construction of new biological entities or the redesign of existing biological systems using engineering principles. 
• Genetic technologies involve the manipulation, analysis, and application of DNA, RNA, and proteins to understand and conserve biological diversity.
  • These tools are increasingly being used to monitor, protect, and even revive endangered and extinct species.

Potential Benefits of Synthetic Biology in Conservation

• Rescuing Endangered Species (De-extinction & Genetic Rescue): Synthetic biology tools like CRISPR-Cas9 can help correct deleterious genes or even bring back extinct species (e.g., woolly mammoth or northern white rhino) through genetic resurrection techniques.
  • Can aid in increasing genetic diversity in small populations, enhancing their survival and adaptability.
• Controlling Invasive Species and Disease Vectors: Gene drives (a synthetic biology tool) can be used to suppress or eradicate invasive species (e.g., mosquitoes causing malaria) that threaten native flora and fauna.
  • Synthetic modification of Aedes aegypti has already shown promise in controlling vector-borne diseases.
• Ecosystem Restoration and Stress Response: Engineered microbes or plants can be introduced to detoxify polluted environments or restore degraded land.
• Customized Biomanufacturing for Conservation: Synthetic biology allows for biosynthesis of scarce or threatened wildlife products (e.g., rhino horn substitutes or lab-grown ivory), reducing poaching pressure.
• Environmental DNA (eDNA): Detects presence of species in an ecosystem by analyzing genetic material shed into the environment (water, soil).

Challenges and Concerns

• Ethical concerns especially around cloning and genetic modification.
• Risk of Genetic Homogenization: Translocation or gene rescue efforts may lead to loss of local adaptations.
  • Introducing individuals from genetically different populations may reduce evolutionary fitness in the long term.
• Regulatory and Legal Gaps: Lack of clear guidelines on the use of advanced genetic tools (e.g., CRISPR) in wildlife.
  • International lack of consensus on legal and ethical boundaries of gene editing or synthetic biology.
• Data Ownership and Biosecurity: Sovereignty issues over genetic data of native species (concerns over biopiracy).
  • Risk of misuse of genetic data, including synthetic recreation of harmful organisms.
• Ecological Risks of Intervention: Unforeseen ecological consequences of reintroducing genetically altered or cloned species.
  • Risk of invasive traits or disrupting food webs.

Way Forward

• While genetic technologies offer promising tools for conservation, their application must be guided by scientific rigor, ethical considerations, robust regulation, and ecological sensitivity. 
• A balanced, interdisciplinary approach is key to ensuring their responsible and effective use.

Source: DTE